I do the same thing... I cover my board with a washable cloth.. generally an old mostly warn out towel.. It protect the ironing board cover and easily go into the wash...
I make my own ironing board covers.. Not fancy, but they work great.. I have two or three and I wash them if I get in too much of a hurry to get a cover out and cover the board.
I love spray starch and make my own from concentrate.. easy cheap and you can have it as light or heavy as you need it to be.