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’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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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