How to remove salt from suede shoes?

Suede shoes are particularly sensitive to the effects of salt, which easily penetrates between the fibers of the material, causing its discoloration and gradual deterioration. We are almost sure that the destructive effect of salt has often affected the appearance of your shoes. What's more, it certainly also had an impact on your wallet, because unsightly white stains caused irreparable damage. So what should be done to keep suede shoes looking like new during and after the winter season? Learn effective methods for removing salt from suede shoes.

How to remove salt from suede shoes

1. Prevention is the most important thing

Shoes made of suede should be properly impregnated immediately after their purchase. Repeat this procedure regularly, especially in the winter season, when shoes are particularly exposed to salt and moisture.

It is also important to choose the right impregnation agent. Not only should it be properly matched to the type of material, but also to its color. If you want to be sure that the impregnation will not discolor or change the color of the suede, test it on the hardly visible surface of the shoe before use, or choose a colorless preparation.

Another important element is quick response to any pollution. Try to clean your shoes as soon as possible, as any left over dirt can penetrate the fabric structure, leaving discoloration or stains that will become harder and harder to get rid of over time.

2. Proper care

If, despite all efforts, salt stains appear on the shoes, clean them properly.

• To begin with, gently wipe your shoes with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of excess mud and sand.

• Allow the shoes to dry completely. Remember that during drying, the shoes should not be exposed to direct sunlight and not placed near an intense heat source, which could result in deformation and unsightly change of form. It is best to dry clean suede so as not to damage the bristle structure.

• When the shoes are dry, use a special rubber brush designed to remove the clumped and sticky spots that appear on the suede. Gently rub the bristles until the salt flakes disappear from the surface of the shoe.

• Finally, use a suede cleaning rubber, which will not only remove any dirt residue left on the surface, but also restore your natural look to your shoes.

3. Homemade ways to remove salt from suede shoes

If you do not want to spend money on preparations and products available in stores, you can use substitutes that can be found at home for small, salt stains.

• The crust of the bread - dry shoes gently rub the inside of the skin. Thanks to its absorbing properties, it will absorb salt deposits, leaving the shoes ready for next use.

• Eraser - it can be a much cheaper replacement for professional suede rubber bands available in shoe stores.

Washing shoes in the washing machine - is it a good idea?

Often, the first idea to quickly get rid of dirt from shoes is to wash them in the washing machine. However, this is definitely a bad idea, especially with suede. This material does not tolerate abundant contact with water, especially when fully submerged. Washing suede shoes in a washing machine will certainly result in their irreversible deformation or damage to the material, which will not only get rid of the salt, but also one of the pairs from your collection.