
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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Dyson has announced the release of a groundbreaking new vacuum — it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen and I want one immediately
There's more new technology than you can shake a stick at
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to keep a bedroom cool — 9 ways to beat the heat and create a comfortable sleeping space during hot weather
My bedroom is the hottest room in my house, so this is what I'll be doing to cool things down this summer
By Lauren Bradbury
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Russell Hobbs' Bladeless Tower Fan doubles as an air purifier and is the ultimate budget alternative to a Dyson — it’s so effective that I can’t sleep without it
As a hay fever sufferer and a hot sleeper, it's been a game-changer
By Lauren Bradbury
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This is the one thing you need to do if your Shark vacuum keeps stopping — it’s my secret weapon for a fault-free appliance
The good news? Your Shark vacuum cutting out can be easy to fix
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean wool carpets — 5 gentle cleaning tips to prolong your carpet’s lifespan without damaging the fibres, according to experts
After all, you probably shouldn't use a carpet cleaner
By Lauren Bradbury
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These are the things I wish I knew before buying an air purifier so you don’t make the same expensive mistakes I did
I wasted so much money before becoming an air quality expert
By Lauren Bradbury
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Dyson has quietly slashed the prices of its bestselling fans to help you beat the heat this week — our top pick is now £100 off
The Dyson Week deals are in full force, and I'm a big fan of this discount...
By Lauren Bradbury
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How we test air purifiers at Ideal Home and translate confusing specs into the information you *actually* need to know
We've put countless air purifiers through Ideal Home's testing process to find the best-in-class. Here's how we do it.
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve stopped buying cleaning products from the supermarket — this is where I go to get everything I need instead (and for a bargain price)
I spend less, and they stock all of the big brands
By Lauren Bradbury
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I always thought humidifiers were for kids, but this £25 Dunelm buy has me breathing easier than I have in months
It has rave reviews, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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This is what Shark vacuum terms like ‘CleanSense IQ’ and ‘DuoClean Detect’ actually mean — so you’re not duped into buying something you don’t need
I've decoded the complex terms so you can shop simply
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a floorcare expert who regularly tests cleaning products — but this 3-ingredient DIY floor cleaner is what I use for unbeatable results
It leaves my floors sparkling
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best steam cleaners and mops — my 6 tried and tested favourites that I’d recommend for whole-home cleaning
After reviewing, these are the best steam cleaners and mops I’d recommend for spotless floors, kitchens and bathrooms
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you buy an air purifier or a humidifier? Experts debunk which option is best for allergies and a good night’s sleep
I solve the air purifier vs humidifier debate once and for all
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts warn of the 5 flooring sounds you shouldn’t ignore — and how you can fix them to prevent costly repairs later down the line
Silence is golden when it comes to your flooring, so any noises need to be addressed ASAP
By Lauren Bradbury
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I bought multiple Shark vacuums before becoming an expert vacuum tester — these are the 5 things I wish I knew back then
I've made the mistakes so you don't have to
By Lauren Bradbury
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Aldi is bringing its bestselling Shark lookalike back to the middle aisle — and this time it’s been given a space-saving upgrade you don’t want to miss
At £44.99, this Specialbuy is an absolute bargain
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best mattress for side sleepers, plus more expert advice for sleeping comfortably
We asked various sleep experts what's the best mattress for side sleepers, which pillow to opt for, and how to sleep more comfortably on your side
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 this invisible kitchen vacuum — 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