Lines & Accessories

About Lines & Accessories

Lines and accessories are essential household items that make everyday laundry tasks more efficient and organised. This category encompasses a range of products designed to streamline clothes drying and ironing, from retractable washing lines and ironing boards to replacement covers and specialist cleaning equipment accessories. Whether you're managing a busy household, running a small bed and breakfast, or simply looking to upgrade your laundry setup, the right lines and accessories can transform time-consuming chores into quick, straightforward tasks.

Modern washing lines have evolved far beyond the traditional outdoor rope, with innovative designs including retractable indoor models, wall-mounted systems, and space-saving solutions perfect for flats and smaller properties. Tooled-Up.com stocks a carefully selected range of lines and accessories from trusted brands including Kärcher and Vileda, ensuring quality and durability for both domestic and light commercial applications. These products are engineered to withstand regular use whilst maintaining their functionality and appearance over time.

Complementing traditional washing lines are advanced ironing solutions such as active ironing boards with integrated blower and steam extraction functions. These professional-grade accessories connect to standard 240v mains power and deliver salon-quality results at home, making them particularly valuable for anyone who regularly irons delicate fabrics or large volumes of laundry.

Jargon Buster

• Retractable Line: A space-saving washing line that extends when needed and retracts into a compact housing when not in use, ideal for bathrooms, utility rooms, and balconies where permanent fixtures aren't practical.
• Active Steam Extraction: A powered feature found in professional ironing boards that draws steam and moisture away from fabrics during ironing, preventing dampness and ensuring crisp, dry results on the first pass.
• Blower Function: An integrated air cushion system in advanced ironing boards that creates a gentle upward airflow, lifting delicate fabrics slightly off the board surface to prevent shine, crushing, or damage to textured materials.
• Cordomatic: A term used to describe washing line systems with automatic cord retraction mechanisms, allowing smooth extension and controlled retraction without tangling or jamming.
• Working Height Adjustment: The ability to raise or lower ironing boards to suit different user heights, reducing back strain and improving comfort during extended ironing sessions.
• Integrated Cover System: Purpose-designed ironing board covers that fit specific models precisely, often featuring heat-reflective materials or padding optimised for steam ironing performance.

Who Uses Lines & Accessories?

• Homeowners and tenants managing household laundry in properties of all sizes
• Landlords equipping rental properties with essential laundry facilities
• Bed and breakfast operators requiring reliable, high-capacity drying and ironing solutions
• Caravan and motorhome enthusiasts needing compact, portable washing line systems
• Student accommodation managers providing communal laundry facilities
• Care homes and sheltered housing facilities maintaining resident laundry services
• Holiday let owners furnishing self-catering properties with guest amenities
• Cleaning professionals who offer ironing services alongside domestic cleaning
• Uniform suppliers and alterations businesses requiring professional pressing equipment

How to Choose the Right Lines & Accessories

When selecting washing lines, consider the available space and typical load size. Retractable models from brands like Vileda offer excellent flexibility for smaller rooms, whilst fixed outdoor lines suit properties with gardens or yards. Check the maximum weight capacity – most domestic lines handle 10-15kg comfortably, but verify this against your typical washing loads to avoid sagging or damage.

For ironing boards, height adjustability is crucial for comfortable use. Look for models offering multiple working heights to accommodate different users and prevent back strain. If you regularly iron delicate fabrics, consider investing in an active ironing board with 240v-powered steam extraction and blower functions. The selection available from Tooled-Up includes advanced options from Kärcher that deliver professional results whilst remaining user-friendly for domestic applications.

Material quality significantly impacts longevity. Stainless steel line cables resist rust and sagging better than coated alternatives, whilst robust plastic housings withstand moisture exposure in bathrooms and utility rooms. For ironing board covers, seek heat-reflective materials that enhance steam performance and provide adequate padding to prevent board patterns transferring to garments.

Installation requirements matter, particularly in rental properties. Wall-mounted systems need secure fixing to solid walls or studs, whilst freestanding solutions offer portability but require floor space. Always verify included fixings are suitable for your wall type – masonry fixings differ from plasterboard anchors, and incorrect installation can cause damage or accidents.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement ironing board covers to refresh worn surfaces and maintain optimal pressing performance
• Extension line kits for increasing drying capacity on existing installations
• Wall mounting brackets and fixings for secure installation on various surfaces
• Ironing board padding to replace compressed underlayers and improve results
• Line props and supports for traditional outdoor washing lines
• Garment hangers and clips for items that benefit from hanging whilst damp
• Ironing water and starch sprays to achieve crisp, professional finishes
• Sock and peg organisers to streamline the drying process

Frequently Asked Questions

Can retractable washing lines be used outdoors?

Whilst some retractable lines are suitable for sheltered outdoor locations like covered patios, most are designed primarily for indoor use. Exposure to rain and UV can degrade plastic components and mechanisms over time. Check manufacturer specifications – models rated for outdoor use typically feature weather-resistant housings and stainless steel cables.

Do active ironing boards need to be plugged in constantly?

Active ironing boards with blower and extraction functions require connection to a 240v mains socket during use, but only when you want to activate these powered features. They can be used as standard ironing boards without power, though you'll miss the benefits of steam extraction and the air cushion effect that makes ironing delicate fabrics easier.

How much weight can a typical retractable washing line support?

Most domestic retractable lines support 10-15kg when properly installed, equivalent to a standard washing machine load. However, this assumes correct wall mounting into solid masonry or timber studs. Plasterboard-only fixings significantly reduce safe working loads, so always use appropriate wall anchors and follow installation instructions carefully.

Are replacement covers universal or model-specific?

Ironing board covers vary considerably in size and fastening systems. Whilst "universal" covers exist in standard size ranges, model-specific covers like those for the Kärcher AB 1000 provide superior fit and performance. They're tailored to exact board dimensions and may include features like cable routing or padding optimised for that particular model's functions.

What's the advantage of steam extraction in ironing boards?

Active steam extraction draws moisture away from fabrics as you iron, preventing dampness from being pressed back into the weave. This means garments emerge completely dry and crease-free after a single pass, reducing ironing time and preventing the musty smell sometimes associated with inadequately dried fabrics. It's particularly beneficial for thick materials like denim or layered items like shirt collars.