Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the shoes
• Part 2 of 2: Preventing further damage
• Tips
• Necessities

Sometimes (especially during wet and snowy winter months) road salt soaks into leather shoes and leaves large white spots. If these salt stains are not removed, the leather will dry out permanently and may crack. It can even develop bubble spots. That's why it's important to remove these stains from your leather shoes as soon as possible to prevent further damage. See step 1 below to get started.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Cleaning the shoes

1. Use vinegar and water. A great DIY product for removing salt stains from leather shoes is a solution of water and vinegar.
   • Mix two parts water with one part vinegar in a small pot. Dip a clean, soft cloth in the vinegar solution and use it to gently wipe the salt from the surface of the shoes.
   • Remove the vinegar solution with a water-soaked cloth and then dry the shoes with a clean towel.
2. Use saddle soap. Saddle soap is a great product for cleaning leather shoes and is often made from natural ingredients.
   • Apply a small amount of saddle soap to a damp sponge and rub it into the leather in small circular movements.
   • Use a clean, dry cloth to polish the shoes and remove any excess saddle soap.
3. Use a salt stain remover. Many shoe stores and shoemakers sell small bottles of salt stain remover, which contain a mix of natural and artificial ingredients. These are very effective and can be used for multiple applications. Follow the instructions on the label to use this product.

Part 2 of 2: Preventing further damage

1. Let the shoes dry. If your shoes are both wet and have salt stains, it is important to let them dry completely to avoid permanent damage.
   • Place the boots in a warm, dry area, away from direct heat sources, such as a radiator or a fireplace. Letting the shoes dry quickly can cause more damage than the water itself.
   • Remove any loose soles and fill the shoes with newspaper - this speeds up the drying process and helps the shoes keep their shape.
   • Replace the damp newspaper every few hours by tucking in a dry newspaper to speed up the drying process.
2. Hydrate the leather. Salt can really dry out leather, so it is important to take good care of your shoes after exposure to salt to restore any lost moisture.
   • Polish the shoes with a little store-bought conditioner or lotion. This softens the leather and helps reverse the effects of the salt.
   • If you don't have a leather conditioner handy, a few drops of olive oil will do the trick too. Rub a light layer of olive oil on the surface of the shoes with a soft cloth.
   • Repeat the process every few hours until the leather no longer appears to be absorbing oil. Wipe off excess water with a dry cloth.
3. Use a waterproof product. Buy a special waterproof product specifically designed for leather.
   • This will help protect your shoes against both road salt and water damage. Water draws salt from the leather itself, so this can be just as harmful.
   • You should also apply this product to any new leather shoes you buy to avoid damage in the first place.

Tips

• This solution also works on leather jackets worn by motorcyclists.

Necessities

• 1 part white vinegar
• 1 part water
• Bowl or jar to mix in the liquids
• Leather care (leather oil, cream or fat)