What to do
- Dry-brush loose dirt first, then spot-clean with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft brush.
- Air dry at room temperature, stuffed with paper to hold shape — never radiators or dryers.
- Machine washing is a last resort even for canvas: cold, in a laundry bag, air dry. Glue lines and knit structures often disagree with the drum.
What happens if you ignore it
Heat is the textile shoe killer — it shrinks canvas, warps knit uppers, and softens the adhesives underneath. Most “my sneakers fell apart in the wash” stories are really heat stories.
Where you'll see it
Canvas sneakers, knit runners, mesh trainers, espadrilles — usually the upper or lining row.
Common questions
Can I machine wash shoes with the textile symbol?
The symbol describes material, not washability — the construction (glue, foam, inserts) decides that. Hand cleaning is always safe; machine washing is at-your-own-risk even for canvas.
How do I keep white knit shoes white?
Clean small and often: a soft brush with diluted mild soap after wears, plus a fabric-safe waterproofing spray to slow new dirt from bonding.
Related symbols
- Other Materials — the part is made of “other materials”
- Leather — the marked part is genuine leather
- Lining & Insole — this marks the lining and sock
Or just scan the tongue tag
CareLabl scans shoe labels too. Point your camera at the tongue tag and get the upper, lining, and sole materials plus a care routine — then scan the outside for cleaning steps matched to the condition you're actually looking at. Try Pro free for 3 days, no credit card needed.