Articles by Lauren Bradbury - Page 3

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

This new robot vacuum cleaner will make your home smell like a spa – it’s the hands-free hero you didn’t know you needed

I live in a damp Victorian home – this is the 10-minute ‘opening shift’ routine I swear by to keep my house condensation-free

I’ve tested both corded and cordless Shark vacuums – this is the option I’d choose for power and convenience

Are robot vacuum cleaners worth it? Everything you need to know about this year’s ‘it’ floorcare appliance

5 things that people with a tidy hallway always have – easy and affordable ways to fake a clutter-free entryway to be proud of

This is the 10-minute job I always do when putting my Christmas decorations away – experts say it’s the best way to prevent festive re-cluttering

This is how much it really costs to run an oil-filled radiator – and 5 ways to make that price even cheaper

I’m flipping the script on how I clean in 2026 – why I’m vowing to clean less this year (and why you should too)

5 things that people with a tidy kitchen always have – fuss-free ways to fake a clutter-free cooking space with minimal effort

I’m giving my home a post-Christmas reset – this is everything I’m doing to clear clutter and set my house up for success in 2026

Can’t get to the shops? This is the only product you need to tackle Christmas stains – and it’s already under your sink

I don’t have time to tidy my entire home before guests arrive – so, I’ve used the 5/7 decluttering method to fake a clutter-free home this Christmas

4 things that people with a tidy living room always have – and how to fake a calm, clutter-free home with minimal effort

I asked floorcare experts how to keep my floors pristine while hosting this Christmas – these are the 4 things they told me to do

I’ve spent over 300 hours testing vacuum cleaners – these are my top-rated models to suit every household

Things you’re forgetting to clean that are making your house STINK this Christmas – and yes, your tree is one of them!

‘It creates a calm, inviting space where guests will feel welcome’ – the 3 things to declutter from a spare bedroom before Christmas

Pretty but practical Christmas gifts your friends and family will actually use – they’ll tackle clutter, rather than add it

We’ve all been cleaning our ovens wrong – experts say this is the one spot we all miss (and it’s making it look filthy)

The Dyson PencilVac is here! I tried the ‘world’s slimmest vacuum’ before anyone else, and it’s ideal for grab-go-cleaning

Experts reveal how to properly clean laminate flooring – and how to keep it sparkling and scuff-free for years to come

How to remove common Christmas stains from carpets and upholstery – quick hacks for tackling everything from chocolate to gravy stains

I’m not letting shoe clutter mess up my home this Christmas – I’ve just bought a game-changing £17 storage solution to tidy up my hallway

Don’t throw your rice water down the sink! This is why you should be using this ‘magic in a bottle’ to clean your home

I tested Roomba’s new flagship robot vacuum cleaner – it’s super stylish, and will leave your hard floors sparkling