How to Clean Snow Salt From Leather Boots

Before dropping cash on anything fancy, you might be able to solve your salt problem with something that's already in your pantry. Try mixing a small amount of a light vinegar, like Heinz Distilled White Vinegar ($1), with a little bit of cold water. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe the salt stains away until removed. This method may not work for heavy-duty or old stains, but most minor salt spots on leather can be solved easily with this household ingredient.

A soft cloth to buff away stains is a must. Something microfiber, like the Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth ($15 for 24-pack), should do the trick. Stay away from anything abrasive or grainy as a tool, especially when working with suede or delicate leather, to avoid damaging the material.

Sometimes your shoes just need a good scrub — particularly if they're of the smooth leather variety. The Hanger Project Medium Horsehair Shoe Polishing Brush ($15) is meant for use with shoe polish but can also double as a tool for buffing away stains when used carefully. Dip the bristles in a vinegar solution for more stubborn spots.

If the vinegar trick isn't working, you may want to upgrade to something like the BootRescue All-Natural Cleaning Wipes ($8). These have the advantage of being usable on any type of leather, from suede to nubuck, as well as any fabric areas that may have gotten soiled by pesky salt. Added bonus: these also wipe away dirt stains like it's NBD.

Suede can be a little trickier to remove stains from than regular old leather, so a material-specific tool like the Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Stain Eraser ($6) might be necessary. Simply rub the bar over the stain in both directions until removed.

On the go? Grab this Clarks Triangle Shoe Care Kit ($15) for all your salt-cleaning needs. The kit comes with plenty of brush options as well as shoe polish in both black and brown, which can help restore shine and color after removing stains. It's important to note that shoe polish is best for smooth leather boots rather than suede ones. Finish it off with the microfiber towel and call it a day.

After you've removed the stains on your boots, you might want to consider taking preemptive steps to combat them in the future. If you've invested in some quality footwear, it only makes sense to keep them looking fresh. Spray your boots with Kiwi Protect-All Rain and Stain Repellent ($7), which protects from moisture as well as salt and works on all types of leather.

For a fancier all-purpose option, try Jason Markk Repel Spray ($17). This product is suited not just for leather shoes but also sneakers made of nylon, canvas, and more.