
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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Things you can no longer recycle when decluttering due to new bin rules in EnglandHow the new regulations will affect your spring clear-out
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a storage-obsessed editor who hates ugly storage baskets – pretty-but-practical alternatives to add to your homeWho says storage has to be an eyesore?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Thought one air purifier was enough? Think again! This is how to work out how many air purifiers you *actually* needIt's not a one-size-fits-all appliance
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 6 best Shark vacuum cleaners to buy right now – tried and tested by a Vacuum ExpertFind the best Shark vacuum for every home and budget
By Lauren Bradbury
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It’s taken four months to get an offer on my house – the 6 selling mistakes I won't make againWhat I'll be avoiding next time for a quicker (and easier) sale
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things I decluttered before selling my house – how I made it look more desirable for viewingsAnd pocketed some extra cash in the process
By Lauren Bradbury
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I banished funky fridge smells using this handy £22 gadget – it works for 10 years without needing refillsIt also tackles smelly shoes, wardrobes and cars
By Lauren Bradbury
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I spent £10,000 trying to add value to my house before putting it on the market – what was worth it, and what wasn’tThere are two things I'd never waste time or money on again
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 messy things that guests always notice in your hallway – and the clutter busters that’ll hide them from nosy visitorsWhat you need to give them a welcome you're proud of
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 cleaningMy top-rated dust busters from Shark, Dyson, Gtech and more
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things that people with healthy air quality always have in their homes – keep nasty pollutants out of the houseThe pollutant-busters you need for a healthy home
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are air purifiers worth the hype? As someone who has lived with *and* without one, this is my takeIs it the right investment for your home?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark’s bestselling auto-empty cordless vacuum has had a glow-up – after trying it out myself, I agree it’s worth every pennyIt's a game-changer for pet owners
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 messy things that guests always notice in your bathroom – and the clever storage essentials you can use to hide themHow to host in (clutter-free) style
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m in desperate need of clever storage for my shed – this is what I’m buying to keep it organisedThese clutter-busters will do the trick
By Lauren Bradbury
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Sorry, Shark and Dyson! I tested a new cordless vacuum cleaner that’s given the big brands a serious run for their moneyAnd it solves the biggest problem I have with cordless vacuums
By Lauren Bradbury
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I stopped paying for a window cleaner and used these DIY window cleaning tools instead – they offer professional-looking results without the price tagYour windows will look better than ever
By Lauren Bradbury
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I don’t have the space to store a full-size carpet cleaner in my small home – this is how I refresh my carpets for spring without oneNo storage space? No problem!
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things people with a tidy under-the-sink cupboard always have – clutter-busting tools to double your storage space and curb the chaosFix the mess once and for all
By Lauren Bradbury
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I recommend this handy mini countertop vacuum to everyone I meet – but I can’t stop thinking about these perfect pastel alternatives*Adds to basket immediately*
By Lauren Bradbury
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My nan convinced me to swap my high-tech vacuum for this old-school alternative – it’s £100s cheaper and so easy to useIt's earned a permanent spot in my cleaning cupboard
By Lauren Bradbury
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I spend my days testing vacuum cleaners – this is the brand I’d choose if I were torn between Dyson or HenryI explore the battle of the British vacuum icons
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used the 3-30 cleaning method to ‘fake’ a spring clean of my home – it was so effective that I completed my to-do list days ahead of scheduleIt’s my new low-effort way to keep my home clean and clutter-free
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things people with a tidy under-the-stairs cupboard always have – banish clutter and maximise storage in this small-but-mighty spaceTurn your 'dumping ground' into a storage space to be proud of
By Lauren Bradbury
