
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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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
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Experts say this one product should get rid of clothes moths once and for all - and you can buy a pack of 24 for just £6.50
The power of cedar wood is unmatched
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hang a wreath on your front door – experts recommend the best and easiest ways based on your door type
A fool-proof guide to hanging your wreath to protect your door and your decor from damage
By Lauren Bradbury
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How long does a heated airer take to dry clothes? This is how long it should really take to dry T-shirts, knitwear, and bed sheets
It all depends on the clothing you're trying to dry...
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to grow carrots - ditch the supermarket and grow your own in 6 simple steps
Who needs to buy carrots when you can just grow your own?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to choose a dehumidifier for the kitchen – 7 things to consider before buying, according to experts
Top tips that will help you pick the perfect product for the heart of your home
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hide a heat pump - 4 ways to conceal your exterior unit without compromising on efficiency or functionality
It’s time to pimp up your heat pump
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of drain flies - 5 ways to ensure that these pests (and their eggs) don’t come back
Drain flies can lay up to 200 eggs at a time, so you need to act quickly
By Lauren Bradbury
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This 59p product drastically reduced the condensation on my windows - and you probably have it in your cupboards already
You probably already have this everyday essential in your cupboards, but I bet you didn’t know that it’s a natural dehumidifier
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you remove leaves from your lawn? Yes, but there are some exceptions that will benefit your garden
It’s a divisive topic
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop condensation on bedroom windows - 7 simple changes that will make a big difference this winter
Say goodbye to condensation with these 7 simple tips
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you sow grass seed in November? Experts warn that you might be too late - unless you follow these 4 steps
Sowing grass seed in November is tricky but not impossible
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to divide hostas - 6 easy (and free) steps to fill next year’s garden with lush foliage
Dividing hostas is easier than you’d think
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should you deadhead buddleja? Experts warn that missing this vital step could spell disaster for your garden (and your neighbour’s)
We love buddleja as much as the next guy, but it comes with its challenges
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to stop weeds growing in block paving – 5 simple solutions for weed-free driveways, patios and paths
Chemical-free ways to keep them at bay
By Lauren Bradbury
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Should I turn off a heat pump at night? No, and experts explain why the slow and low method will help you save on your energy bills
To turn off or keep on… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to pest-proof your home for winter - 6 ways to keep rodents, spiders and other pests at bay
If they’re not paying rent… they’re not staying over winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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This £11 tool from Amazon helped me bleed all of my radiators in less than 10 minutes - no radiator key or clean-up required
No fuss, no clean-up… and no sky-high energy bills
By Lauren Bradbury
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What kind of damp do I have? Experts reveal the 4 most common types of damp - and how to spot the differences
These different types of damp show themselves in very different ways
By Lauren Bradbury
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Do you need a cover for your heated airer? It’ll definitely speed up drying - but only if you choose the right kind
To cover or not to cover… that is the question
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my fridge wet inside? 5 reasons why you have condensation in your fridge - and what you can do about it
Dry out your fridge in no time
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can I use a patio heater under a pergola or gazebo? Yes, but these are the things experts want you to know first
It's possible, but you need to take some precautions
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to treat rising damp - experts explain the key steps you need to take to prevent further damage
Rising damp can be tricky to treat, so we’ve pulled together all of the information you need to know
By Lauren Bradbury