PURPOSE: To provide a method for washing an endless canvas of a papermaking machine, capable of washing in a short time without requiring detachment of the canvas from a drying unit of the papermaking machine and to provide an apparatus for carrying out this method.

CONSTITUTION: This drying unit of a papermaking machine having a tightly closed hood 5 is equipped with a sliding pipe 6A of a washer parallel to the paper-contacting surface of an endless canvas 3 set at the upper and lower parts of a dryer 2. Plural spray nozzle holes 7 made on the sliding pipe are designed so that water may be sprayed toward the endless belt surface.