Snooze, I also think a lot of my problem is from spray starch. I've had it come thru on other fabric and it did wash out, but then I took the fabric immediately to the sink and washed that particular spot.

I've been soaking the cover nearly all morning and some of the ugly color actually did come out - the water was brown!!. It's now in the washing machine and hopefully with proper agitation more will come out. I know it should have never gotten to this point but I use it alot so maybe I'll get a spare to switch off every once in a while so one of them can be washed properly. I've seen several tutes on making your own ironing board cover so maybe one of these days I'll make one - this way I can get a really pretty one instead of the boring ones you buy.

I really appreciate everyones input, and the tip about using freezer paper is great. I will make sure I get a roll of and keep it in the sewing room.

If you wash your cover put it on your board while wet. It will dry snug and so much easier to get on the board wet then dry. I put piece of muslin over the cover and pin it underneath the board. Change it out when it gets yucky. I use a big board so I cover it quiet often with new fabric because I get tired of the same print.

The big board are great because of their shape - no narrow end. I inherited my mothers Polder ironing board so it's about 30 years old but still in great shape. Would love to have a big board but they are so expensive. Been thinking about have a friend make me one that I can put over my current ironing board. Have seen instructions on how to do that. They would definitely be easier to re-cover when necessary.

My mother used to use sheets for her ironing board. I do the same. When it gets bad, I wash and dry it, and fold it differently before putting it back on. I use elastic, with clips on the ends to attach it.

I cut a white piece of sheet to cover my iron surface when using starch and after a few times , I throw it in the washer.

I have the same problem with scorched iron board covers glad to hear I am not the only one. Thanks for the advice.
eunice

You don't need fancy plans to make a big board. A 1/2" thick piece of plywood cut into a rectangle will sit on top of your ironing board just fine. It won't fall off unless you push it off.

My ironing board was so stiff when I took it off I was afraid it would crack :D. I first soaked it in the bath tub to soften it then put it in the washer with a couple of towels and oxiclean.. several rinses to make sure the starch was all out. It wasn't as pristine as the day I bought it but it was softer and clean..I had never washed a cover before and it's hard to find a cover for the board I have.

Well, I put the cover in the washing machine and it came out pretty clean. I took to heart someones tip about putting down a cloth when starching, found an old crib sheet and cut the elastic off. Don't have any freezer paper at the moment, but will get a roll and start using that.

Just bought some iron cleaner and will give the iron a good cleaning this weekend. About 2 weeks ago I ran some diluted vinegar thru the iron and it really helped loosen a lot of stuff - must have been steaming for close to 10 min. but unfortunately I didn't have any iron cleaner to help clean the holes and steam plate. But I have that now and will get the soleplate cleaned, and I will NEVER again let my ironing board cover get so bad. I really do appreciate everyone advice and tips. I thought, when I posted my message, that you girls would think I was an idiot, but what the heck, I just threw it out that and I can't believe the responses. Glad to hear that I am not the only one who has/had this problem.

Thank you again to everyone!!!

My ironing board cover always gets scorched and stained and I have been ironing for over 50 years. When it gets too bad, I go out, buy another, and start the process all over again. I never take it off to wash. I may take a damp cloth and wipe it down good occasionally.