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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A former royal cleaner says you should ditch chemical-laden floor cleaners for this natural alternative instead — and you probably already have it in your cupboards
This everyday supermarket stable was the key to sparkling palace floors – and you can use it too
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best Shark vacuums, as tried and tested by the Ideal Home team
We've tested the best Shark vacuums so you can keep the floors in your home dust, fluff and pet hair-free, from cordless to handheld models
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to fix a leaning fence (the easy way!) — experts say you can save hundreds on a new panel by using these £25 products instead
A cheat’s way to make your fence look as good as new
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tried Lakeland’s £35 compact dehumidifier — it fits on a windowsill but is powerful enough to keep damp and condensation away
This compact dehumidifier may be small, but its power is mighty
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean a microwave with lemon - the natural cleaning hack you need to know, no scrubbing required
3 simple steps to loosen food splatters and banish grease
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to patch up holes in a wall — restore your walls to their former glory, no DIY experience required
A step-by-step solution to gallery wall switch-ups or accidental damage
By Lauren Bradbury
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This £1.99 product is the key to getting oil out of a carpet — no expensive carpet cleaner required
You probably already have this tough-on-stains cleaner in your cupboard, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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It’s normally impossible to find a Dyson vacuum for under £250 — but QVC has slashed the price of their bestselling models for a limited time
Run don’t walk to pick up the brand’s bestselling model for under £230 before it sells out
By Lauren Bradbury
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The best vacuum cleaners for pet hair 2025 — 6 models tested in homes with pets, guaranteed to banish hair and dander
Find the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair with our expert reviews
By Lauren Bradbury
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Things to declutter from a bedroom in February — 6 things to throw out before the end of the month to create a relaxing sleeping space
I asked decluttering experts which 6 things I should purge before the month is out
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean curtains without taking them down — 3 quick and easy ways to give your home a refresh without the extra hassle
Who knew you could vacuum your curtains?!
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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Best cordless vacuum cleaner 2025 — 9 tried and tested models that are well worth the investment
Make cleaning convenient with the 9 best cordless vacuum cleaners that the Ideal Home team can't live without
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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Best vacuum cleaner 2025 — 9 must-have models that have been tried and tested in real homes
We've reviewed the best vacuum cleaners, from pet hair solutions to cordless models, to help you find the right one for your cleaning needs
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