The Essential Guide to Ironing Accessories: How to Protect Your Fabrics Like a Professional
From protective soleplates for dark fabrics to heat-resistant covers and professional kits: everything you need to know to care for your wardrobe properly.
Why the right ironing accessories matter
There is a difference between ironing and ironing well. Anyone can run a hot plate over a shirt, but achieving that crisp, professional finish without damaging your most treasured garments takes the right tools and the right knowledge. Whether you are caring for a fine merino wool suit, a delicate silk blouse or a pair of tailored dark trousers, the ironing accessories you use matter just as much as the iron itself.
In the UK, where dressing well has long been a matter of quiet pride, more and more people are investing in high-quality, professional ironing equipment that genuinely protects their clothing. The growing interest in textile care and wardrobe care has brought essential tools like the protective soleplate, the heat-resistant cover, the pressing cloth and the steam protector firmly back into the spotlight. And rightly so.
But good garment care does not stop at the surface. The hidden enemy of any steam iron or steam generator is limescale, and that is where the anti-scale cartridge and descaling solution become just as essential as any other accessory in your kit. Keeping your iron clean on the inside ensures it performs at its best on the outside, session after session.
Whether you are setting up a dedicated laundry room or simply looking to improve your everyday garment care routine, this guide walks you through the essential tools every serious home presser in the UK should know about: what they do, why they are worth the investment, and where to find a complete professional kit from a trusted UK shop.
The ironing accessories you actually need
The protective soleplate
A protective soleplate sits between your iron and the fabric, reducing direct heat transfer and preventing the dreaded shiny patches that can ruin dark garments. It is an indispensable piece of garment care equipment for anyone who irons wool, velvet, silk or any heat-sensitive textile, and one of the most essential tools in any serious professional ironing kit.
The ironing board
Often overlooked, the ironing board itself is one of the most important pieces of ironing equipment you can invest in. A well-built board provides a stable, perfectly sized surface that makes every pressing session more comfortable and more precise. Look for a board with good height adjustment, a sturdy frame and a surface wide enough to handle shirts, trousers and jackets with ease. It is the foundation of any serious laundry room setup and the starting point of genuine wardrobe care.
The heat-resistant iron mat
A heat-resistant cover or iron mat lets you safely rest a hot iron anywhere on your ironing board or work surface without scorching the fabric beneath. It is a small but essential tool in any professional kit that protects both your iron and your board during every session.
The ironing board cover
A high-quality ironing board cover provides a smooth, breathable surface that lets air and steam pass through for better glide and pressing results. The right cover, made from natural cotton with adequate padding, will noticeably improve your results and is a true essential for any laundry room. It is one of those essential tools that quietly makes every ironing session more effective.
The steam cord holder
One of the most underrated steam iron accessories, a cord holder guides the steam cord away from your work area so it never snags on the fabric you are pressing. It is a simple but indispensable tool that makes a real difference to comfort and precision during long professional ironing sessions.
The pressing cloth
A pressing cloth or steam protector acts as a barrier between the iron and delicate fabrics, diffusing heat evenly and preventing shine marks. Traditional tailors have relied on this tool for generations, and it remains one of the most effective forms of fabric protection available for luxury and delicate textiles alike.
The anti-scale cartridge
An anti-scale cartridge is one of the most important yet overlooked accessories for anyone who uses a steam iron regularly. It filters tap water before it enters your iron, removing limescale, salts and corrosive minerals that would otherwise damage the boiler components over time. Replacing it regularly is a straightforward act of textile care that extends the life of your ironing system considerably and keeps steam quality at its best for every session.
The descaling solution
Even with an anti-scale cartridge in place, mineral deposits can build up inside a steam iron over time. A dedicated descaling solution dissolves those deposits thoroughly and gently, protecting internal components and restoring optimal steam output. Using one periodically is a simple but essential part of responsible ironing equipment maintenance, keeping your iron performing at its best for years to come.
Protecting dark fabrics: the number one ironing challenge
Ask any professional presser and they will tell you the same thing: dark fabrics are the most unforgiving to iron. A single pass at too high a temperature can leave a permanent, reflective shine on black wool, navy blue cotton or charcoal tweed, damage that is almost impossible to reverse.
The solution is a combination of technique and the right ironing accessories. A dedicated protective soleplate with a heat-reducing coating is the single most effective tool for keeping dark garments looking their best. It distributes heat more gently and evenly and, crucially, it eliminates direct contact between the iron's plate and the fabric's surface fibres. For truly luxury textiles such as cashmere or fine merino, pairing the soleplate with a pressing cloth or steam protector adds a further layer of fabric protection.
