As January's relentless rain and gritting lorries take their toll, households across the UK are being urged to rethink how they care for their battered winter footwear. One common mistake could be causing irreversible damage.
The Hidden Dangers of Salt and Radiators
Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, has stepped in to debunk winter shoe-care myths. She explains that road salt acts as a powerful drying agent. "Salt pulls moisture out of leather and suede, leaving them brittle, faded and prone to cracking," she warns. Combined with grit, which embeds itself into materials, and moisture from rain and snow, winter presents a perfect storm for ruining shoes.
Perhaps the most instinctive yet damaging habit is placing soaked shoes or boots on a radiator to dry. "Radiators warp soles, shrink leather, crack finishes and weaken glues," Nicola states. "Heat doesn't just dry shoes, it bakes them." This rapid drying process destroys the shoe's structure from the inside out.
The Correct Way to Dry and Clean Winter Shoes
For safe drying, Nicola recommends a gradual approach. Remove laces and insoles first, then loosely stuff the shoes with newspaper, changing it every few hours. Allow them to dry completely at room temperature, away from direct heat. For leather shoes, using cedar shoe trees afterwards helps restore shape.
To tackle those stubborn white salt stains, her recommended solution is simple and cheap. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, gently wipe the affected areas with a soft cloth, then wipe again with clean water. Always let shoes dry naturally afterwards.
The Surprising 2p Tea Bag Hack for Smelly Shoes
For a budget-friendly solution to dampness and odour, Nicola unveils a remarkably simple trick. "Place a couple of tea bags inside damp or whiffy shoes overnight," she advises. "They absorb moisture and neutralise odours far better than many specialist products."
Black tea is most effective, but any non-flavoured tea bag will work to revive shoes after a rainy commute or a gym session. Based on a pack of 210 Asda tea bags costing £4.70, this hack comes in at just over 2p per use.
For other common winter issues, Nicola suggests dabbing suede with a mix of one part vinegar to two parts water for stains. For oil marks, sprinkle cornflour or baking soda, leave overnight, then brush off. But for persistent smells, her conclusion is clear: "The tea bag trick works wonders."
