How to clean canvas sneakers (without wrecking them)
By the 11 Cross team · 15 November 2026
Short answer
Brush off dry dirt first. Then spot-clean the canvas with mild soap, a little water and a soft brush, wipe the rubber sole with a damp cloth, stuff the shoes with paper and let them air-dry away from direct sun. Skip the washing machine and the dryer.
What you need
- A soft brush. An old soft toothbrush works.
- Mild soap and a bowl of water.
- Two clean cloths.
- Plain paper for stuffing.
Step by step
- Let mud dry completely, then knock the soles together and brush off the dry dirt.
- Take the laces out and hand-wash them in soapy water.
- Dip the brush in soapy water, shake off the extra, and work on the marks in small circles. Damp, not dripping.
- Wipe the soap away with a clean damp cloth.
- Wipe the white rubber sole with a damp cloth and a drop of soap.
- Stuff the shoes with paper so they hold their shape, and let them air-dry at room temperature.
Do and don't
| Do | Don't | |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Spot-clean by hand with mild soap | Machine-wash or soak the whole shoe |
| Drying | Air-dry in the shade, stuffed with paper | Tumble-dry, or dry in direct sun or by a heater |
| Suede-finish panels | Brush gently when dry, dab with a barely damp cloth | Scrub with lots of soap and water |
| Timing | Clean marks the same day | Leave stains to set for a week |
Keeping them clean for longer
A ten-second brush when you take them off does more than a big clean once a month. Keep them somewhere dry and out of direct sun. Our care guide has the short version of all this.
Common questions
Can I put canvas sneakers in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it. A machine cycle and a dryer are rough on the shape and the colours. Hand-cleaning takes a few minutes and is much gentler.
How do I dry them quickly?
Stuff them with paper and swap the paper when it gets damp. Keep them at room temperature with some air moving. Avoid direct sun and heaters.
How do I clean the white soles?
A damp cloth with a drop of mild soap handles most marks. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth after.
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