Whether your shoes have been stained by the salt spray of a sunny beach or the ubiquitous sidewalk salt used during the winter months, you will need to remove the salt stains that have built up on your shoes. Salt stains can be stubborn, but they can be removed and prevented quite easily.
Prevention
The easiest way to prevent your shoes from getting salt stained is to not wear them in salty conditions. Sea spray and ice-melting salts are two of the most common salt stain culprits. Whenever possible, wear alternate shoes while en route to your destination, then put on your nice shoes when you arrive.
Coating your shoes with a silicone-based water protectant may also help to keep salt from penetrating into the upper area of your footwear.
Cleaning
Techniques used to remove salt stains from shoes will vary depending on the material that the shoe is made from. No mater what kind of shoes you need to clean, you should start by using a bristle brush to sweep any stuck-on grains of salt from the shoes.
For sneakers and cloth-covered shoes, you can simply toss them in the washing machine. Leather shoes can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and then spiffed up with some shoe polish and water-sealant. Another simple method is add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of warm water and apply with a washcloth or soft sponge. Follow this with silicone-based sealer, petroleum jelly or a dab of mineral oil.
Suede shoes can be hard to care for, using water alone to remove the salt stains can actually make the stain larger. A mixture of a few drops of detergent in warm water applied with a soft cloth should loosen the salt stain. Commercial suede cleaners are also available. After cleaning suede, treat the surface with a silicone-based waterproofer and allow to dry. To reinvigorate the nap of the suede, massage lightly with an emery board or textured sponge.
Maintenance
After cleaning your footwear, you will want to take a few simple measures to ensure that your shoes stay salt stain free. Always coat shoes that may come into contact with salt residue. This will help prolong the life of your shoes. Use silicone based waterproofer or mineral oil. Oil can stain suede and take special care with leather shoes, as salt can crack the leather, which can totally ruin the shoe.
When you return home, brush your shoes with a shoe brush to remove salt on the surface and wipe away any excess moisture. Whether they need it or not, polish and/or waterproof your shoes each week during the winter months to build up a thick layer of protection from the elements.
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