How to Remove Salt Stains from Your Fav Boots

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While the wintertime can be absolutely picturesque, the ice, snow, and salt that comes with it is definitely not. Braving the elements during the colder months can wreak havoc on your shoes almost instantly, especially if they aren’t made for inclement weather. And if you’re anything like me, I refuse to let practicality get in the way of a fashion statement. So yes, I am in fact that person who is wearing suede chunky heels mid-January, post-snowstorm, trudging through slush and salt. Needless to say, I’ve had to toss many shoes because they’ve been ruined by the elements, especially the dreaded salt stains. However, I’ve hunted down the best DIY hacks and cleaning tools to help make sure your fav boots survive this winter unscathed. Try them out and see how it works for you!

1. Vinegar & Water

Before starting, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or suede brush to gently get rid of any dirt. Then, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water. Damper a clean microfiber cloth of new sponge with the mixture and carefully blot the area. Once done, use the suede brush to wipe the surface in a uniform direction. Then, let your boots air dry!

2. Dish Soap & Water

Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent (like Dawn) into 2 cups of warm water and stir. Dip a corner of a soft, clean rag into the mixture and dab gently on the shoe. Leave the boot to air dry, then brush the area with a soft toothbrush or shoe brush for the final look.

3. Micellar Water

This sounds weird but bear with me. Take the micellar water you use to remove your makeup and put some on a cotton pad. Gently pat the area and watch the stains vanish! Trust me, I was skeptical at first too, but it removed 3-year-old salt stains on a fav pair of booties – 10/10 if you ask me.

4. Aldo, Rescue Wipes, $8.99

Not so much into the DIY? Well, no worries. These Rescue Wipes from Aldo are the perfect solution. With their small and convenient packaging to carry around for quick removal of dirt and stains, these eco-friendly, water-based wipes work on all shoe material types.