How to Remove Salt Stains from Winter Shoes

Rock salt and ice melt, typically a blend of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride, are used to melt ice on streets and sidewalks. Unfortunately, road salt causes ugly white-ringed stains on shoes that not only look unsightly, but dry out and damage the material. This salt is especially damaging to leather, which will crack when it's sapped of moisture.

Fortunately, removing salt stains from shoes is an easy task that doesn't require specialty cleaning products. Long-term exposure can lead to permanent damage to the shoes, so try to tackle this task as soon as you see the salt marks form. Read on for instructions on how to remove salt stains from leather, suede, and rubber shoes.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Leather Shoes

Removing salt stains from leather shoes is a simple task, and one that shouldn't be put off. Salt is highly drying, so allowing salt stains to linger can cause permanent damage, leaving leather shoes dull, dry, and cracked.

What You Need

• White vinegar
• Soft cloth
• Small bowl

Step 1: Prepare Vinegar Solution

In a small bowl, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, leaving enough space to dip a rag or cloth. A quarter cup of each is more than enough to clean one to three pairs of salt-stained shoes; double the amount if cleaning more than three pairs of shoes.

Step 2: Dampen Cloth

Dip the cloth in the vinegar solution and wring it out so that it's damp but not dripping wet.

Step 3: Buff Out Stains

Working vigorously, buff the salt stains out of the leather, working the cloth in a circular motion. Continue to re-dip the cloth in the vinegar solution as needed, keeping it damp (but not wet) with the vinegar solution.

Step 4: Remove Vinegar

After buffing out the salt stains, rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe over the shoe several times to remove residue from the vinegar. As with the vinegar solution, the cloth should be damp but not dripping wet.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Suede Boots

Suede is a temperamental material, but cleaning suede shoes is surprisingly easy. These instructions apply to all types of suede shoes, including sneakers, dress shoes, flats, and even accessories.

What You Need

• Suede brush or old toothbrush
• White vinegar
• Soft cloth
• Small bowl

Step 1: Brush the Suede

Using an old toothbrush or a suede brush, use a dry brush to gently wipe away loose salt and dirt.

Step 2: Prepare Vinegar Solution

In a small bowl, dilute equal parts white vinegar and water. There should be enough room to dip a cloth or rag; a quarter cup of each is more than enough to clean one to three pairs of salt-stained shoes; double the amount if cleaning more than three pairs of suede shoes. 

Step 3: Dampen Cloth

Dip the cloth in the vinegar solution and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping wet.

Step 4: Buff Out Stains

Working vigorously, buff the salt stains out of the suede shoes working the cloth in circular motions. Continue to re-dip the cloth in the vinegar solution as needed, keeping it damp (but not wet) with the vinegar solution.

Step 5: Let Dry and Brush Suede Again

Allow the shoes to dry completely. Once they are dry, use the suede brush or old toothbrush to restore the nap.

How to Remove Salt Stains from Rubber Boots

When caring for rubber boots, it's helpful to know that some can develop what's known as "bloom", which are the powdery white patches that occur naturally on rubber. Some people like the look and choose not to remove it. If you'd like to clean it off, use these instructions for how to remove it. 

What You Need

• White vinegar
• Soft cloth
• Small bowl
• Cooking oil, such as olive oil (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Vinegar Solution

In a small bowl, dilute equal parts white vinegar and water, leaving enough room for a cloth or rag. A quarter cup of each is enough to clean one to three pairs of salt-stained boots; double the amount if cleaning more than three pairs of rubber boots.

Step 2: Dampen Cloth

Dip the cloth in the vinegar solution and wring it out so that it's damp but not dripping wet.

Step 3: Buff Out Stains

Working vigorously, buff the salt stains out of the rubber boots, working the cloth in circular motions. Continue to re-dip the cloth in the vinegar solution as needed, keeping it damp (but not wet) with the vinegar solution.