How to Clean Salty Leather Boots

Maintaining boots regularly keeps the leather supple.

Each winter, salt hastens the melting of the snow on sidewalks and roads. Unfortunately, it also reeks havoc on leather boots. Along with dehydrating the leather, salt and water form an unsightly dull gray water mark along the side of your boots. Effectively removing this road grime prevents the leather from cracking and preserves boots for future winters.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Shoe shine brush
• White vinegar
• Water
• Bowl or pot
• 2 cloths
• Towel

Instructions

1. Stuff each boot with newspaper and allow the boots to air dry. The newspaper absorbs excess moisture from the boot. To prevent drying out the leather, do not expose the boots to artificial heat or direct sunlight.

2. Brush the boots clean of as much salt and dirt as possible.

3. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water together in a bowl or pot.

4. Dip a cloth in the vinegar and water solution. Apply the mixture over the entire salt mark.

5. Dampen a second cloth with just water. Hold each leather boot up one at a time while using the cloth to rinse the vinegar solution from the boot.

6. Dry as much water as possible from the boot using a soft towel. Allow the boots to air dry completely a second time.

Tips & Warnings

• To rehydrate and protect the leather, use a damp rag to apply saddle soap over the entire leather portion of each boot. Wipe away excess lather from the boot. Finish the job by buffing the boot with a soft cloth.

References

• Good Housekeeping; Caring for Shoes and Boots in the Winter; Carolyn Forte

Resources

• Primer Magazine; How to Protect Your Leather Boots From Winter; Andrew Snavely