Beyond the soleplate, it is worth using a lower steam setting, ironing garments inside-out where possible, and always allowing a piece to cool and air before putting it back on a hanger. These small habits, combined with the right steam iron accessories and essential tools, will preserve the depth and intensity of dark fabrics for far longer and keep your wardrobe care routine at a genuinely professional ironing standard.
What makes a truly professional ironing kit?
A professional kit is more than just a good iron. It is a curated set of essential tools that work together to give you complete control over heat, steam and pressure, regardless of the fabric you are pressing. Here is what separates an amateur setup from a genuinely professional one.
Precision fit
Accessories designed specifically for your iron model will always outperform universal alternatives. A protective soleplate engineered for your exact iron head ensures a secure fit, consistent heat reduction and no risk of slipping mid-press. This level of precision is at the heart of truly professional garment care.
Quality engineering
The very best ironing accessories are engineered to exacting standards. Look for products designed by specialists in textile care, not mass-produced generic tools, and you will notice the difference immediately in results and durability. Luxury fabric care starts with the quality of the tools you choose.
Heat management
High-quality accessories actively manage heat at every stage, from the heat-resistant iron mat you rest your iron on, to the special coating of the protective soleplate that reduces temperature at the point of contact with the fabric. Heat management is the heart of professional ironing and effective fabric protection.
Longevity and washability
A quality ironing board cover should be machine washable and built to last. Laurastar's Universalcover range is made from 100% cotton with foam padding and goes straight in the washing machine at 30°C, easy to maintain as part of your everyday laundry room routine and wider wardrobe care habits.
Introducing Laurastar's range of professional ironing accessories
When it comes to genuinely high-quality, precision-engineered ironing accessories, Laurastar has been the reference for professional ironing results at home for decades. Founded in Switzerland, the brand has built its reputation on one principle: that caring for clothes should be a pleasure, not a chore, and that doing it properly requires essential tools worthy of the task.
Laurastar's accessories are designed in Switzerland by engineers who understand the demands of textile care and garment care at the highest level. Every accessory is conceived to work in harmony with Laurastar's ironing systems, delivering the kind of controlled, consistent results that were once the exclusive domain of professional tailors and dry cleaners. This is luxury in the truest sense: tools that perform beautifully, session after session.
That complete vision extends to the ironing board itself. Laurastar designs and sells its own range of ironing boards, engineered to work in perfect harmony with its systems and accessories, so that every element of your wardrobe care setup performs at its best from the board up.
For those building a serious setup in their laundry room or home pressing area, Laurastar's accessory range offers everything needed to complete a truly professional kit, with the assurance of Swiss craftsmanship and a brand trusted by hundreds of thousands of households across the UK and Europe. Whether you are shopping for your first steam iron accessories or upgrading an existing setup, this is the UK shop to start with.
Laurastar accessories up close
From the precision-fit protective soleplate to the insulating heat-resistant iron mat, the steam cord holder and a thoughtfully designed range of ironing board covers, every Laurastar accessory is built with performance, fabric protection and ease of use in mind. Here is a closer look at the essential tools available in the UK shop.
Soleplate for every iron model
One of the most important things to get right when choosing a protective soleplate is compatibility with your iron. Laurastar offers a range of soleplates precisely engineered for each of its iron models, so you always get a secure fit and optimal performance. And here is good news: a protective soleplate is included with every Laurastar ironing system purchase, so you can start protecting your dark fabrics and delicate textiles from day one. Of course, it is also available to purchase separately should you ever need a replacement. Ironing over silk or any heat-sensitive textile becomes a confident, worry-free process.
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, S/S PLUS
Engineered for Laurastar S and S PLUS irons, this protective soleplate prevents shiny patches on dark fabrics and allows safe ironing of heat-sensitive textiles like silk. Its special heat-reducing coating is the centrepiece of any considered professional kit. It is included with your Laurastar S or S PLUS system at purchase, and can also be bought separately.
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, LIFT+/XTRA
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, SMART U/M
Tailored for Laurastar SMART U and SMART M irons, this protective soleplate brings the same Swiss-engineered heat management to a broader range of users. Essential for anyone working with dark fabrics or luxury textiles at home. Included with your SMART U or SMART M system at purchase, and available to buy separately.
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, PULSE/S XTRA
Adapted to Laurastar's 3D iron head, this protective soleplate delivers superior fabric protection for PULSE and S XTRA iron owners. The 3D form follows the iron's geometry precisely, ensuring no slippage and consistent heat reduction across the full sole surface. Included with your PULSE or S XTRA system at purchase, and available separately.
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, LIFT/GO
For Laurastar LIFT and GO iron users, this protective soleplate ensures delicate and dark fabrics are never compromised. Attach it in seconds and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional-grade textile care at home. Included with your LIFT or GO system at purchase, and available to buy separately.
