How to Remove Snow Salt From Ugg Boots

With a little effort, snow salt can be removed from Ugg boots.

Snow salt can be a great benefit to keep you from slipping on snowy or icy streets and sidewalks. But it is bad news for suede and leather footwear like Ugg boots. The salt can leave behind white marks after a walk outdoors in winter. The manufacturer recommends that consumers treat their boots with Ugg Australia Sheepskin Protector before wearing them for the first time to help prevent and reduce salt stains. However, if stains develop on the boots, there are a number of ways to remove them.

Things You'll Need

• Ugg Australia Cleaner
• Sponge
• Cold water
• Soft-bristled brush
• Paper
• Mild dish detergent
• Soft cloth
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Wet your suede Ugg boots slightly with cold water, using your hands. Put a few drops of Ugg Australia Cleaner on a damp sponge and rub it gently on the affected area. Rinse the shoe with cold water. Stuff crumpled paper into the boots to help them retain their shape while drying. Let the boots dry slowly and naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight. When fully dry, brush your boots with a soft-bristled brush to raise the nap.

2. Mix a few drops of dish detergent with cold water. Spot-test your suede boot in an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire boot. Dip the cloth in the soap solution, patting or blotting the salt stains. Do not rub as this may remove some of the color of the boot. Allow the boot to dry naturally, with crumpled paper stuffed inside. If the spots are still visible, repeat the process as necessary. When your boots are completely dry, gently brush the nap with a soft brush.

3. Clean smooth leather Ugg boots by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Dip a cloth into the solution. Spot-test on your boot in a inconspicuous place to see if the vinegar will remove boot color. Dab the stain on your boot. Rinse the boot with a damp cloth. Wipe it with a dry towel. Allow the boots air-dry. Buff them with a soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray your boots with a water-repellent protector several times during the winter season to prevent or decrease the risk of salt stains in the future. Applying a treatment once a week — after your boots have been cleaned and dried — is a good idea if your boots are often exposed to snow salt.

• Prevent salt lines from forming on your boots by using a wet sponge to dampen the entire leather upper evenly as soon as you come indoors. Stuff the boots with paper and allow them to air-dry.

• If water lines appear after spot-cleaning, dampen your entire boot and let it air-dry away from heat and sunlight. Wetting and drying the boot evenly will eliminate most water lines.

• -- Do not use hot water to clean suede boots, as shrinkage and fading may result.

References

• Ugg Australia Sheepskin-cleaning-and-care-instructions: Care and Cleaning
• Cleaning Guides: How to Clean White Salt Marks from Ugg Suede Boots
• Good Housekeeping: Caring for Shoes and Boots in the Winter