Quick Trick: Remove Salt Stains From Leather Boots

The triumph of a snowy day brings with it the agony of the feet – salt-stained shoes. Here’s an easy guide to making your footwear good as new.

While we can all extol the virtues of salt and its ability to save us from taking a dangerous spill on a snowy/icy walk, our poor shoes can sometimes suffer the consequences. Salt can actually cause leather to dry out and crack, making it easily susceptible to elements that may actually aid in deteriorating them.

It’s unfortunately easy to resign to the fact that this is just a part of winter, but…who says you have to settle for white-tipped boots? There is actually a super quick fix for removing salt stains from leather shoes, and it’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.

Materials:

1 cup cold water
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Small glass and spoon for mixing
Small cotton towel

Instructions:

You’ve probably already figured this out for yourself, but…

1. Combine water and vinegar, and mix well.

2. Dip your towel into the mixture, and wipe gently over the surface of your shoe. Continue this until the stains have fully disappeared.

3. Let the shoes dry naturally. Using artificial heat could cause the leather to fade.

 

+ And lo and behold, your shoes are as good as new!  If you have any additional tips, please share below. And check out our boot assortment here.

 

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10 years ago

Brilliant!

10 years ago

You have saved my favorite boots. Doing this asap – meaning once they stop salting. Or maybe I will clean them and wear crummy sneakers until the salt is gone. I am VERY particular about boots, so I can’t afford to let the salt destroy them. :) Anyway, thank you!

Emily
10 years ago

Awesome. Thanks!

France
10 years ago

Are there any tips on how to remove salt stains from suede boots?

Anonymous
10 years ago

Can this be used on suede as well?

K Grace
10 years ago

I’d like to know if it works on suede as well.

10 years ago

Ahhh yes! Perfect! Can’t wait to try this.

xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

meg
10 years ago

This could not have come at a more perfect time!
Thank You!!!

http://happinessiscreating.com/

Amy
10 years ago

I hope you are following up with some sort of leather conditioner! Vinegar can sap moisture out of leather and a conditioner can help combat the salt from soaking into your boots in the first place!

Elia
10 years ago

This is awesome! Great for when I go up to Idaho!

10 years ago

Great tip! I wish I knew this about a year ago! I used to wear my leather riding boots everywhere I went at university and I ended up just ruining them and throwing them out! This year I decided to invest in actual snow boots. But they put such a damper on my daily outfits!!

xo Christine

http://bossdaily.blogspot.com/

10 years ago

Wow, this is so easy! Thank you! This will save my boots this winter.

Rachel
10 years ago

Wonderful tips!! I have these similar Awesome Boots and they look exceptional with my hareandhart convertible shoulder its an multitasking bag… I used it formally and with a casual look as well you guys must visit this website
http://hareandhart.com/shop/handbags/convertible-shoulder-bag-2/

10 years ago

Awesome! and so many thanks, my boots and I love you!!!!

Kim
10 years ago

I lent out my favoutite dress leather boots and she wore tgem in the snow and now they are full of salt stains any suggestions how to remove it and will this workmon suade aswell thx for your input in advance
Kim

Rachel
10 years ago

Make sure fill the boots with the news paper (to not lose shape), then apply with the vinegar wipe. Once you are done with that vinegar wipe, follow up with the banana peel. Rub banana peel over the leather boots then wipe it with the clean towel. It will remove other dirts, add shine and prevents the leather boots from future water damages. I have boots that survived 8 yrs of brutal winter storm and still looks great.

Priscilla
10 years ago

Cleaning salt off suede shoes from the Florsheim.com website: Too much moisture will stain suede, so it’s best to avoid using a lot of water to clean them. Instead, try mixing a teaspoon of fabric softener with a teaspoon of dish detergent or mild laundry detergent. Mix both into two cups of lukewarm water. Then, grab a stiff-bristled brush and try getting as much of the salt off dry as you can — a toothbrush works well. Once you’re sure you can’t get any more salt off, dip the brush into your fabric-softener solution and shake off the excess. Slowly begin rubbing the bristles over the salt stain in a circular motion until the shoes are clean. Use a dry cloth to soak up any excess moisture on the shoe before allowing them to air dry.

9 years ago

Very useful & easy tips to get clean leather boots and shoes. Workers wear safety shoes at very tough work places so it becomes very difficult to keep it clean from dirt. You told here a very easy way to clean it.

Flo
9 years ago

Thanks for the great tips.To keep my boots from getting more salt stains I waterproof my boots after cleaning and conditioning them. I use Camp Dry spray, 4 light coats. I treat them periodically to maintain protection. If the boots are expensive, I try to use mink oil. I just threw out my favorite boots after 10 years. One big advantage is that it keeps your feet warmer, too.

Mike
9 years ago

Don’t forget the leather conditioner

nae
9 years ago

Has anyone tried this on leather ugg boots yet?

9 years ago

I hate salt stains on my leather shoes so much! I can get rid of them at all. Thank you a lot for sharing so easy and cheap way which will help me to take care of this problem!Emerson Park Carpet Cleaners Ltd.

Sandy
8 years ago

Can you use any type of vinegar?

8 years ago

great post

7 years ago

In the event that you need to enhance the quality and life span of your assets, it is a smart thought to waterproof them. Need to figure out how to make visit here: http://www.nasiol.com/