Removing Winter Salt Stains from Leather

Act quickly

Salt draws moisture and oil out of leather while it sits. The white tidemark you see is crystallized salt that has already migrated into the fibers.

The vinegar method

Mix one part white vinegar to two parts cool water. Dampen a soft cloth — do not soak the shoe — and wipe along the stain from the outside inward. Repeat with a clean damp cloth to lift residue.

Dry properly

Stuff with newspaper or cedar trees and dry at room temperature, away from any heater. Forced heat is what actually cracks salt-damaged leather.

Then condition

Once fully dry, apply conditioner. The salt removal process strips oils, and skipping this step leaves the leather brittle.

Suede

Use a suede eraser and brush instead of liquid, then a suede protector spray. If the tidemark persists, bring it in — we can steam and reset the nap.

Need a professional to handle it?

If a repair is beyond home care, bring the pair to our Westminster shop. See our services or call (303) 427-8524 for a free estimate.