My sofa & Chair are several years old by now. I purchased them because they were slipcovered & I could wash them. So, washed them I did in cold water. First time I air dried and it took an army of strength to get them back on. Next couple times I washed them I put them back on right from the washer. It still took an army of strength to get them back on. I called Ballard and complained & they said they have never heard of a problem. It can't just be me and I believe with great certainty they were not being truthful. This is my story so you take your chances.