
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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My dog and I have spent months testing the best vacuums for pet hair – these are my top picks for homes with furry friends
Find the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair with our expert reviews
By Lauren Bradbury
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This quick hack will help your radiator work better and reduce energy bills – experts say it’s the ultimate heat booster
All you need is a common bedroom item to do it
By Lauren Bradbury
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A ‘robot garage’ is the practical storage trend I’m seeing everywhere this year – and I predict it’ll become even more popular in 2026
It's not what you'd expect it to be
By Lauren Bradbury
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I always thought electric mops were a gimmick, but my sparkling floors suggest otherwise – and now I’m obsessed
It's convinced me to ditch the bucket for good
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to lift dahlia tubers – the ideal window for stronger, healthier blooms
Aim for this sweet spot
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts want you to do this one thing if you’re using an air purifier or dehumidifier this autumn
When you think about it, it makes total sense
By Lauren Bradbury
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Stacey Solomon reveals the secret behind how she keeps Pickle Cottage so clean – and I've found where you can buy it for a bargain price
She's called it her 'best friend'
By Lauren Bradbury
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My house is way too small to store a full-size carpet cleaner – Shark’s new cleaning tool is the compact alternative I can’t stop using
It's the only thing keeping my home stain-free this autumn
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a vacuum expert, and this is how to bag a Dyson vacuum cleaner for just £250 right now
It's one of my favourite models, and now cheaper than ever
By Lauren Bradbury
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Forget the rest, this bestselling Shark vacuum deal is the only one I’d snap up this Amazon Prime Day
I've found a major bargain
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve only been using the Scrub Daddy Power Paste for a week – but I can already understand why it’s an Amazon bestseller
I can't stop cleaning with it
By Lauren Bradbury
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Lakeland’s sellout £2.99 condensation mitt is FINALLY back in stock – it’s perfect for damp homes during the colder months
I was lucky enough to get my hands on it, and I'm obsessed
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested Dyson’s new budget-friendly cordless vacuum cleaner – it’s powerful, practical and ideal for homes with pets
It's a major step up from the original
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can buy for grab-and-go cleaning
The 9 models I’d pick after rigorous testing and real-world home trials
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve spent over 300 hours testing the best vacuum cleaners – these are the 9 I’d recommend to friends and family
Must-have models from the likes of Dyson, Shark and more
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used to love lighting candles until I saw what they were doing to my home’s air quality – these are the changes I’m making to reverse the damage
Why I've stopped burning candles the 'normal' way
By Lauren Bradbury
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Condensation has always been a huge problem in my house – this is what I use to get rid of it (and it’s currently on sale!)
It's the best early Amazon Prime Deal I've seen so far
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested the new Henry corded stick vacuum – it’s powerful, practical and only £160
It merges the practicality of a stick model with the power of a corded
By Lauren Bradbury
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10 plants to propagate in September – take these cuttings now for free plants
It's one of the best-kept gardening secrets...
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried the new Dyson fan heater that offers year-round heating and cooling – it’s going to be my new winter warmer
I haven't even thought about turning the central heating on
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve tested the best electric heaters – these are my top picks for when you don’t want to turn the central heating on
The best electric heaters for staying warm, including fan, convector and bladeless indoor heaters from leading brands
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve spent months testing the best mops in my home — these are the top-rated models I’d recommend for all floor types
These are undoubtedly the best mops for laminate, vinyl, amtico, tiled and even hardwood floors
By Lauren Bradbury
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I live in an old Victorian house, and these are the things I’m doing *now* to future-proof it from damp
They're small changes that will make a big difference
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve found the best way to clean underneath (and behind) appliances without moving them
And it doesn't cost a penny
By Lauren Bradbury