
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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5 products that will transform the way you declutter your home and make it easier than ever to keep future junk at bay
I can't declutter without these products by my side
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to remove a radiator — transform the way you decorate a room in 5 simple steps, without having to call out a plumber
A step-by-step guide to make decorating a breeze
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried this £20 desktop heater to keep me warm while I WFH - what I didn’t anticipate was that it’d be powerful enough to heat the whole room
For just £20, I wasn’t expecting much - now I move it from room to room to save heating my whole house
By Lauren Bradbury
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Home maintenance jobs to do in February — 9 tasks you need to complete before the end of the month to get your home ready for spring
Does your home need some TLC this month?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Heating experts say this one simple (and completely free!) task will instantly make your home feel warmer — and it’s a surefire way to reduce your energy bills
Yes, opening and closing your curtains at these *exact* times will keep your home warm without even trying
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested this affordable Dunelm oil-filled radiator to see whether it could outperform my central heating — and it’s safe to say that I’m impressed
It was £59, but now only £29.50 while stocks last
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m halfway through the Project 333 wardrobe decluttering method — it’s already changed the way I get dressed in the morning (for better and for worse)
I love having a wardrobe full of clothes, but it's made me rethink everything I own
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is this the most beautiful air purifier you can buy? Aesthetic air purifiers are the latest trend I’m obsessed with — and there’s a reason this one keeps selling out
The Briiv Air Filter regularly sells out, but more and more aesthetic (and more affordable) air purifiers are coming out of the woodwork
By Lauren Bradbury
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Heated airers vs dehumidifiers — there’s only one option I choose when I want to dry my clothes quickly (and cheaply!)
On paper, they're both solid options. In reality, there's a surprising winner for drying clothes fast
By Lauren Bradbury
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Is it better to dry dust or wet dust? Experts urge you to choose the right option or risk making your home dirtier
Cleaning experts weigh in on the dry dusting vs wet dusting debate
By Lauren Bradbury
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What disinfectant can I use in a washing machine? Cleaning experts reveal the product you should avoid at all costs - and to use instead
Disinfecting is key... but only if you use the right product
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to put up coving — add architectural interest and hide imperfections on your walls in 5 simple steps
Expert tips for installing coving without the fuss
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hide a dehumidifier when not in use — 5 ways to make this eyesore appliance invisible in your home
Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind
By Lauren Bradbury
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This smart panel heater costs just pennies to run — it’s so effective I’ve been using it every day in lieu of my radiators
This AENO Premium Eco AGH0003S-UK Smart Panel Heater review tests whether one product can have style AND substance — it turns out that it can
By Lauren Bradbury
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A robot vacuum with legs?! This new release has become the world’s first to offer ‘a truly hands-free’ approach to cleaning — and I’m already impressed
I’m a vacuum expert, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen anything quite like this
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my heat pump not turning on? Experts explain what you can do to solve it — and when to call in a professional
These are the 5 potential problems
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 3 rules you need to follow when installing security cameras around your home — or risk a hefty fine and legal action
The rules apply to video doorbells, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my heat pump blowing cold air? Experts warn it could be one of these five things — and three of them need immediate attention
Get your heat pump back up and running again in no time
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to draught-proof a front door — expert-approved tips to shut out the cold and prevent internal heat from escaping
Experts reveal how to identify the problem areas and what you’ll need to seal your home from the elements
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are plinth heaters as good as radiators? Heating experts suggest it may be time to rethink how you heat your home
Plinth heaters are ideal for kitchens and utility rooms, but they come with their downsides
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune fuchsias – experts share the right time to cut back hardy and tender varieties
Keep this cottage garden plant flourishing
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use old towels in the garden — 6 creative ways to protect your plants (and your knees!)
Don’t throw them away just yet!
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to install a TRV — a step-by-step guide to fitting thermostatic radiator valves for a more efficient heating system
Thermostatic radiator valves offer you complete control
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of black mould in a shower — 5 natural ways to kill the spores
You should never ignore black mould in your shower
By Lauren Bradbury