Articles by Lauren Bradbury - Page 2

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

Steam cleaning is my favourite way to deep-clean my carpets – this is how to do it in 6 easy steps

I predict it’s going to be a bestseller – Minky just dropped its first steam cleaner for powerful, chemical-free cleaning

I’ve spotted an epic Shark indoor-outdoor fan deal you don’t want to miss – the 4-in-1 misting fan is a heatwave hero

I put Hoover’s new £270 robot vacuum and mop to the test – it’s perfect for hands-free cleans

‘I’ve never been so ruthless!’ – This is how I used the 5-second decluttering rule to declutter my under-the-stairs cupboard

My dog and I tested the best vacuums for pet hair in our fluff-filled home – these are the only 6 I'd recommend

I’m a cleaning editor, and these are the 6 best upholstery cleaners I rate to refresh sofas, curtains and carpets

I just replaced the flooring in my home – these are the 5 decisions I instantly regret (and won’t ever make again)

I'm buying three immediately – Shark has flipped the script on everything I thought I knew about air purifiers with its new colourful releases

How to deadhead hydrangeas for perky, healthy plants that bounce back each year

Does an air purifier cool a room? The experts share what they can and can't do for those looking to beat the heat this summer

Experts reveal how long a vacuum cleaner should actually last – and the 4 things drastically reducing its lifespan

It takes a lot to impress me as an expert vacuum tester – but Gtech’s one-and-only stick vacuum won me over

I tested three blind cleaning tools to see which one would actually leave my blinds dust-free – and no, it wasn’t a regular duster

I tested the best air purifiers against smoke, cooking smells and everyday allergens – these are the 6 I'd pick for a healthy home

‘People with tidy cupboards don’t own fewer things by accident’ – these are the 6 things you need to avoid to keep your kitchen cupboards clutter-free

‘I love it so much I’ve already bought another one!’ – Lakeland’s £10 mini countertop vacuum is a crumb-busting kitchen must-have

Bicarbonate of soda is one of my favourite cleaning products, but these are the 5 things you should never clean with it

I’m a lazy cleaner, but the best vacuum mops offer twice the clean with half the effort — and after testing, these are my top 3 picks

I’m a cleaning editor, and these are the best cleaning products that actually work – and the ones I use in my own home

A French drain could save your garden from flooding – here's how it works

I’m a vacuum expert and swear by my handheld vacuum for whole-home cleaning – these are the 7 ways you can use it around the house

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to get rid of dust mites – but only if you do these 3 things

Who said Tefal only sells pots and pans? I tested their newest vacuum mop, and it’s a game-changer for messy homes

This £29 IKEA buy has drastically reduced the amount of dust in my home – and it’s £100s cheaper than its competitors