Part 2 - Cleaning and fixing the upper This part was a bit tricky because I had no idea what was on the upper to begin with. There were salt and water stains all over the toes, but there was other stuff as well. If there is a lot of dried, crystallized salt on the shoe, it can be a bad idea to put alcohol on it directly. To take care of that regular household vinegar is used. Afterwards, any water stains that remain can be taken care of with a clean cloth and either some rubbing alcohol or acetone. Preparation - to clean the seams and broguing and medallion, some water, a cloth and a large (but sharp) punch is used.