If the sneakers are muddy, wait until they dry before cleaning.
Knock off any loose dirt by smacking the sneakers on pavement or tapping the soles together over a waste basket or newspaper, then wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any remaining caked-on dirt. Remove laces.
Rinse shoes with warm water inside and out. Scrub the canvas sneakers’ outsides, insides and liners gently with toothbrush and mixture of water and mild detergent. Rinse with clean cool water.
If scuff marks remain, scrub gently with nylon pad. Rinse again. If the liners still retain foot odor, scrub them with a paste of baking soda and water. Wash laces in with a load of like-colored laundry.
Washing Canvas Sneakers in a Washing Machine
Some folks get good results by cleaning canvas sneakers in the washing machine, but most shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing sneakers since it can break down the adhesives used to glue the shoe together.
Stuff canvas sneakers with crumpled brown paper bags, paper towels or white office paper (not newspaper or colored paper, the ink transfers).
Let them air-dry along with the laces.
Do not dry them near a fireplace or heater. Direct heat breaks down canvas fabric and causes shoes to become dried out and brittle.
When the shoes are thoroughly dry, replace inserts and laundered laces.
If stains persist on white canvas sneakers, lightly dab on white liquid shoe polish.
Manufacturers may suggest spraying the tops of new canvas sneakers with a cloth care spray before you wear them. Your best bet is to follow any care instructions included with your sneakers.
