How to Remove Salt Stains from Clothing After a Harsh Winter
Winter in Barrie can be tough –  and not just on the roads. Salt, slush, and moisture take a real toll on our clothing, leaving behind those familiar white marks on coats, pants, boots, and sweaters. If you’ve noticed salt stains lingering on your winter wear this season, you’re not alone. Here’s what causes salt stains, what you shouldn’t do at home, and how to safely restore your garments.

Why Salt Stains Are So Hard to Remove
Road salt and ice melt don’t just dry on the surface of fabric – they penetrate fibres. When moisture evaporates, salt crystals remain, leaving behind stiff, white residue and sometimes permanent discolouration. Over time, repeated exposure can:
• Weaken fabric fibres
• Cause yellowing or fading
• Leave garments looking worn or dirty even after washing

This is especially common after a winter like we’ve had, with frequent freeze-thaw cycles and heavy salting.

Common Salt-Stained Items We See
Salt stains most often appear on:
• Wool coats and parkas
• Pant hems and cuffs
• Knitwear and sweaters
• Boots, scarves, and outerwear

Darker fabrics tend to show salt residue more clearly, while lighter fabrics may develop yellowing or water marks.

What Not to Do at Home
When salt stains show up, it’s tempting to try quick fixes but some can make things worse.
Avoid:
• Rubbing stains aggressively, which can spread salt deeper into fibres
• Using hot water, which can set stains
• Household cleaners or bleach, especially on delicate fabrics
• Tossing salt-stained items straight into the wash without pre-treatment

These methods often lead to uneven colour, fabric damage, or permanent marks.

Safe Ways to Treat Light Salt Residue
For minor salt marks on washable fabrics, gently dabbing the area with a cloth dampened with cool water can help dissolve surface residue. Always test a small, hidden area first. For delicate fabrics, structured garments, or heavy staining, professional cleaning is the safest option.

Why Professional Dry Cleaning Makes a Difference
At Cotty’s, we use professional techniques designed to:
• Fully dissolve salt deposits
• Restore fabric texture and colour
• Protect delicate fibres and finishes

Professional cleaning also removes hidden moisture and oils that can cause long-term damage if garments are stored without proper care.

Don’t Store Salt-Stained Clothing
Before packing away winter coats and clothing, it’s important to ensure salt residue is completely removed. Even small amounts left behind can cause:

• Fabric deterioration
• Lingering odours
• Discolouration over time

A proper clean now helps your clothing last longer and look better next winter.

Your Local Dry Cleaner in Barrie
With Barrie’s harsh winters, salt damage is something we see every year. If your winter clothing didn’t make it through the season unscathed, Cotty’s is here to help. Bring in your salt-stained garments and let our team restore them safely and professionally  so they’re ready for storage or wear.