Cleaning suede and leather shoes from salt is not as complicated as it might seem at first. All you need to know is a few basic rules on how to clean salt shoes, and keeping them clean and in good shape for several seasons will be really easy. Footwear made of leather or suede is not fond of excessive contact with water.
However, this does not mean that this type of shoes can only be worn in nice weather. As much as we can wear them in autumn and winter during rain and snow. However, there are two conditions. Firstly, we should clean these shoes regularly and waterproof them properly. Nubuck, a material very similar to suede, should also be cared for in a similar way.
How to clean suede shoes from road salt? Practical tips
Cleaning suede shoes from a fine layer of sand or dust should not be a major problem. However, the problem may appear when suede shoes start to be worn in autumn and winter. Unfavourable weather conditions may contribute to rapid wear of shoes, so it is best to take special care of them before the season. It is primarily about their proper impregnation. Specially designed for this purpose preparations can be purchased in most shoe shops. We should necessarily equip ourselves with a spray dedicated to cleaning suede.
How do I remove salt from suede shoes?
You can first try combing out this type of contamination with a special suede brush. This is the basis of suede shoe care. It is best to choose one with fine bristles. Another very good accessory for cleaning this type of footwear is a special suede eraser. It is perfect for smaller dirt and is available in shoe shops. It is very important to remove salt from suede shoes as soon as you get home. Leaving it on the shoes can cause irreversible discolouration of the material.
Importantly, light-coloured suede shoes should be cleaned with special care, as they can very easily become even more dirty during daily care. To avoid this, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Firstly, the brush used to clean them should always be clean, and after each use we should rinse it with water and let it dry. In addition, we should carefully choose the right care products. Ideally, they should be colourless and very gentle.
To clean shoes of salt, we should categorically not wash them. Suede very badly tolerates contact with water, especially full immersion. Washing this type of footwear in a washing machine or even by hand can lead to its deformation and discoloration of the material. If we want to refresh our shoes, a definitely better solution is, for example, a steam cleaner. Thanks to hot steam we will refresh suede leather, get rid of unpleasant smells and microorganisms, and our shoes will look almost like new.
Proper salting when cooking will make the food taste better. But what’s good for your food isn’t good for your footwear. Proper salting of sidewalks and roads during winter will help keep them free from snow and ice. There’s a good chance your leather boots and shoes will come in contact with salt slush and road slop, leaving a white or grayish film once dry. Knowing how to remove salt stains from boots and shoes is a must if you live in a cold weather climate. Tub O’ Towels heavy duty wipes are designed to be tough on dirt and stains, but gentle on leather and suede.
The Harder Way to Remove Salt Stains from Boots & Shoes
If you search online for a solution, you’ll find a number of suggestions. Most of them involve vinegar or dish soap or a combination of the two. These household items might eventually work, but they require a number of time-consuming steps. Here are the basics:
- Wipe off as much salt residue as you can with a soft, lightly damp cloth.
- Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip a clean, white cloth (so dyes from the cloth don’t transfer to your shoes) into the mixture.
- Test wipe an inconspicuous spot on your footwear.
- Use the cloth to wipe the stains on your footwear.
- Repeat as needed until you’ve removed all of the salt residue.
- Remove the vinegar solution with a damp cloth and then dry with a clean towel.
- You can stuff them with newspaper to absorb excess moisture.
- Allow your boots/shoes to air dry, because heat can cause the leather to crack.
- Condition and protect your boots or shoes by applying a conditioner and then a leather protector.
Some websites advise against using vinegar to remove salt stains from Uggs and other suede footwear because it can cause discoloration. They advise to use a few drops of liquid dish soap instead of vinegar.
The Easier Way to Remove Salt Stains from Boots & Shoes
Here’s how to remove salt stains from leather boots without vinegar and without a lot of scrubbing: Tub O’ Towels. Our unique Bond Buster™ technology loosens residue and removes stains with much less effort.
- Pull out a heavy duty Tub O’ Towels wipe.
- Test wipe an unnoticeable area on the leather or suede material.
- Wipe over the salt stain, allowing the cleaning solution to penetrate into the salt residue.
- Use a second wipe as needed to ensure the salt is completely gone.
- Condition and protect your boots or shoes by applying a conditioner and then a leather protector.
About Tub O’ Towels
What sets Tub O’ Towels apart from commercial cleaners and home remedies? Here are four of the main reasons:
- Exclusive Bond Buster™ Technology: This breakthrough technology literally breaks the bond of the stain and the surface being cleaned at the molecular level, which allows for light wiping instead of heavy scrubbing.
- Gentle Cleaning Agents: Our bond buster technology means harsh chemicals and potentially discoloring home remedies can be pushed aside. A biodegradable, eco-friendly blend of detergents, emulsifiers and foaming agents gently lift and remove salt stains.
- Simple Salt Solution: Oversized, textured and quilted, Tub O’ Towels wipes are extra durable so they won’t fall apart when taking on the toughest stains and messes. Each wipe is evenly saturated with our special cleaning solution to wipe away the stains.
- VaporLock Technology: Each canister is sealed with VaporLock technology to keep in the moisture so you can rely on Tub O’ Towels from the first wipe to the last.
Time for a Better Cleaning Wipe
When you’re ready for an easier way to remove salt stains from boots, sneakers and shoes, Tub O’ Towels are available at leading retailers and through our website. Try them today to see why they’re the best cleaning wipes you can buy.
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Satisfaction Guarantee
We’re confident that you’ll love Tub O’ Towels for all of your tough cleaning needs. If you aren’t satisfied with the remarkable cleaning ability of Tub O’ Towels, we will refund your purchase price.