
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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I tested the best air purifiers against smoke, cooking smells and everyday allergens – these are the 6 I'd pick for a healthy home
The best air purifiers for improving indoor air quality, as tested by the Ideal Home team
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘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
People with tidy kitchen cupboards *never* do these things
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘I love it so much I’ve already bought another one!’ – Lakeland’s £10 mini countertop vacuum is a crumb-busting kitchen must-have
It's become my go-to cleaning tool
By Lauren Bradbury
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Bicarbonate of soda is one of my favourite cleaning products, but these are the 5 things you should never clean with it
It’s a fantastic tool for cleaning, but it could cause damage if used in the wrong areas…
By Lauren Bradbury
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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 little obsessed with vacuum mops, and these three have won me over more than most
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a cleaning editor, and these are the best cleaning products that *actually* work – and the ones I use in my own home
This is exactly what you should have under your kitchen sink...
By Lauren Bradbury
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A French drain could save your garden from flooding – here's how it works
Here's everything you need to know
By Lauren Bradbury
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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
They're way more versatile than you'd think
By Lauren Bradbury
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Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to get rid of dust mites – but only if you do these 3 things
It could do more harm than good if you don't use the appliance properly
By Lauren Bradbury
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Who said Tefal only sells pots and pans? I tested their newest vacuum mop, and it’s a game-changer for messy homes
It has the longest run time I've ever come across
By Lauren Bradbury
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This £29 IKEA buy has drastically reduced the amount of dust in my home – and it’s £100s cheaper than its competitors
It's small but mighty
By Lauren Bradbury
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Lidl is selling a £70 cordless vacuum cleaner with a ‘secret’ cleaning function – and I predict it’ll fly off the shelves this week
The middle of Lidl has done it again
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve lived with a south-facing garden for the past five years, and this is why I’ll never buy a house with one again
It may be controversial, but I hate my sunny garden
By Lauren Bradbury
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I thought Shark’s viral misting fan had completely sold out, but I’ve just found a ‘secret’ stash still available – and they’re on sale, too!
Don't tell anyone else...
By Lauren Bradbury
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Everyone’s rushing to buy fans and air conditioners, but this ‘secret’ 3-in-1 alternative is one of the best Amazon Prime Day deals I’ve spotted so far
It'll be your new hot weather hero
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is it better to water plants in the morning or at night? Experts are leaning towards one for a few crucial reasons...
This is the best option for keeping your plants happy and hydrated
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a cleaning editor, and I’ve persuaded my whole team to buy this one thing for a spotless outdoor space on a budget
I already had one, but having a second has changed the game
By Lauren Bradbury
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The high price of robot vacuums has always put me off, but this £99 Eufy bargain has finally convinced me to buy one
It's Amazon's #1 bestseller... and an absolute steal
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best cordless vacuum cleaner 2025 – 9 models I’d pick after rigorous testing and real-world home trials
Make cleaning convenient with the 9 best cordless vacuum cleaners that the Ideal Home team can't live without
By Lauren Bradbury
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Miele’s top-rated (and most stylish) stick vacuum has been slashed by £100 – it’s now one of the cheapest vacuums you can buy
For £269, it's an absolute steal
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the 3 best Dyson vacuum cleaners that are *actually* worth the price tag
If you're looking for a Dyson vacuum cleaner, these are my top picks
By Lauren Bradbury
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It’s my job to test vacuums, and these are the 9 best vacuum cleaners that have impressed me the most
We've reviewed the best vacuum cleaners, from pet hair solutions to cordless models, to help you find the right one for your cleaning needs
By Lauren Bradbury
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It's officially flying ant season – experts share how to get rid of them from your home once and for all
Sorry, flying ants. It’s time for you to fly away home
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested Dyson’s quietest, most powerful air purifier – it offers whole-home purifying unlike any other model I’ve tested
Although it's pricey, I think it’s worth every penny
By Lauren Bradbury