
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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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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Miele’s top-rated (and most stylish) stick vacuum has been slashed by £100 — it’s now one of the cheapest vacuums you can buy
For £269, it's an absolute steal
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the 3 best Dyson vacuum cleaners that are *actually* worth the price tag
If you're looking for a Dyson vacuum cleaner, these are my top picks
By Lauren Bradbury
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It’s my job to test vacuums, and these are the 9 best vacuum cleaners that have impressed me the most
We've reviewed the best vacuum cleaners, from pet hair solutions to cordless models, to help you find the right one for your cleaning needs
By Lauren Bradbury
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It's officially flying ant season – experts share how to get rid of them from your home once and for all
Sorry, flying ants. It’s time for you to fly away home
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested Dyson’s quietest, most powerful air purifier — it offers whole-home purifying unlike any other model I’ve tested
Although it's pricey, I think it’s worth every penny
By Lauren Bradbury
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How much does it cost to run a fan? I’ve done the sums — and worked out 5 ways to cut that cost
They're not as expensive as you'd think, but there's no harm in saving some extra cash
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things to declutter in July for the ultimate mid-year reset, according to organising experts
Top tips to enjoy a clutter-free summer
By Lauren Bradbury
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B&Q’s budget-friendly £39 fan is flying off the shelves – it’s my heatwave hero and so much cheaper than alternatives
Struggling to find a fan in stock? B&Q has got you covered
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing vacuums — these are the 6 best Shark vacuum cleaners for powerful, hassle-free cleaning
Find the best Shark vacuum for every occasion with our top picks of cordless, upright, and handheld models
By Lauren Bradbury
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I thought my allergies meant I was destined for hot, sleepless nights until I bought this alternative to a normal fan — now I won’t ever go back
I feel refreshed, and I don't want to claw my eyeballs out anymore
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best Henry vacuum cleaners — the 6 reliable and hard-working models I’d pick for a spotless home
These Henry vacuums are guaranteed to help you clean your home with a smile
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shh! Don’t tell anyone else, but my favourite Shark vacuum is now just £170 in this early Amazon Prime Day deal
My mum and I are obsessed with this Shark vacuum
By Lauren Bradbury
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This is the difference between a carpet cleaner and a spot cleaner — because they’re not the same (and offer very different results!)
Experts reveal which one will suit you (and your carpets) best
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark has jumped on the hottest appliance trend of the year with its new release – but it’s £100s cheaper than competitors
It really is the tool that does it all, and it comes in three stunning colourways
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested a budget vacuum that’s almost identical to my Dyson — it’s over £500 cheaper and perfect for quick cleans
It's the best Dyson alternative I've ever tested
By Lauren Bradbury
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Stop buying supermarket cleaning products! These 11 natural cleaning hacks make use of items already in your fridge and pantry
Time to ditch the Flash in favour of an onion
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark’s viral misting fan is currently on sale – I predict it’ll be an instant sellout
This deal can’t be mist! Excuse the pun...
By Lauren Bradbury
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I swear by this £2 household staple to clean my entire home – these are 7 ways you can use it in yours too
You probably already have it in your kitchen cupboards
By Lauren Bradbury
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Everyone with a clean home loves these Joseph Joseph buys – and they’re currently up to 50% off
And prices start from just £2
By Lauren Bradbury
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I was almost considering a summer ‘sleep divorce’ — but after testing Shark’s newest fan, it’s (thankfully) off the table
It makes cooling a breeze
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to remove stains from carpet – a foolproof guide to DIY stain removal for red wine, grease or coffee stains
Everything you need to know about DIY carpet stain removal
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean carpet – expert-approved ways to freshen up your floors without the hassle
Carpet looking tired, dull, or dirty? These tips will help it look as good as new
By Lauren Bradbury
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My whole family is allergic to my dog — these are the 4 things I do to get rid of pet dander in my home, so you'd never know
Every pet owner should know these
By Lauren Bradbury