
Lauren Bradbury
Lauren Bradbury started writing for Ideal Home's House Manual section back in 2023 as a freelance writer, writing about everything you need to make a house a home - from cleaning tips and DIY hacks to energy-saving guides and decluttering methods. After building up a wealth of information on the practical side of running a home, she joined the team permanently as Content Editor for House Manual in January 2025. When she's not writing how-to guides and handy features, Lauren is constantly updating many of our home appliance buying guides and is now the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, having spent over 110 hours testing different vacuum models - as well as the latest releases in the world of dehumidifiers, electric heaters, air purifiers, and more. In doing this, Lauren is able to assess everything a consumer may want to know about the essential household products that make life so much easier. Before joining the Ideal Home team, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She then dipped her toe into the world of content writing, primarily focusing on home content. After years of agency work, she decided to take the plunge and become a full-time freelancer for online publications, including Real Homes and Ideal Home. It was during this time that she also took an interest in transforming her bland Victorian terrace into a cosy home with the help of affordable DIYs and considered styling.
Ideal Home Truths
Where’s your happy place?
My happy place is sitting in my living room with my dog by my side. Myself and my husband have painted the walls around five times since we moved in, but we have finally settled on a sage green colour that has turned it into the cosy space I was really hoping for.
What’s your home addiction?
I just can’t get enough of candles and reed diffusers. Every room in my house smells different, which means I’m hit with a new smell everywhere I walk. For some reason, this just puts a smile on my face and really awakens my senses - especially when I’m working from home.
What is your next home project?
Since moving into my home in 2020, I’ve tried to avoid any major renovations, but my bathroom is in need of some serious TLC. Like many Victorian properties, the bathroom is on the ground floor and is extremely hard to ignore. So, I’m hoping to transform the old, white bathroom into a bright oasis that still acknowledges its Victorian roots.
Latest articles by Lauren Bradbury
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Does a dehumidifier cool a room? Experts say it has some surprising benefits to help you beat the summer heat
Could it replace your fan and AC unit?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Instagram just introduced me to plinth vacuums — this is why every kitchen should have this clever, crumb-busting cleaning appliance
Meet your new cleaning essential, no bending or dustpans required
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘Städdag’ is the Swedish cleaning method I’ve been using to clean my home for months — this is why I’ll never clean any other way
The Scandinavians (and now me) swear by it
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts warn these flooring choices will make it harder to sell your home — why it may pay off (quite literally) to replace them before you move
Certain flooring choices can increase the value of your home by up to 5%
By Lauren Bradbury
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I asked a Dyson engineer how you can avoid these common Dyson vacuum cleaner problems — and how to make the most of your machine
From a loss of suction to poor battery life, I asked the questions to get the answers you need
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts warn that these 5 mopping mistakes are making your floors dirtier — and damaging your floors in the process
This is how to keep them clean and avoid costly damage
By Lauren Bradbury
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I threw wine, tea and mud on my carpets to test out Shark’s newest carpet cleaner — but after using it, you wouldn’t know
With the built-in spot cleaner, it's also a game-changer for pet parents
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 signs you’ve taken decluttering too far — and how you can pull yourself back, according to organisation experts
You might have to start resisting the urge to purge
By Lauren Bradbury
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I ditched my regular vacuum to test Shark’s newest (and cheapest) release — it’s a great entry-level Shark vacuum cleaner
The Shark PowerPro is cheap and cheerful, but might not suit everyone
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean paving slabs — a foolproof 5-step process to clean winter grime off your driveway, patio, or garden paths
Spruce up your outdoor space in 5 easy steps
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is vacuuming or mopping better? Flooring experts explain how to choose the right cleaning tool for your needs
I explore the big vacuuming vs mopping debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve been using Lakeland’s new £5 mini mop as a shower squeegee, window cleaner and damp duster — it’s the ultimate multi-purpose cleaning tool
Yep, I've added this new mini cleaning tool to my collection
By Lauren Bradbury
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My mum introduced me to Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ recipe - now I don’t think I’ll need to buy another cleaning product ever again
I live in a hard water area, and it's the ONLY thing that's removed the limescale in my toilet
By Lauren Bradbury
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This £200 limited-time discount makes this Dyson vacuum cheaper than I’ve ever seen it - run don’t walk to Argos for this bargain
It's the most affordable Dyson on the market right now
By Lauren Bradbury
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What to do with tulips after flowering – and the one mistake gardeners make that will ruin next year's blooms
These three tips will increase their chances of flowering again
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best cordless vacuum cleaner 2025 — 9 models I’d pick after rigorous testing and real-world home trials
Make cleaning convenient with the 9 best cordless vacuum cleaners that the Ideal Home team can't live without
By Lauren Bradbury
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I thought I knew how to clean my hard flooring until I tried Vileda’s new steam mop — the grime it picked up was downright embarrassing
It's a game-changer for muddy paws and invisible grime
By Lauren Bradbury
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Lawn care calendar – the tasks you should be doing each month to guarantee healthy grass all year round
Our expert-approved, month-by-month guide
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hide an ugly fence — 6 ways to disguise an eyesore fence without spending a fortune
Ugly fence? We’ve got you covered
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to mop every type of floor the right way — a foolproof 5-step process for squeaky-clean floors every time
How to master the ultimate mopping technique
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 things that feel illegal to declutter — and how professional organisers reuse them around the home instead
Experts reveal what to do with those 'just in case' items
By Lauren Bradbury
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Professional organisers say these 7 things should always be stored in drawers
From kitchen essentials in your cupboards to clothing in your wardrobe, these items are better suited to your drawers
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best handheld vacuum cleaners for quick cleans tried and tested
Tackle spills, crumbs and pet hair in a hurry with the best handheld vacuum cleaners
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are cylinder vacuums having a comeback? Miele’s newest release has me questioning why they even left in the first place
I put Miele's brand new vacuum through its paces, and it packs some serious power
By Lauren Bradbury