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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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 - 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
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How to put up coving — add architectural interest and hide imperfections on your walls in 5 simple steps
Expert tips for installing coving without the fuss
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to hide a dehumidifier when not in use — 5 ways to make this eyesore appliance invisible in your home
Out of sight doesn’t have to mean out of mind
By Lauren Bradbury
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This smart panel heater costs just pennies to run — it’s so effective I’ve been using it every day in lieu of my radiators
This AENO Premium Eco AGH0003S-UK Smart Panel Heater review tests whether one product can have style AND substance — it turns out that it can
By Lauren Bradbury
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A robot vacuum with legs?! This new release has become the world’s first to offer ‘a truly hands-free’ approach to cleaning — and I’m already impressed
I’m a vacuum expert, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen anything quite like this
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my heat pump not turning on? Experts explain what you can do to solve it — and when to call in a professional
These are the 5 potential problems
By Lauren Bradbury
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The 3 rules you need to follow when installing security cameras around your home — or risk a hefty fine and legal action
The rules apply to video doorbells, too
By Lauren Bradbury
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Why is my heat pump blowing cold air? Experts warn it could be one of these five things — and three of them need immediate attention
Get your heat pump back up and running again in no time
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to draught-proof a front door — expert-approved tips to shut out the cold and prevent internal heat from escaping
Experts reveal how to identify the problem areas and what you’ll need to seal your home from the elements
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are plinth heaters as good as radiators? Heating experts suggest it may be time to rethink how you heat your home
Plinth heaters are ideal for kitchens and utility rooms, but they come with their downsides
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune fuchsias – experts share the right time to cut back hardy and tender varieties
Keep this cottage garden plant flourishing
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to use old towels in the garden — 6 creative ways to protect your plants (and your knees!)
Don’t throw them away just yet!
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to install a TRV — a step-by-step guide to fitting thermostatic radiator valves for a more efficient heating system
Thermostatic radiator valves offer you complete control
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to get rid of black mould in a shower — 5 natural ways to kill the spores
You should never ignore black mould in your shower
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested the 12L Challenge dehumidifier in my damp Victorian home over winter — I haven’t spotted any signs of mould for the first time in five years
The Challenge 12L dehumidifier doesn’t have too many bells and whistles, but I can already see the difference it’s made to my damp home
By Lauren Bradbury
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What is boiler flow temperature? Heating experts urge you to check yours now as you could be overpaying on your energy bills
Turning this little-known number down just a few degrees can result in some serious savings
By Lauren Bradbury
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Electric heater vs electric blanket — heating experts weigh in on the effectiveness (and affordability) of these winter warmers
Constantly cold at night? Experts weigh in on whether an electric heater or electric blanket will suit you best
By Lauren Bradbury
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‘Purge Parties’ are taking social media by storm — and this new trend solves one of the biggest decluttering problems everyone faces
You’ll be happy to know that it has nothing to do with *that* horror film
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to choose a dehumidifier — 5 things you need to know before you buy to get the most out of your money
This is everything you need to make the right decision
By Lauren Bradbury
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Do you need to clean a patio in winter? Paving experts say it’s key to avoiding these 3 expensive (and potentially dangerous) consequences
Have you cleaned your patio yet this winter?
By Lauren Bradbury