Articles by 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.

Lauren Bradbury

Latest articles by Lauren Bradbury

I’m using the Reverse Advent decluttering method to sort out my home for Christmas – experts say one small task a day can make a huge difference

This electric mop is my best-kept secret – now I’m lifting the lid on how I keep my floors so clean during the winter months

My vacuum (and its tools) are responsible for so much clutter in my home – but this is the game-changing storage solution I'm buying to put an end to it

I’m a floorcare expert but secretly hate cleaning – this is the vacuum hack that’s sliced my cleaning time in half

I never really understood the hype around robot vacuum cleaners – but these 6 models converted me to hands-free cleaning

Shark’s bestselling cordless vacuum has already sold out, but I’ve found a secret stash on Amazon for half price

Best steam cleaners and mops — my 6 tried and tested favourites that I’d recommend for whole-home cleaning

Yep, your home probably stinks – experts reveal 3 top tips to cure nose blindness and make your home smell amazing

It’s my job to test cleaning products – and these 12 under £12 impressed me the most this month

I won’t gatekeep any longer! This is the game-changing cleaning appliance that gets me so many compliments from guests

Condensation is a huge problem in my damp Victorian home – I tried three ways to get rid of it, and this is the only one I'd use again

I predict these two floorcare appliances will dominate in 2026 – but this is the one I’d personally choose to invest in

'I love it so much I’ve already bought two more!’ – this £15 Amazon bestseller is a must-have for all homes this winter

I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the 3 best Dyson vacuum cleaners that are actually worth the price tag

I thought replacing my boiler would be time-consuming and complicated - but with BOXT, it only took about 20 minutes of my time

I've tested the best cordless, corded and robot Shark vacuums – these are my top-rated models (and many are currently on sale!)

Sorry, cordless vacuums! Shark’s powerful corded model has won me over – it's big, bold and seriously impressive

I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can buy for grab-and-go cleaning

This mistake is drastically draining your vacuum’s battery – and experts say we’re all guilty of doing it

I’m in my window vacuum era – it’s the only thing keeping my windows condensation-free and protected from damage this winter

I got my hands on a game-changing appliance that promises to make the dark winter mornings easier – it’s my new bedside table essential

I’ve tested dozens of Shark and Dyson vacuum cleaners – this is the brand I’d choose if I could only pick one

‘You’re unknowingly creating a breeding ground for mould’ – 4 cleaning mistakes pros warn are making your home damp

I tested the best air purifiers against dust, cooking smells and smoke – these are the 6 I’d pick for a healthy home this winter

Whatever you do this autumn, don’t use a steam mop to clean this type of flooring