
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
-
How we test heated clothes airers at Ideal Home — why you can trust us and our review process
All of the steps we follow to determine which modles are worthy of being the best heated airers around
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to care for sweet peas – how to water, feed and pick these fragrant blooms to get the most out of their flowering period
We've thrown together the ultimate sweet pea care guide
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I finally got my hands on Lakeland’s £20 mini vacuum that sold out almost instantly — it’s now back in stock and my new favourite gadget
It's finally back in stock... but I don't think it will stick around for long
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I just discovered I'd been neglecting to clean this one spot in my house for years — experts warn it's crucial, especially if you suffer from allergies
When was the last time you cleaned yours?
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Best air purifiers 2025 — after testing dozens of models, these are the 9 I’d pick to eliminate dust, allergens, and odours from your home
The best air purifiers for improving indoor air quality, as tested by the Ideal Home team
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Shark has changed the air quality game with its responsive (and odour-defying) air purifier - it’s the brand’s best release yet
The unique design may be divisive, but its responsiveness is out-of-this-world impressive
By Lauren Bradbury
-
6 ways to fake wall panelling and create the sought-after look on a budget
How to give your walls an elevated, stylish look for less
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Step aside, air purifiers! This is why experts say air sterilisers are a must-have necessity for healthy homes
Using an air purifier but still have the sniffles? You probably need an air steriliser
By Lauren Bradbury
-
11 products everyone needs in their cleaning caddy for a quick and effective spring reset, according to cleaning experts
These products will transform the way you spring clean your home
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to paint wooden furniture like a pro – decorating experts share their 5 simple steps for a flawless finish every time
Top tips to give your wooden furniture a refresh
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I tested dozens of mops on all floor types - these are my 9 top picks for a spotless finish every time
These are undoubtedly the best mops for laminate, vinyl, amtico, tiled and even hardwood floors
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I always thought stick vacuums were the best — now I have a new favourite after testing a stick, upright and cylinder vacuum together
I put stick, upright and cylinder vacuums through real-life cleaning scenarios to see which one came out on top
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Bargain alert! Shark’s bestselling carpet stain cleaner is under £100 — it's been on my cleaning wishlist for months
Shark has slashed the prices of its vacuums, carpet cleaners and mops for its Spring Clean Sale
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Experts urge homeowners and renters to complete these 7 home maintenance jobs in March for a worry-free spring
Have you ticked them off your to-do list yet?
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Experts explain the 7 things you need to do right now to pollen-proof your home for spring
From layers of vaseline around your windows to handy dusting alternatives, pollen-proofing your home couldn't be easier
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to paint skirting boards with carpet in 5 easy steps – refresh your home without ripping up your carpet
Protect your carpet with this cheap store cupboard essential
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Best oil filled radiators 2025 – tried and tested
The best oil filled radiators for staying cosy when temperatures drop. We've tested portable heaters from De'Longhi, Pro Breeze and more to find the best-in-class
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Best electric heater 2025 – tried and tested portable heaters
The best electric heaters for staying warm, including fan, convector and bladeless indoor heaters from leading brands
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I’ve found a game-changing way to empty a vacuum cleaner without getting dust everywhere — and it’ll help feed your garden for free, too
Sorry, dust clouds… you’re not welcome in our homes anymore
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I tried this two-ingredient cleaning hack to clean the inside of my windows — and there’s no water required
Who knew a Dishmatic was the key to gleaming windows...
By Lauren Bradbury
-
What to do with old hangers after decluttering — 5 ways to repurpose or recycle them to open up even more space in your wardrobe
Recently decluttered your wardrobe? You're not finished yet
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to stop squirrels digging up bulbs — 6 ways to guard and protect your spring and summer bulbs
Don't let your efforts go to waste...
By Lauren Bradbury
-
I tested the Miele Duoflex HX1 Cat & Dog vacuum in my pet hair-covered home — its powerful pick-up has left it cleaner than ever
The dust bin of Miele’s dedicated pet vacuum may be small, but I can’t deny that it’s extremely powerful
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to clean a patio without a pressure washer – 6 quick and easy ways to rid of dirt and grime for a gleaming outdoor space
Spruce up your patio without the need for a pressure washer
By Lauren Bradbury