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

Condensation is a huge problem in my damp Victorian home – I tried three ways to get rid of it, and this is the only one I'd use again

I predict these two floorcare appliances will dominate in 2026 – but this is the one I’d personally choose to invest in

'I love it so much I’ve already bought two more!’ – this £15 Amazon bestseller is a must-have for all homes this winter

I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the 3 best Dyson vacuum cleaners that are actually worth the price tag

I thought replacing my boiler would be time-consuming and complicated - but with BOXT, it only took about 20 minutes of my time

I've tested the best cordless, corded and robot Shark vacuums – these are my top-rated models (and many are currently on sale!)

Sorry, cordless vacuums! Shark’s powerful corded model has won me over – it's big, bold and seriously impressive

I’m a vacuum expert, and these are the best cordless vacuum cleaners you can buy for grab-and-go cleaning

This mistake is drastically draining your vacuum’s battery – and experts say we’re all guilty of doing it

I’m in my window vacuum era – it’s the only thing keeping my windows condensation-free and protected from damage this winter

I got my hands on a game-changing appliance that promises to make the dark winter mornings easier – it’s my new bedside table essential

I’ve tested dozens of Shark and Dyson vacuum cleaners – this is the brand I’d choose if I could only pick one

‘You’re unknowingly creating a breeding ground for mould’ – 4 cleaning mistakes pros warn are making your home damp

I tested the best air purifiers against dust, cooking smells and smoke – these are the 6 I’d pick for a healthy home this winter

Whatever you do this autumn, don’t use a steam mop to clean this type of flooring

I’ve found the best (and cheapest) way to deep clean my carpets – and no, it’s not with a vacuum cleaner!

I tested the world’s smallest robot vacuum cleaner – it’s powerful, practical and perfect for cosier homes

Shark has just released its cheapest vacuum EVER – it’s now only £99 in the Black Friday sale and selling out fast

Dyson deals – when and how to bag a discount on Dyson vacuums, fans and more

How to choose a vacuum cleaner - 7 questions you should ask yourself before parting with your money

How we test vacuums for pet hair at Ideal Home

How we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home

I’m a cleaning editor who lives in a hard water area -–this is everything I do to keep my home free from crusty water marks and limescale

Shark has turned the fan that prevented my ‘sleep divorce’ into a heater for winter – these are my honest thoughts on the upgrade

No, window vacuums aren’t just for windows! All the genius ways you can use this versatile cleaning tool around the house