How To Clean Road Salt Off Suede Boots

Barbie asked: "How do I remove salt/white markings from UGG suede boots? My sister forgot to treat her boots before wearing them. Alas, she acquired dried salt marks on her new boots. We tried damp wetting and blotting, then a suede brush. Neither worked. Any hints? They are chocolate brown. We were unable to find the true material type, but do know they were a high end purchase from her son for Christmas."

You have to be careful while cleaning dyed suede. Many methods will remove a salt stain, but they will also take the color right along with it. To get rid of white salt marks without washing out the color of your UGGs, try these steps.

You Will Need:

Mild dish detergent, such as Dawn
Cold water
Soft cloth
Clean soft toothbrush or Nubuck brush (designed for suede)

Steps to Remove the Stain:

Mix a small amount of dish detergent in cold water. You don't want too much soap or it, too, will leave a residue on your suede.
Before you begin, test the soapy water on a small hidden area of your boots to look for any adverse reaction. Let the test area fully dry before assessing the results.
Dip the soft cloth in the soap and water solution and pat or blot the stains on the boots. Scrubbing may remove color, so do so at your own risk.
Allow to dry naturally. If spots remain, repeat as needed.
Once the stain is gone and the boot is dry, use the brush to gently lift the nap of the suede to restore the original appearance.

Additional Tips and Advice

As soon as you get your boots clean, be sure to apply a protective product to prevent or lessen the risk of stains or damage in the future. If you live in a climate that is perpetually covered in snow, mud, or rain, using a protective spray once a week is a smart move.
White vinegar is commonly recommended to clean salt stains from suede. Proceed with caution! Even a diluted 50/50 solution of vinegar and water can cause fading and dye loss in colored suede.
Do not use hot water. It's more likely to cause shrinkage, fading, and may ruin the shape of your boots if you apply it over a large surface area.
Dry cleaning has been said to ruin UGG boots, whereas many users have reported success with a run through the gentle cycle of side-loading washing machines. Use cold water and NEVER dry in a dryer or near a heat source. This will shrink and/or misshape your suede.
If spot cleaning results in water lines, evenly dampen the whole boot and allow it to dry away from a heat source and out of direct sunlight. Even coverage and drying should get rid of the water lines.
A suede block or suede eraser may help lift heavy stains. They clean by crumbling and lifting deep down dirt. Another option is a product designed for UGG boots available from the manufacturer.