Have you ever noticed that your beautiful suede boots have become stained and discolored after a few days of wearing them? It could be because they are covered in salt! Salt, which is often put on pavements during winter months to melt snow and ice, can easily get permanently embedded into the fibers of suede material.
Why Salt Can Harm Leather Shoes & Boots?
Salt is highly corrosive and can dry out the leather, making it brittle and prone to cracking over time. It also encourages fungal growth on the material which can cause discoloration and further damage. To prevent any long-term damage to your suede boots, you need to act quickly when you notice salt stains.[5]
What To Consider?
Before cleaning suede boots, there are a few things to consider. First, determine the type of salt that is on the footwear. Is it regular table salt or rock salt? Rock salt will be more difficult to clean off since its granular crystals can potentially cut and scratch the surface of the boot’s leather fibers. The second consideration is to make sure the boots are waterproofed. Suede is not naturally water-resistant, so it’s important to apply a protective layer of waterproofing spray before attempting to remove any salt stains.
One more factor to take into account is the color of the suede. Darker colors may show signs of discoloration due to the salt, so it’s best to test any cleaning solution on a small area of the boots first, before applying it to the entire surface.[4]
What You’ll Need
The following items will be necessary to clean the salt off your suede boots:
- A soft brush or lint-free cloth
- Mild soap (no detergents)
- Clean, warm water
- White vinegar (optional)[2]
How To Get Salt Stains Out Of Suede Boots Quickly
Step 1: Mix
Salt stains can be tricky to remove from suede boots, but it is possible with the right method. The first step to cleaning salt off your boots is to mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl. Make sure you only use white vinegar, as using any other type of vinegar can cause discoloration.[2]
Step 2: Wipe
Once you’ve made your mixture, take a soft cloth and dip it into the bowl. Gently wipe down each salt-stained area until all of the salt is removed. Make sure not to rub too hard as this can cause damage to the suede material.[2]
Step 3: Dry
Once all the salt has been removed, dry the boots thoroughly with a clean cloth. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If possible, put your boots outside in warm sunshine or use a hairdryer gently on a low heat setting. This will help to make sure that no moisture is left behind, which could cause further staining.[2]
Step 4: Repeat
If the stain is still visible, repeat steps 2 and 3 until it has been removed. If you find that the salt is being stubborn, you can also use a suede cleaning brush to help get rid of any remaining residue.[2]
Step 5: Brush
Finally, use a soft suede brush to restore the nap of your boots. This will help them look their best and be water-resistant again.[2]
Step 6: Spray
To help protect your boots from future salt stains, you can use a waterproofing spray. This will help to keep them looking great for longer and also prevent further damage.[2]
The Harder Way To Remove Salt Stains From Boots & Shoes
If you’re looking for a more permanent method to remove salt stains from your boots and shoes then you may need to take a slightly harder approach.
You can use a suede stone or cleaning eraser to clean the dirt off the leather. This method does require some effort, as it involves buffing out the stain and rubbing the leather gently. Make sure you use short strokes in a single direction to avoid damaging the leather.
Once you’ve used the suede stone or cleaner, it’s best to then apply a protective spray over the boots or shoes. This will help protect them from future stains and damage, as well as helping to keep them clean and looking like new for longer.
Alternatively, you can also use white vinegar to remove salt stains from boots and shoes. Simply mix together equal parts of white vinegar and warm water before dabbing the mixture over the stained area. Leave it for around 10 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth.[3]
About Tub O’ Towels
Tub O’ Towels Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes are a great option if you need a quick, easy way to clean salt off of your suede boots. These wipes have been specifically formulated to remove wet and dry debris from any surface, leaving it looking like new. The non-abrasive formula is gentle on your boots, while still getting the job done without leaving behind any residue or damage. Plus, they are non-toxic and biodegradable, so you can feel good about using them on your suede footwear.[3]
Best Practices To Treat Salt Stains
Act Fast
Salt stains can cause discoloration and damage if not treated quickly. As soon as you notice salt on the surface of your suede boots, it’s important to act fast in order to prevent any permanent damage. This means that you should brush off the salt with a soft-bristled brush or cloth immediately, and then proceed with the cleaning process.[5]
Condition After
After you’ve removed the stain, make sure to condition the shoes with a leather conditioner or suede protector. This will help prevent any further damage and keep your boots looking like new. If you don’t have a leather conditioner or protector, you can use a soft cloth with olive oil to lightly treat the surface of your shoes.[5]
Avoid Contact With Salt
Once you’ve removed the salt stains and conditioned your shoes, it’s important to avoid contact with any future salt buildup. This means keeping them away from areas where there may be large amounts of salt or snow. If you plan on wearing your suede boots in wet conditions, make sure to spray them with a waterproof protector. This will help repel any moisture, salt or dirt that may build up on the surface of your shoes.[5]
Further Tips For Caring For Suede Boots
If you want to keep your suede boots looking their best and extend their lifespan, there are some extra steps you can take to provide additional care:
- Store them in a cool, dry place. This will help protect them from moisture and prevent mildew growth.
