To wash my 'professional clean only' sofa covers in the washing machine?

[YarisKaris]

I've risked it. Put them on a 20 degree delicate wash, the water is FILTHY. They will survive, right?

They'll be fine. I washed mine (cream coloured). They were 100% cotton and they did shrink a tiny bit, but stretched back nice and tight over the sofa after a struggle.

Depends on the fabric. Manufacturers definitely play safe so they can blame the customer in case of issues but some fabrics really can't be washed. I just don't buy furnishings that aren't explicitly machinable.

You've definitely done the right thing if the water was filthy!

I put mine in all the time

I’d have done this without giving it a second thought, same as you, on a cold delicate wash

They're polyester but we wash polyester clothes don't we.

In this case man made wins. Polyester & Acrylic will be fine. Any combination of viscose or Silk / wool can’t be washed at all - you will ruin the fabric and colour & it’ll probably shrink too. 100% cotton / 100% silk / 100% wool should be fine at 20 degrees but it’s better to do a cool handwash if it’s the first time you’re washing it.

Put them back onto your cushions, whilst they are still damp, its a lot easier. The stand them up until they are completely dry. They dont crease as much either.

I once washed some black IKEA covers in the washing machine and they were ruined. The creases, from being in the machine, all went white/grey.

They are on the line and looking fine

Did mine for years they were always fine 🥰

The line!

I always put them straight back in when they are wet.

I have just washed faux leather ( a velvet suede feel) they were fine .
I think manufacturers advise against washing or dry cleaning some materials because it may affect the fire retardant qualities . Not because they will not survive the wash.
Apart from the ikea cotton ones.the dark colours don't wash well at all .as pp confirms .

Always put them back on whilst a bit damp.

Impossible if completely dry.

I am sure they will be fine OP, especially as washed at such a low temperature.

Your post brought back a memory for me, when I washed the classes toy parrot, DS was delighted when it was his turn, the only problem was it absolutely stunk, so I thought I would wash it, I was getting very stressed as it was whirring round in the machine, it looked the size of a canary! All turned out well in the end and his teacher was thrilled that the parrot was clean.

Me too. Get them baCk on the sofa and they will stretch slightly to compensate for shrinkage

Agree with PP - put them back on slightly damp