Should I risk washing sofa covers?

[LittlePetal82]

My sofa cushion covers have various stains on them (kids!) and I’m thinking of putting one of them on a 20 or 30 degree wash in the machine, even though the label suggests they should be dry cleaned only. Obviously if it goes wrong, I’ll be missing one cover. If it works, I’ll wash the rest. I’m undecided as to whether I should risk it? Anyone have any success stories of washing rather than dry cleaning? Or any other tips??

I did this. I put them on a quick wash then placed the covers back on the cushions whilst wet, in case of shrinkage. I propped the cushions up to dry. No problems at all.

Oooh, good thinking. I would have just put it on the line to dry in the sunshine! Thank you.

I did mine. Washed at 20 and hung out till semi dry then put back on as i was worried they would shrink. No shrinkage at all and looked good as new

Thanks. It's in the washing machine now so fingers crossed!

Did they shrink ?

Washed my covers once and got away with minimal shrinkage, be careful if you try a second time though, reached the point of no return for me then.

I washed my multiyork covers several times. Line dry and back on while a little bit damp.

@userxx No, they've come out really well, I'm really pleased. Saved the £100 I was quoted for having them done professionally!
Thanks for the warning about doing them a second time.

I had two DC and a cat, so I bought a suite with removable washable covers over 20 years ago. Still going strong, and the covers come up a treat in the washing machine. One of my cats was a bit of a ripper, so I got replacement covers (just for the seat cushions) in a sale from the original sofa company about ten years ago. Much cheaper than buying a whole new suite.

Sofa was bought pre kids when I didn't really think about it needing to be washable. Will definitely look for that when we need to replace it.