- Invest in waterproofing spray or a protective leather sealant to protect the upper suede and nubuck materials from water damage.
- If a spill occurs, act right away. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove any debris before it sets in.
- Stuff your boots with newspaper when not in use to help them keep their shape.
- If your boots are wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry at room temperature. Never place suede boots near a heat source to speed up the drying process as this can cause the material to shrink or crack.
- Be sure to check on your boots periodically for any developing signs of wear or damage, such as tears, scuffs, or discoloration.[1]
FAQ
Does Salt Ruin Suede Shoes?
Yes, salt can damage suede shoes. The salt reacts with the leather and causes permanent discoloration or markings on the surface of your boots. Additionally, the salt may cause deterioration of the stitches and seams over time, which will result in cracked leather and weak spots. To prevent these issues from occurring, it’s important to clean salt off suede boots as soon as possible.
Does Vinegar Ruin Suede?
No, vinegar does not ruin suede when used correctly. In fact, vinegar can help to break down the salt particles and remove them without damaging the material of your boots. As a result, it’s one of the best cleaning solutions for removing salt from suede shoes.
How Do You Remove Salt From Leather Boots?
The best way to remove salt from leather boots is to use a mixture of white vinegar and warm water. First, mix the two ingredients together in a bowl until they form a solution. Then, take a soft cloth and dip it into the vinegar solution before dabbing the cloth onto the affected areas of your boots. After doing this for several minutes, brush away the remaining salt with a soft-bristled brush.
Finally, wipe down your boots with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. With these steps, you should be able to clean off the salt from your leather boots without damaging them.
Does Vinegar Remove Salt?
Yes, vinegar is an effective cleaning solution for removing salt from suede shoes. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help to break down the salt particles and lift them off without damaging the material of your boots. As a result, it’s one of the best options for cleaning salt off of suede shoes.
What Cleaner Removes Salt?
White vinegar is one of the best options for removing salt from suede boots. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help to break down the salt particles and lift them off without damaging the material. Additionally, you can also use a special leather cleaner or an oil-based cleaner if you prefer. However, it’s important to test any cleaning solution on a small hidden area of your boots before applying it to the entire surface.
Does Baking Soda Remove Salt?
Yes, baking soda is another effective cleaning solution for removing salt from suede shoes. The alkaline properties of the baking soda will help to break down the salt particles and lift them off without damaging the material of your boots. However, it’s important to test any cleaning solution on a small hidden area of your boots before applying it to the entire surface.
Does Baking Soda Remove Salt Stains?
Yes, baking soda is a great way to remove salt stains from suede boots. Start by mixing equal parts of baking soda and warm water in a bowl until they form a paste. Then, take a soft cloth and dip it into the mixture before dabbing the cloth onto the affected areas of your boots. After doing this for several minutes, brush away the remaining salt with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, wipe down your boots with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. With these steps, you should be able to clean off the salt stains from your suede boots without damaging them.
What Causes Salt Stains On Shoes?
Salt stains on suede shoes are caused by salt reacting with the leather. The salt will cause discoloration and markings on the surface of your boots, as well as deterioration of the stitches and seams over time. To prevent these issues from occurring, it’s important to clean off any salt as soon as possible.
Useful Video: How to clean the salt off Suede Boots
Conclusion
Cleaning salt off your suede boots is a necessary step if you live in an area with cold weather and frequent snowfall. It’s also important to prevent further damage. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to do with the right supplies and techniques.
For best results, start by brushing away any loose dirt and debris. Then, use a suede brush to remove any salt deposits or stains. You can also use a damp cloth to clean the leather parts of your boots. If you have stubborn stains, try using white vinegar diluted with water or a special cleaning solution designed for suede shoes.
Finally, be sure to waterproof and condition your boots regularly to protect them from salt and other elements. With proper maintenance, your suede boots can last for years.
We hope that this article has been useful in helping you learn how to clean salt off your suede boots! Good luck!
References
- https://www.neverwet.com/news/2021/11/how-to-get-salt-stains-out-of-suede-boots/#
- https://bootspy.com/how-to-clean-salt-off-suede-boots/
- https://www.tubotowels.com/blogs/cleaning-tips/how-to-remove-salt-stains-from-boots-shoes
- https://www.thespruce.com/remove-salt-stains-from-shoes-2147178
- https://www.leatherskill.com/removing-salt-stains-from-leather-boots-and-shoes/