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

I tried the new Dyson fan heater that offers year-round heating and cooling – it’s going to be my new winter warmer

I’ve tested the best electric heaters – these are my top picks for when you don’t want to turn the central heating on

I’ve spent months testing the best mops in my home — these are the top-rated models I’d recommend for all floor types

I live in an old Victorian house, and these are the things I’m doing now to future-proof it from damp

I’ve found the best way to clean underneath (and behind) appliances without moving them

5 things I wish I knew before getting my first robot vacuum cleaner that would have saved me a lot of hassle

I’ve wasted thousands on getting my gutters professionally cleaned when I could have just bought these DIY tools instead

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

I tested a new Dyson air purifier that will also humidify and cool your home – it’s improved my home’s air quality and my dry skin

VAX's new carpet cleaner boasts the game-changing feature I've been waiting for — it fills a major gap in the market

I tested Dyson’s newest (and most powerful) cordless vacuum cleaner — if I could give it 6 stars, I would

Currys has slashed £100 off Shark’s brand new vacuum cleaner — but you’ll have to be quick as the deal ends soon

Forget vacuums, Dyson is about to launch two of the most revolutionary floor cleaning tools I’ve seen this year

I visited Dyson HQ and tested out their new vacuums, air purifiers and heater before they go on sale — these are the ones I’d wait to invest in

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

Shark has just announced a cordless spot cleaner that’ll tackle stains in seconds — this is how to get your hands on it before it (inevitably) sells out!

I test vacuums for a living, and these are the only 6 handheld vacuums I’d recommend to family and friends

Experts urge anyone with a fireplace to do this one thing before winter for the health and safety of their family

‘It cut my cleaning time down by at least half!’ — this £20 skirting board cleaning tool has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon

I tested a robot vacuum and mop that offers hands-free cleaning for up to seven weeks — I didn’t have to lift a finger

How to shop the 'secret side' of Dyson — It’s now my go-to for discounted vacuums, fans and more

How to organise a junk drawer — professional organisers share how to make sense of the chaos in 5 easy steps

Sorry, mops! This is what you should actually be using to clean tiled floors, according to the pros

I never thought a robot vacuum would compete with my regular vacuum — this 5-star Eufy model proved me wrong

10 things to declutter in 10 minutes — the cheat’s way to a clean and tidy home with minimal effort