
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’m in desperate need of clever storage for my shed – this is what I’m buying to keep it organisedThese clutter-busters will do the trick
By Lauren Bradbury
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Sorry, Shark and Dyson! I tested a new cordless vacuum cleaner that’s given the big brands a serious run for their moneyAnd it solves the biggest problem I have with cordless vacuums
By Lauren Bradbury
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I stopped paying for a window cleaner and used these DIY window cleaning tools instead – they offer professional-looking results without the price tagYour windows will look better than ever
By Lauren Bradbury
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I don’t have the space to store a full-size carpet cleaner in my small home – this is how I refresh my carpets for spring without oneNo storage space? No problem!
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things people with a tidy under-the-sink cupboard always have – clutter-busting tools to double your storage space and curb the chaosFix the mess once and for all
By Lauren Bradbury
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I recommend this handy mini countertop vacuum to everyone I meet – but I can’t stop thinking about these perfect pastel alternatives*Adds to basket immediately*
By Lauren Bradbury
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My nan convinced me to swap my high-tech vacuum for this old-school alternative – it’s £100s cheaper and so easy to useIt's earned a permanent spot in my cleaning cupboard
By Lauren Bradbury
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I spend my days testing vacuum cleaners – this is the brand I’d choose if I were torn between Dyson or HenryI explore the battle of the British vacuum icons
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used the 3-30 cleaning method to ‘fake’ a spring clean of my home – it was so effective that I completed my to-do list days ahead of scheduleIt’s my new low-effort way to keep my home clean and clutter-free
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things people with a tidy under-the-stairs cupboard always have – banish clutter and maximise storage in this small-but-mighty spaceTurn your 'dumping ground' into a storage space to be proud of
By Lauren Bradbury
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5 things people with tidy clothes always have in their drawers and wardrobes – ditch the ‘floordrobe’ and restore order to your clothes storageMaximise space and minimise clutter with these affordable buys
By Lauren Bradbury
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I test vacuums for a living, and these are the 6 handheld models I’d recommend for quick cleans in the home (and the car!)The best handheld vacuum cleaners for speedy cleans, awkward corners and a crumb-free car
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested the best air purifiers against dust, cooking smells and smoke – these are the 6 I’d pick for a healthy home this summerThe best air purifiers for improving indoor air quality, as tested by the Ideal Home team
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve streamlined my spring cleaning routine with these game-changing essentials – must-have tools and products that have cut my cleaning time in halfAs a Cleaning Editor who hates cleaning, you can trust me on this one
By Lauren Bradbury
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As a robot vacuum cleaner convert, this is my one piece of advice for anyone buying their first robot vacuum this springStill on the fence? Let me help you out
By Lauren Bradbury
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I finally got my hands on Dyson’s first-ever ‘desktop’ air purifier – it proves size doesn’t matter when you’ve got the tech to back it upIt's stylish, reactive and costs just pennies to run
By Lauren Bradbury
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My dog and I have spent months testing the best vacuums for pet hair – these are the top models that got my (and Barney’s) approvalThe best pet vacuums ranked by their hair pick-up, dander buster and odour-eliminating technologies
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best carpet cleaners for professional-looking results at home – my top picks as Ideal Home’s Floorcare ExpertI put carpet cleaners from big brands like VAX, Bissell and Shark up against felt-tip, tea and mud stains
By Lauren Bradbury
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How we test carpet cleaners – the exact review process we follow and the key features we look for in a 5-star modelThis is how we test carpet cleaners as part of our in-house review process (spoiler alert: it gets messy)
By Lauren Bradbury
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IKEA’s stylish side table is hiding a clever secret – it’s a must-have if you want a clean and healthy home this springThis 2-in-1 solution will blend seamlessly into your home's decor
By Lauren Bradbury
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Yes, your birth month has a decluttering style – this is how to use your personality traits to your advantage (and avoid clutter overwhelm!)From January to December, these are the decluttering methods that'll suit you best
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested Dyson’s newest (and most hygienic) hard floor cleaner – but this is why I’m sticking with their older modelIt does an alright job, but is it enough to justify the high price tag?
By Lauren Bradbury
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I was one of the first to try out the Shark EveryMess – this is the good, the bad, and the ugly you need to know before you buyI tried this new 3-in-1 cleaning tool so you don’t have to (but you'll probably want to)
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to remove stains from carpet – a foolproof guide to banish red wine, coffee, grease stains and moreEverything you need to know about DIY carpet stain removal
By Lauren Bradbury
