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 50 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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Can you leave dahlias in pots over winter? You can, but only if you follow these 4 expert-approved tips
Dahlias aren’t as high maintenance as they look, but they still need protection over winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to plant amaryllis bulbs for blooming plants over the Christmas period
You'll need to act fast if you want to add this beauty to your Christmas table
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to degrease a kitchen splashback - follow these steps once, and you’ll never have to do it again
Your kitchen splashback will look better than ever
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean brass items - 5 household products that will prevent tarnishing and make your hardware shine
Who knew you could use ketchup to clean brass?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you plant bulbs too deep? Experts warn gardeners of this common mistake that could have disastrous consequences
How to determine how deep you *really* need to be planting your blooms
By Lauren Bradbury
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7 signs you need to replace the insulation in your home - the warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts
Have you spotted any of these signs in your home?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a soup maker - and the one thing you should NEVER do, according to experts
Say goodbye to tomato soup stains
By Lauren Bradbury
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4 plants to prune in November to promote healthy growth, bumper crops and better displays
It's the perfect time to be pruning these plants
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to store a hot tub in winter - 6 steps to successfully winterise your hot tub, whether you plan on using it or not
Follow these steps to winterise your hot tub
By Lauren Bradbury
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What size dehumidifier do I need? Expert tips to ensure you’re picking the right size for your home
With so many dehumidifiers on the market, we’ve got the low-down on what size you actually need for your space
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you put a slow cooker pot in the oven? How to figure out which ones are (and aren’t) oven-safe
It’s not a black-and-white answer
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you cut grass in November, or have you missed the boat? This is what the experts had to say
Time is running out
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are you cleaning these 5 things around your home with a pumice stone? Experts say you should be
No, pumice stones aren’t just for your feet…
By Lauren Bradbury
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Does ivy kill trees? Experts reveal whether this invasive plant can cause serious damage to your garden
Ivy can be problematic, but not all the time
By Lauren Bradbury
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The eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment and Christmas Bonus has just changed - this is what that means for you
Find out if you qualify for the government programme that’ll help you fight back against winter energy surges
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 8 plants you should never prune in autumn - or risk ruining next year’s garden
You might know what you should prune… but do you know what you shouldn’t?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Best ways to clean vinyl flooring - the dos and don’ts to consider if you have vinyl in your home
There are certain things you can and can’t use on vinyl
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used the Japanese art of mottainai to organise my fridge and it saved me £30 in one week - it’s a must for cutting down on food waste
It’s all about making conscious changes
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to cut back rudbeckia - the date to remember if you have black-eyed Susans in your garden
You have two options to choose from
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to repot an orchid without killing it - in 6 simple steps
You should add this task to your to-do list every two to three years
By Lauren Bradbury
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The Halo Capsule X combines the practicality of a bagged vacuum cleaner with the ease of a cordless - here’s why I loved it
The Halo Capsule X really does offer the best of both worlds
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can a heated airer heat a room? Experts reveal the little-known perk that will cut down your energy bills this winter
Heated airers are the gifts that keep on giving
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts warn that heated airers can cause irreparable damage to your floors – here's what to do to prevent it
With the right care and attention, it's possible to use a heated airer AND keep your floors in pristine condition
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to work out when to cut back your garden shrubs to keep them healthy and thriving
Timing is everything
By Lauren Bradbury