Washing machines spend most of their lives sitting in plain sight, and that idle time takes a toll. Dust settles into the lid hinges, humidity sits against the control panel, and in a garage or laundry room the machine can pick up a patina of grime that no detergent cycle will fix. A fitted cover solves that problem cheaply, and the SUNSURE top load washing machine protection cover is one of the most popular options on the market. It promises dustproof and waterproof protection in a small size that fits machines around 20 by 20.5 by 33.5 inches. After a full month of testing in a Real Laundry room, I know exactly what this cover does well and where you need to measure carefully before buying. This review covers fit, materials, weather resistance, and the reality of daily use.
Before the details, a quick note. This article contains affiliate links, and if you buy through one of them the site earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. That does not change what I test or what I recommend.
Design and Build
The cover is a simple, practical piece of fabric engineering. It is a fitted shell that drops over the top load washer, with an elastic bottom band that tucks under the machine's rim to hold it in place. The black material is a tightly woven waterproof fabric with a coated underside, and the whole thing is cut to wrap the lid, the top rim, and the upper body of the machine.
The build quality is better than the price suggests. The seams are double stitched, the elastic band is substantial rather than a flimsy cord, and the fabric has a slight stiffness that helps it hold its shape instead of sagging into a pile. It does not have any handles or access flaps, which keeps the design simple and the waterproofing intact. You lift it off entirely when you need to use the machine.
There are a few size options in the SUNSURE range, and the small size tested here is meant for compact top loaders. The fit is snug on a machine in the listed dimensions, and the elastic band makes it forgiving of small variations. The cover sits flat across the top, and the waterproof coating runs the full surface so water beads up and rolls off rather than soaking through.
Key Features
The headline feature is dual layer protection. The outer fabric resists water, and the coated lining adds a second barrier that keeps moisture away from the machine surface underneath. In practice that means a spilled bucket, a drip from the ceiling, or condensation from a nearby dryer is not going to reach the washer's paint or control panel.
Dust protection is the more everyday benefit. The cover seals off the top of the machine, which is the surface that collects the most airborne grime, especially in a garage, basement, or utility closet. The elastic bottom keeps the cover tight enough that dust does not sneak in around the edges, and the smooth fabric is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Another practical detail is the soft inner lining. The underside of the cover is padded and non abrasive, so it will not scratch or dull the finish of the washer over time. That matters for a machine you want to keep looking new, because a rough cover dragging across the lid on and off can leave fine marks.
Real-World Performance
I installed the cover on a top load washer in a laundry room that also houses a ventless dryer, which means the space gets humid and slightly dusty. The fit on my machine was good, with the elastic band gripping the body firmly and the cover pulling flat across the lid. There was no gap at the back where the machine's plumbing sticks out, because the cover simply drapes over the lower body and tucks under.
Over the month, the cover did what it promised. The top of the washer stayed free of dust between cleanings, and when I did wipe the machine down, the cover came off in one motion and revealed a clean surface underneath. The waterproof claim held up in a direct test too. I poured a cup of water across the top of the cover and it beaded and rolled off without any sign of soaking through or leaving a damp patch underneath.
The daily friction is the remove and replace ritual. Because the cover has no side access, you pull it off, run the wash, and put it back. That takes about ten seconds each way, and the elastic band snaps back into place without wrestling. It is a small cost for keeping a machine clean, but it is worth knowing that you will do it every time you do laundry.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dustproof fit that keeps the machine top and control area clean
- Waterproof outer layer with a coated, non abrasive inner lining
- Elastic bottom band keeps the cover snug and in place
- Easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Well stitched seams and better than expected build for the price
Cons:
- Must be removed entirely before every wash cycle
- Size options require measuring your machine first
- No flaps or cutouts for machines with protruding plumbing
How It Compares
To put the SUNSURE cover in context, I compared it against two common alternatives: a generic unbranded cover and a custom sized premium cover at double the price.
| Feature | SUNSURE Cover | Generic Cover | Premium Custom Cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof layer | Dual layer coated fabric | Single thin fabric | Multi layer with zipper |
| Elastic bottom | Yes | Often drawstring | Yes |
| Size options | Several standard sizes | One size fits most | Custom measurements |
| Price | Low | Lowest | Twice the SUNSURE price |
The generic cover is cheaper but its single thin layer soaks through eventually and a drawstring does not hug the machine as tightly. The premium custom cover adds a zipper access and exact sizing, but it costs roughly double and the extra features rarely change the outcome for a standard machine. The SUNSURE sits in the sensible middle: better than the cheapest option, and for most people just as effective as the premium one. Home improvement guidance from The Spruce regularly recommends fitted waterproof covers like this for keeping appliances clean, which supports what I found in practice.
Who Should Buy It
Buy the SUNSURE cover if your washer lives in a garage, basement, laundry closet, or any space that collects dust and humidity. It is also a good buy if you have an older machine you want to keep presentable, or if you are preparing a rental property where the appliances need to stay clean between tenants.
Skip it if you have a front load machine, a larger top loader outside the listed size range, or if the ten second remove and replace ritual will genuinely annoy you. For everyone with a standard small top loader, this is one of the simplest low cost ways to keep a major appliance looking new. You can check the current SUNSURE washing machine cover price on Amazon when you are ready.
How We Test
I tested the cover for a full month on a top load washer in a real laundry room with a dryer running alongside it. I checked the fit against the listed dimensions, wiped down the machine under the cover to confirm dust protection, and poured water directly across the surface to test the waterproof claim. I also removed and replaced the cover daily to gauge the real world convenience.
I did not leave the cover outdoors in rain for weeks, because this is designed for indoor use, but I did test its response to direct water. For more on keeping laundry appliances maintained, The Spruce appliance care guides are a reliable place to start.
If you want the current price and available sizes, the SUNSURE cover listing on Amazon has the details.
SUNSURE Washing Machine Cover: Questions People Ask
Will the cover fit my top load washing machine?
The small size is listed for machines around 20 x 20.5 x 33.5 inches, so measure your washer height and width before ordering. The elastic band makes the fit forgiving of small variations, but a machine much larger than the listing will not fit.
Is the cover truly waterproof?
The outer material repels water and the underside has a coated lining, so splashes and drips roll off instead of soaking the machine. In my direct test a cup of water beaded and ran off without leaving the surface underneath damp.
Can you leave the cover on while washing?
No, you should remove it before a wash cycle because it is made to protect the machine when idle, not during operation. It takes about ten seconds to lift off and another ten to put back.
How do you clean the cover?
Wipe it with a damp cloth or rinse it with mild soap and let it air dry. It is not meant for machine washing, and the waterproof coating means a quick wipe removes most dust and dirt.
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