Protective soleplate for delicate fabrics, SMART I
Designed specifically for the Laurastar SMART I iron, this protective soleplate completes the range, ensuring that every Laurastar user can access the same level of garment care and fabric protection that professionals rely on. Included with your SMART I system at purchase, and available separately if needed.
The ironing board cover and heat-resistant mat: completing your setup
No serious ironing setup is complete without the right ironing board cover and a reliable heat-resistant iron mat. These two essential tools work quietly in the background, but their impact on the quality of your results and the safety of your ironing session is significant. For anyone committed to genuine garment care, they are as important as the iron itself.
Laurastar's range of ironing board covers, the Universalcovers, are designed to fit most ironing boards on the market, making them a truly versatile choice for any laundry room. Made from 100% cotton with a 6 mm foam padding, they allow just the right amount of steam through while providing a smooth, comfortable ironing surface. The built-in folding lines are a particularly clever touch, acting as visual guides for perfectly aligned piles of clothes. Available in several colourways and exclusive Laurastar designs, each ironing board cover is machine washable at 30°C, making upkeep effortless. Whether you choose the understated Universalcover Dark Grey, the classic Universalcover Black or the elegant Universalcover Light Grey, you are investing in a high-quality, heat-resistant cover engineered to enhance every ironing session and protect both your board and your garments.
The heat-resistant iron mat is equally indispensable. Whether you need to set your iron down mid-session or are working in a space where table surfaces need protecting, this insulating mat handles it with ease. It is suitable for all Laurastar irons as well as most other irons on the market, making it one of the most versatile pieces of ironing equipment in the range. A dedicated version, the heat-resistant iron mat for the LIFT, is also available for LIFT system users who prefer a board-specific solution.
Together, these essential tools transform a basic setup into a genuinely professional ironing station, one where every element has been considered, every surface is protected and every session can be completed with confidence and ease. They are the kind of luxury that, once experienced, becomes impossible to do without.
Descaling and anti-scale care: the hidden essentials of steam ironing
There is one category of ironing accessories that rarely makes it onto a shopping list until something goes wrong: descaling and anti-scale care. Yet for anyone using a steam iron or steam generator on a regular basis, these are among the most important essential tools for protecting your equipment and maintaining the quality of your results over time.
Limescale is the invisible enemy of any steam-based ironing equipment. When tap water is heated repeatedly inside a boiler or thermobloc, mineral deposits gradually build up on internal components. Left unchecked, this leads to reduced steam output, blocked vents and, eventually, irreversible damage to the appliance. The solution is twofold: filtering the water before it enters the system with an anti-scale cartridge, and periodically removing any residual deposits with a dedicated descaling solution.
An anti-scale cartridge sits inside the water tank and filters tap water before it is used for steaming. It works in three ways: preventing limescale from forming on boiler components, filtering out salts to improve steam quality, and protecting internal parts against corrosion. It is a small, unassuming accessory that plays an enormous role in the longevity of your ironing equipment and the consistency of your garment care results. Most cartridges simply need replacing when an indicator light activates, making maintenance straightforward even for those new to professional ironing.
Even with a cartridge in place, a periodic descaling solution treatment is recommended to remove any mineral deposits that have accumulated over time. A good descaling product is gentle on internal components while being highly effective at dissolving limescale, restoring the appliance to its optimal performance and extending its lifespan considerably.
Laurastar offers both products as part of its complete accessory range, developed in Switzerland specifically for its ironing systems. The anti-scale cartridges are available in versions compatible with each system in the range, including the AURA, LIFT, SMART and GO, ensuring the right level of filtration for every appliance. The descaling solution, developed in partnership with Durgol in Switzerland, is specially formulated to be gentle on Laurastar components while delivering a thorough clean. Together, they form an essential part of any serious textile care and wardrobe care routine, and are readily available from Laurastar's official UK shop.
The steam cord holder: a small tool with a big difference
It is one of those accessories that you do not fully appreciate until you have used it. The steam cord holder from Laurastar is a deceptively simple tool that makes a genuine, tangible difference to the ironing experience, particularly during longer sessions with a steam generator system. For anyone building a complete set of essential tools for their laundry room, it is an easy addition to overlook and a hard one to live without once discovered.
By clipping onto the edge of any ironing board and guiding the steam cord through a flexible upper loop, it keeps the cord elevated and away from the garment being pressed. No more pulling, no more snagging, no more moments where the cord brushes against a freshly pressed section of fabric. For anyone working with delicate or dark fabrics, where every mark matters, this kind of precision in your professional ironing setup is not a luxury but a necessity.
Its folding mechanism means it stays attached to the board even when not in use, ready to be positioned whenever needed. It is exactly the kind of considered, ergonomic garment care design that defines Laurastar's approach to steam iron accessories and wardrobe care as a whole.
