I have a board that sits on top of a dresser. I use a darker color in more of a home dec weight. When it gets really nasty I just make another. I wrap it around the board and staple it to the back.

and mine, particularly the full size one. I don't get it out very often so it doesn't bother me much :)
The table top ironing board is the one I have out and do generally all my ironing on. I used the original cover for a pattern and make myself a new one every year. Right now is has dark blue background with bright yellow sunflowers on it. Makes me smile every time I turn to use it. hardly show staining at all.

One year I used red background with white buttons all over it. Oops...don't use red.

I'll never make one of the big boards, not willing to give up any space for one.

Yes, mine looks like this too and I don't use steam as it conked out on me a while back so I spray mist my fabric/blocks. Most all my fabric gets starched before I start cutting into it though so I'm hoping this is caused by the starch. One of these days I'll change it out but until then, I live with it.

This is caused by high heat and starch. You can try washing it, but it really won't do much. I use the "silvered" fabric covers. Doesn't show the staining as much and the silver helps to reflect more heat back onto the fabric you are ironing. Try using a dry iron, spritz the fabric with water (for steam) and then starch them. Hope this helps.

Looks like my ironing board cover and I just assumed that it was the Best Press I was using. I bought a new cover the other day and iron with a dry iron to avoid the stains. I think it is just what is going to happen with the steam and starch. Sorry. :(

I always seem to spill a little water when filling the steam iron, so now I have a small hand towel that I lay down whenever filling the iron. I buy a new cover periodically, too, just to freshen up the look. Because my sewing room doubles as a guest room, every time I get a new cover I wonder if I should get two - one for company!

I don’t use much steam but when using Best Press or other starch product, I put a large beach towel down on my ironing surface so it stays pretty clean. I’ve had this board for 2 1/2 years.
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Looks like mine! I just replace it when it gets too bad.

Jmoore, thanks for the colorful picture! Nice to see first thing in the morning! I gave up putting water in irons years ago. Just too messy. I spray with a bottle of water when needed

You can put a square of muslin on the board to protect the cover. Change out as needed.

When using starch let it sink into the fabric for a few minutes and then press. I will starch pieces and hang in the shower to almost dry, then press.

I cover a square piece of plywood 20 x20 with batting and the silver fabric for my ironing surface.