How much is this couch? We had one that got destroyed by the kids but the slipcovers actually saved us. Whenever their was an accident (potty training, milk, etc), we threw it in the washing machine. For extra tough stains, we used bleach. However our couch was relativly inexpensive so I didn't care as much about protecting it. Now that I have new furniture in the LR, I don't let the kids near it. Then again I paid way more for this furniture than my previous set.

I was thinking of getting something cheap like IKEA or equivalent - just because I know things are going to be messed up. I thought the white would be better because I could use bleach if need be - so I guess it's worth it? Do you know how much you washed the covers?

Be sure to look for sturdy material in your slip cover like denim or canvas. They hold up well and can be washed in hot water.. I have two sets of denim covers in my family room, one a dark blue denim and one a white canvas. The change is nice. I bought a well made sofa and had it covered in muslin because I knew I was going to use covers and saved a bundle on the cost of upholstery.

The choice of style is yours, but patterns of different colors hide stains and soil much more than solid colors, especially white.

I also encourage you to stay away from 100% cotton. It stains easily and cleans with difficulty. Some stains will just NOT come out. Dark colors in 100% cotton fade readily in sun and wear, and bleed dye. In dark colors, the (relatively) short fiber length causes cotton to fibrillate, giving a frosted appearance with wear. If you want to go with a denim/duck, get one with a good percentage of polyester.

(I professionally clean upholstery, specializing in spot stains, usually food and body fluids). Would I buy a white slip cover? No.

Also avoid chenille, particularly rayon. It will not tolerate any contact with water without irreversibly damaging the look of the fabric.

What about slip covering a sofa in white sunbrella fabric (100% solution dyed acrylic)? A friend wanted the same thing and put it in her family room. She says it is not that big of a deal to take it off and wash and put back on, but it can often look like it needs washed! Seems like people mean to get around to doing it, but don't... until it is really in need of a good wash!

I would talk to people who have done it and ask if they would do it again.

Another possibility is Crypton.

Just my two cents, I would not. I have two boys who are now 6 and 7, and I would have been washing that darn thing on a weekly basis. I can think of plenty of better ways to spend my time than washing white slipcovers. Our inexpensive microfiber sofas purchased from Macy's before the kids were born have held up beautifully. The microfiber is very easy to wipe off with a damp cloth, and the dark color conceals minor soil.

I make and sell slipcovers for a living and I have a lot of customers who swear by White twill or denim for their homes with kids because they can bleach them. For me, I would go with microfiber suede. Spot cleans like nobody's business.