How to Remove Salt Stains From Leather Footwear

Use vinegar to remove salt stains from leather shoes.

When salt gets on your leather shoes or boots, you end up with unsightly white stains. If you live in a climate where you get snow, salt stains may be a frequent winter pest. The best step you can take to prevent these stains is to treat shoes with leather protector when you first buy them. However, if you haven't protected your shoes and have salt stains, you can remove them in a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
• Clean cloths
• Bowl
• Towel

Instructions

1. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Wet a clean cloth with the vinegar solution.

2. Gently wipe away the salt stains on your shoes or boots until the stains are no longer visible.

3. Dampen a clean cloth and wipe down your shoes or boots to remove the cleaning mixture.

4. Dry your shoes or boots with a towel. Apply more of the vinegar solution if you see stains you missed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a leather conditioner to repair damage the salt may have caused to your leather shoes or boots.

• Use a leather protector to prevent future stains.

References

• Mrs. Clean House Cleaning Specialists: Leather Cleaning Tips
• Good Housekeeping: Winter Shoe Cleaning -- Caring for Shoes and Boots in the Winter