
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 my window vacuum era – it’s the only thing keeping my windows condensation-free and protected from damage this winterNothing clears my window condensation quite like it
By Lauren Bradbury
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I got my hands on a game-changing appliance that promises to make the dark winter mornings easier – it’s my new bedside table essentialUntil now, I’ve always struggled to wake up when it’s still dark
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve tested dozens of Shark and Dyson vacuum cleaners – this is the brand I’d choose if I could only pick oneI pick a winner in the battle of the cult vacuum brands
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘You’re unknowingly creating a breeding ground for mould’ – 4 cleaning mistakes pros warn are making your home dampThey're increasing your energy bills, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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Whatever you do this autumn, don’t use a steam mop to clean this type of flooringEvery home should have one, but this cleaning tool could still cause damage
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’ve found the best (and cheapest) way to deep clean my carpets – and no, it’s not with a vacuum cleaner!I was sceptical at first, but this £4 tool worked a treat
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested the world’s smallest robot vacuum cleaner – it’s powerful, practical and perfect for cosier homesSmall home dwellers, rejoice!
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark has just released its cheapest vacuum EVER – it’s now only £99 in the Black Friday sale and selling out fastHow to bag the best vacuum cleaner deal I’ve *ever* seen'
By Lauren Bradbury
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Dyson deals – when and how to bag a discount on Dyson vacuums, fans and moreOur guide to the best Dyson deals, so you can buy a premium appliance for a bargain price
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to choose a vacuum cleaner - 7 questions you should ask yourself before parting with your moneyEverything you need to know to make an informed decision for you and your home
By Lauren Bradbury
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How we test vacuums for pet hair at Ideal HomeThe exact methodology we follow to measure hair pick-up, dander removal, and odour-busting capabilities
By Lauren Bradbury
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How we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal HomeWe review every vacuum cleaner we recommend to readers at home and at our dedicated test facility. Here's the details on how
By Lauren Bradbury
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I’m a cleaning editor who lives in a hard water area -–this is everything I do to keep my home free from crusty water marks and limescalePrevention is better than the cure, after all
By Lauren Bradbury
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Shark has turned the fan that prevented my ‘sleep divorce’ into a heater for winter – these are my honest thoughts on the upgradeIt’ll offer year-round comfort for many, but not all
By Lauren Bradbury
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No, window vacuums aren’t just for windows! All the genius ways you can use this versatile cleaning tool around the houseI have NOT been using mine to its full potential
By Lauren Bradbury
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Air purifier vs dehumidifier - which should you buy for a happy and healthy home?They’re both so different, but is one better than the other?
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘They’re silent absorbers of moisture’ – the 4 things you need to declutter to prevent damp in your homeKeep your home cosy and damp-free this winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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Nancy Birtwhistle’s hack to get rid of water marks on walls is absolutely genius – it’s need-to-know information for autumnThe cleaning legend has done it again
By Lauren Bradbury
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I used this electric heater for three weeks instead of turning the heating onIt's small but mighty
By Lauren Bradbury
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6 best oil-filled radiators to stay warm and cosy this winterWe've tested the best oil-filled radiators from De'Longhi, Pro Breeze and more.
By Lauren Bradbury
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These are the 5 things I wish someone had told me before buying an electric heater – it would have saved me a lot of chilly nightsDon’t make the same mistakes I did
By Lauren Bradbury
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Aldi is selling a £9.99 heating essential that will save you from sky-high energy bills – it’s a game-changer for staying warm on a budgetThe middle aisle is stocked with winter warmers
By Lauren Bradbury
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If your carpets feel cold and damp when you walk over them, one of these 5 serious problems could be the culpritAnd what you can do to prevent mould and musty odours
By Lauren Bradbury
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This quick hack will help your radiator work better and reduce energy bills – experts say it’s the ultimate heat boosterAll you need is a common bedroom item to do it
By Lauren Bradbury