Where to shop for professional ironing accessories in the UK
If you are looking for high-quality ironing accessories from a trusted UK shop with a proven track record in professional ironing and textile care, Laurastar's official UK website is the place to start. The full range of essential tools is available directly online, from compatible protective soleplates for every iron model to heat-resistant covers, ironing board covers, iron mats and steam iron accessories, all with the assurance of official stock, correct compatibility and expert customer support.
Shopping directly from the brand also means you benefit from Laurastar's product expertise. Choosing the correct soleplate for your iron model is simple when you are buying from the source: no guesswork, no generic alternatives and no risk of purchasing an accessory that does not fit. This matters particularly for luxury and delicate garment care, where the protective soleplate must be a precision fit to deliver proper fabric protection and safe professional ironing results.
For those building a home laundry room ironing station from scratch, it is worth investing in the complete professional kit: a compatible protective soleplate, a high-quality ironing board cover such as the Universalcover Black or the Universalcover Dark Grey, a heat-resistant mat and a steam cord holder. Together, these essential tools represent a complete and considered approach to wardrobe care, and they are all available in one place.
Frequently asked questions about ironing accessories
A protective soleplate is an accessory that attaches to the bottom of your iron, creating a barrier between the iron's hot plate and the fabric. It reduces heat at the point of contact and prevents the iron from touching the fabric fibres directly. If you regularly iron dark fabrics, wool, silk or other heat-sensitive textiles, a protective soleplate is an essential piece of ironing equipment, not an optional extra. Without one, you risk permanent shine marks and heat damage that cannot be undone. It is one of the most important essential tools for serious garment care at home.
Laurastar produces protective soleplates designed specifically for each iron model in its range. It is important to choose the version that corresponds to your iron. For example, the soleplate for Laurastar S and S PLUS models differs from the one designed for SMART U/M or LIFT/GO irons. You can find the correct accessory for your model on the Laurastar UK website, where each product page clearly indicates compatibility. Good news: the soleplate is included with every Laurastar system purchase, so you can start caring for your dark fabrics and luxury textiles straight away.
Yes. The heat-resistant iron mat from Laurastar is designed to work with all Laurastar irons and is also compatible with most irons available on the market. It is a versatile and practical piece of ironing equipment for any setup, offering a safe resting surface for a hot iron at any point during your session. It is one of those essential tools that every laundry room should have.
Yes. Laurastar's Universalcover range of ironing board covers are all machine washable at 30°C without the spin cycle, which makes them easy to maintain as part of your regular laundry room routine. Made from 100% cotton with generous foam padding, they fit most ironing boards on the market thanks to a practical clip that secures them firmly in place, making wardrobe care and professional ironing that much more effortless.
Shiny patches on dark fabrics occur when the iron's heat flattens and melts the surface fibres of the fabric, causing them to reflect light differently from the surrounding material. This is most common with wool, polyester blends and tightly woven dark textiles. Using a protective soleplate or a pressing cloth as a steam protector reduces direct heat transfer and prevents this from happening, preserving the depth and appearance of the fabric and extending the life of your luxury garments.
An anti-scale cartridge is a filter that purifies tap water before it enters your iron's boiler, removing limestone, salts and impurities that would otherwise build up inside the appliance over time. Without it, limescale deposits gradually reduce steam quality, clog the boiler components and shorten the lifespan of your ironing system. It is one of the most important yet often overlooked pieces of ironing equipment for long-term textile care. Laurastar offers dedicated anti-scale cartridges designed specifically for each of its systems, including the LIFT, SMART and GO ranges, so you always get the right filter for your machine.
There is no single answer, as it depends on several factors: how frequently you iron, the hardness of your local water supply and whether you use an anti-scale cartridge. In areas with hard water, limescale builds up faster, so descaling may be needed more often. If you iron daily or several times a week, your appliance will naturally require more regular maintenance than one used occasionally. As a general rule, descaling regularly is always a good habit, and it is worth keeping a bottle of descaling solution to hand so you are never caught out. Laurastar's solution, developed in Switzerland by Durgol, is specially formulated to be gentle on the delicate internal parts of Laurastar systems while effectively dissolving limescale, making it a straightforward and essential part of any thorough garment care and ironing equipment maintenance routine.
The best place to buy high-quality professional ironing accessories from a trusted UK shop is directly from the Laurastar official UK website. You will find the complete range of steam iron accessories including protective soleplates, ironing board covers, heat-resistant covers, iron mats, anti-scale cartridges, descaling solutions and all the essential tools for textile care and garment care, all guaranteed genuine, correctly specified and compatible with your Laurastar system.