Leather shoes become stained from outside elements such as salt from sidewalks in the winter and dirty puddles in the springtime. Leather is a porous material that absorbs outside elements that create stains on the exterior of shoes. Simply wiping leather shoes with a cloth may not remove stains that have been embedded into the surface of the leather. Removing stains from leather shoes is simple once you understand how to do so properly.

Mix one part water and one part white vinegar into a bowl. Dip one corner of a lint-free cloth into the vinegar solution, then rub onto the stain on the leather shoe. Wipe the stain away with the vinegar wash. Clean the vinegar solution away with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.

  • Leather shoes become stained from outside elements such as salt from sidewalks in the winter and dirty puddles in the springtime.
  • Dip one corner of a lint-free cloth into the vinegar solution, then rub onto the stain on the leather shoe.

Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of cream of tartar to form a paste. Apply to any stains on the leather shoes not removed with the vinegar wash. Apply the paste with a lint-free cloth and rub into the stain. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for one hour. Remove the paste from the leather shoes with a damp lint-free cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.

  • Mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of cream of tartar to form a paste.
  • Remove the paste from the leather shoes with a damp lint-free cloth, then dry with a clean cloth.

Spray a leather conditioner on a lint-free cloth and wipe onto the leather shoes. Leather shoes need regular conditioning, especially after cleaning, to keep the leather from drying out and cracking. Buff the shoes to a high sheen with the leather conditioner.

TIP

You may use fresh lemons or lemon juice for the cleaning paste.