
Based on the provided information, couch covers are indeed susceptible to shrinking when laundered. The primary cause of this shrinkage is exposure to heat, either from washing in hot water or from using a machine dryer. The application of high temperatures during the cleaning process can cause the fabric fibers to contract.
An anecdotal account confirms this phenomenon, where an individual's couch cover, described as a linen-like material, shrank after being put through a normal wash cycle. To prevent this outcome, it is recommended to wash sofa covers in cold water on a gentle cycle. Furthermore, one of the most critical steps to avoid shrinkage is to air-dry the covers instead of placing them in a machine dryer. Following these specific care instructions significantly mitigates the risk of the fabric shrinking.


