
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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My nan introduced me to this old-school cleaning tool – now I won’t dust my house without it (and it’s professional cleaner-approved!)I didn't understand the hype, but now I'm converted
By Lauren Bradbury
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I use this Joseph Joseph cleaning set every day – but I’ve spotted IKEA has an almost-identical alternative that’s £50 cheaperAs a Cleaning Editor, I approve this alt!
By Lauren Bradbury
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I live in a tiny house with minimal storage – these are the clever clutter busters I use to keep my home tidy and organisedTrust me, they really work
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best Henry vacuum cleaners – the 6 reliable and hard-working models I’d pick for a spotless homeThese Henry vacuums are guaranteed to help you clean your home with a smile
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why does my robot vacuum cleaner keep getting stuck? This is what the experts say, and the simple ways to fix it yourselfNo, your robot vacuum isn’t broken...
By Lauren Bradbury
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I wish I didn’t love Dyson’s PencilVac as much as I do – but after three months of testing, I can’t get enough of this quirky cordlessThis is what I *really* think of the world’s slimmest vacuum
By Lauren Bradbury
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4 things that people with tidy kitchen cupboards always have – easy (and affordable) ways to instantly double your storageMaximise space while minimising clutter
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve spent months testing the best mops – these are my top picks, from budget to battery-powered modelsKeep your floors sparkling with the best mops to suit every floor type
By Lauren Bradbury
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This £6.99 Amazon bestseller is the key to keeping your fridge odour, mould and moisture-free – and it’ll keep your food fresher for longer'I couldn’t believe how much gunge it removed!’
By Lauren Bradbury
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Dunelm’s storage options are better than ever – and I’m adding these space-saving clothes organisers to my basket before they sell outAnd prices start at just £2.50!
By Lauren Bradbury
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This new VAX vacuum proves that corded is cool again – I haven’t had to pick up my cordless in weeksAnd I cleaned the entire length of my house without having to unplug it!
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m not surprised Dunelm’s new fridge organisers are selling out so quickly – they’ll tidy your fridge and keep your food fresher for longerAnd prices start from just £3.50!
By Lauren Bradbury
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Sorry, cordless vacuums – this is why I’m encouraging all of my friends and family to invest in a corded vacuum this yearIt’s time to bring back the cord
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things that people with a tidy bathroom always have – low-effort upgrades to make your small space work smarter and not harderFake a clutter-free space in the most chaotic room of the house
By Lauren Bradbury
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I never know if I’m decluttering too much or too little – so, I asked professional organisers how often I should *really* be decluttering my homeThe aim is clutter-free, not clinical
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to tell how much suction a vacuum cleaner has – and how to determine if it’s powerful enough for your homeThis is what those numbers really mean
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things that people with a tidy bedroom always have – create a calm and clutter-free sleeping space with minimal effort (and money)You need to work smarter and not harder in a bedroom
By Lauren Bradbury
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Sort Your Life Out’s Iwan Carrington shares how you can clean your entire home while fitting it around your lifestyle – it’s the perfect way to avoid overwhelmHow to stay motivated to clean when you just *really* don’t want to
By Lauren Bradbury
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This new robot vacuum cleaner will make your home smell like a spa – it’s the hands-free hero you didn’t know you neededFor a home that looks (and smells) clean!
By Lauren Bradbury
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I live in a damp Victorian home – this is the 10-minute ‘opening shift’ routine I swear by to keep my house condensation-freeIt works every time
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve tested both corded and cordless Shark vacuums – this is the option I’d choose for power and convenienceHow to choose the right option for your home, cleaning needs and budget
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are robot vacuum cleaners worth it? Everything you need to know about this year’s ‘it’ floorcare applianceThis is what I *really* think, as a vacuum expert
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things that people with a tidy hallway always have – easy and affordable ways to fake a clutter-free entryway to be proud ofMust-have essentials that'll tackle clutter with minimal effort
By Lauren Bradbury
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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-clutteringIt’s never too early to think about next Christmas
By Lauren Bradbury
