Feb 20, 2008 4:00 pm US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Cleaning Winter Boots and Shoes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Do your shoes and boots need a good cleaning because of the winter weather? If so, 3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan has advice for making them look as fresh as Spring.
Are your shoes and boots covered in winter grime?
Trudging through the snow and sleet takes a huge toll on your shoes and boots. You can use a commercial product, but there is a simpler and easier way with just white vinegar and water.
Another problem in the winter is black scuffmarks on rubber shoes.
"Vinegar is a natural solvent, so it will get rid of the salt very quickly," said Kathleen Huddy with the Good Housekeeping Research Institute. "For rubber boots, make a pile of scouring powder, dip your cloth in water, make a paste and then scrub away."
If your suede shoes get dirty, remember to keep them dry.
"You should not use wet cleaning products on suede as it will damage the suede. Use something like a kneadable eraser, which you can buy at an art store, and gently work on the product to remove the scuff marks and the salt," Huddy suggested.
And Good Housekeeping recommends Kiwi Protect-All to use before you wear new shoes or boots for the first time in messy weather. It retails for $5.50.
Good Housekeeping says when you let your winter leather shoes or boots dry after cleaning, be sure you do it away from radiators or other heat sources. The heat can make leather brittle.
And to help prevent salt stains on shoes and boots, take action as soon as possible. Before the shoes dry off, dampen the entire leather upper with a wet sponge and then stuff the shoe with newspaper to help it hold its shape.
Related Links: Kiwi Protect-All
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