Caring for Seasonal Clothes: Tackling Salt Stains and Sweater Fuzz
In the chill of winter, our winter shoes and clothes face the brunt of harsh weather conditions, often leading to salt stains and musty odours. Here are some practical tips to keep your winter wardrobe looking and smelling fresh, gathered from popular TikTok accounts.
Firstly, dealing with salt stains. The TikTok account @cleanthatup shared a helpful video demonstrating a method to remove salt stains from shoes using an eraser. However, for a more effective and accessible solution, we recommend using a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts lukewarm water. Dab a cloth or sponge in this solution and gently rub the salt stains to neutralize and lift them away.
For suede shoes, ensure they are completely dry before treating. Use a suede brush to remove any loose salt deposits, and then gently dab with the vinegar-water solution or a suede cleaner. This prevents deepening the stain without damaging the material. For leather or synthetic winter shoes, the same vinegar-water solution works well. After treatment, wipe the shoes with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
If your boots are very dirty or have stubborn stains, specialty suede cleaners may be used after removing salt with the vinegar solution. After cleaning, conditioning and waterproofing products designed for your shoe type help protect against future salt damage. Remember to avoid using excessive water or harsh scrubbing, as these can damage delicate materials like suede.
Moving on to mothball odours, exposure to these can leave clothes smelling musty. To reduce this odour, air your clothes out for a few days, hanging them in a breezy and sunny location, and wear gloves during handling. For mothball-scented clothes, washing them using a special wash, following care instructions, and adding a cup or so of vinegar to the wash cycle can help.
Lastly, the TikTok account @second.life.studio offers tutorials on mending, upcycling, and repairing damaged clothing. For set-in stains on winter clothes, potential solutions depend on the fabric and the nature of the stain. Burrs, small seeds covered in hooks, can stick to clothing and be removed using duct tape, a fine-tooth comb, or a specialized tool like the Burr Paw. Pilling, a common problem for certain woven fabrics like wool and cotton, can be removed by using a disposable razor, pumice stone, or a fabric shaver.
Stains in silk fabric can sometimes be erased using a solution of equal parts water and lemon juice or vinegar. For more stubborn stains, it may be necessary to consult a professional cleaner.
In summary, a white vinegar and lukewarm water mixture applied carefully with a cloth is the most recommended and accessible method to remove salt stains effectively from winter shoes, followed by appropriate drying and conditioning. For mothball odours, airing out clothes and using vinegar in the wash cycle can help reduce the musty smell. With these tips, you can keep your winter wardrobe looking and smelling fresh all season long.
[1] TikTok account @cleanthatup [2] TikTok account @tammy.silver [3] TikTok account @melissadilkespateras [4] TikTok account @second.life.studio [5] Various sources on winter shoe care and mothball odour removal
- To maintain a stylish lifestyle and keep your fashion-and-beauty items, such as winter shoes, in excellent condition, consider using a vinegar-water solution to remove salt stains and a breezy, sunny location to air out musty-smelling clothing.
- Enhance your home-and-garden space by incorporating plants that are resilient against winter's harsh conditions and regularly air out your wardrobe to prevent musty odours, ensuring a fresh and inviting ambiance.
