ironing board covers
 

My table-top board was getting yucky, so I picked up a used board at the thrift shop. I didn't like the board, but the cover was in great shape... and it was only $1.60 on sale day :) When I got home, I noticed that the big board was looking poorly too. So, no loss if it didn't work, I decided to wash the covers. Did all 3 last night in the kitchen sink because I wanted to hand scrub them. This morning, they all looked bright and cheerful... just needed a tad of ironing to smooth them out. Anyone else who's washed their covers?

i always wash my ironing board cover when it needs it- i've been using the same one on my large ironing board for 20 years- and the ironing board and original cover were purchased at a barn sale- had been sitting in a back room for probably 20 years before it became mine-
cover has some stains from years of use- but washes up nicely- no damage that makes me believe i need to replace it.
i think my mom's ironing board cover is probably at least 50 years old- she takes it off & washes it when it needs it too. we have both replaced the padding once or twice over the years.

hmm maybe I should try washing instead of replacing! ;)

I wash mine... if I dont they get really ucky with starch and stuff

I wash mine about every few months. I get way too much starch on them and by the time I wash them you could use them for constuction projects they are so stiff and can stand up on their own. Do note I found that if I use an old terry cloth towel on top of my regular ironing board cover , it really keeps the blocks from distorting while pressing , it holds the block or strip right where I put it... minimal stretching or distortion. Granted not all ironing/pressing needs this added resistance to stretching and there are times when I do want more fabric movement, but I just take the towel off !

I was looking at mine this morning thinking how bad it looks. I have always tossed it and bought a new one, but I think I will try washing it. See you are never to old to learn.

Absolutely! I have a couple of covers. When I start a new project I usually put on a clean cover and toss the other one in the laundry. I'm a heavy starch person and this way I make sure they get washed before getting too bad.

I use the big board that has the material stapeled to the underside. How do those of you that have this type of board handle it when it needs a good cleaning? I was planning on digging out all the staples and restapeling new canvass to the board.

Anybody have a better idea for me that is less labor intensive?

My ironing board had the stapled cover. I removed it and made an ironing board cover from the gray teflon fabric purchased from Joann's. There's several tutorials out there on the web making an elastic casing so the cover fits securely on ironing board.

Thank you, Lori S, for the suggestion of using a towel to secure project while blocking.

Yeah, I made another cover to go over the top. I used an old sheet, double thickness, cut it to size, sewed elastic in a casing, and put it on. When it's dirty, I pull it off and wash it.