Tips for Winter Shoe Care from DSW

Winter is a rough season – especially on a brand new pair of shoes! Salty sidewalks can cause stubborn, unwanted white stains, and the snow water can leave shoes oddly shaped if not dried properly. Donna Williams, Buyer for Women’s Seasonal Boots at DSW, offers the below tips for winter shoe care that are sure to come in handy this season.



How to Remove Salt Stains

- Mix two parts water and one part white vinegar and use a paper towel to rub the solution on to a small section of the affected area. Diluted vinegar is gentle enough to be used on leather but tough enough to remove stains.

- Once the area appears clean, immediately use a soft, dry cloth to buff the area.

- This process should be repeated until the entire boot is clean, focusing on small sections of the stained area at a time.

- Allow the boot to air dry for about thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, any missed salt stains should become visible.

How to Prevent Salt Stains

- Polishing your boots with a soft cloth frequently throughout the winter will help protect your boots from everyday salt damage.

How to Properly Dry Wet Shoes

- If your shoes get waterlogged, stuff them with paper towels or an absorbent cloth to maintain shape.

- Let shoes air dry, do not put near heat source

- Do not polish wet shoes