
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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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
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How often should you sweep a patio? Experts reveal how often you should be getting your broom out over winter
This vital job will keep you busy over the winter
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to lift dahlia tubers - the tell-tale signs you need to start lifting, according to experts
Timing is everything for these tender perennials
By Lauren Bradbury
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Experts are urging homeowners to grow moss in pots to get rid of dust and moisture over winter - this is how to do it
Moss is Mother Nature’s free air purifier
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to prepare your driveway for winter - 5 essential steps to keep your family and car safe over the next few months
Weather-proof your driveway without the hassle
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean dog pee from carpet - foolproof methods that saved my carpets during the puppy stage
From one dog paw-rent to another, this is everything you need to know
By Lauren Bradbury
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You should never store these 5 things in your shed over winter - now is your last chance to move them
Do you have any of these in your shed?
By Lauren Bradbury
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These self-adhesive hooks have over 2,000 5-star ratings on Amazon - but can they handle heavy winter coats? I tested them to find out
I got 99 problems, but winter coat storage ain’t one anymore
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune cherry blossom for healthy, disease-free trees
Take a look at our guide to pruning cherry blossom trees
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to clean log burner glass - and the unconventional cleaning product you need to see it sparkle again
You don’t need any fancy cleaning products or tools, either
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to store a strimmer for winter - from protecting the power source to choosing the perfect location
How will you be storing your strimmer this winter?
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to change lawn mower oil - and why now is your last chance to do it, according to experts
When was the last time you changed your lawn mower oil?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can painting radiators black reduce your energy bills? We asked the experts, and they have good news and bad news
Will a coat of paint be your secret weapon this winter?
By Lauren Bradbury
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Can you store a lawn mower on the wall? Experts urge gardeners to proceed with caution when choosing this space-saving storage hack
You can store *some* lawn mowers on the wall, but not all of them
By Lauren Bradbury
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Are vacuum attachments universal? The big brand tools that can (and can’t) be used across the board
Can you use your vacuum cleaner attachments across the board? We’ve got the answers
By Lauren Bradbury
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When to prune pyracantha - the exact time to prune firethorn hedges and shrubs to promote flowering and fruiting
Give this autumnal favourite the TLC it deserves
By Lauren Bradbury
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I tested one of Dyson’s oldest and cheapest cordless vacuum cleaners - this is why I’m swapping my newer machine for this veteran
The Dyson V8 Absolute is almost a decade old, but is it still worth it in 2024? I tested it to find out
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to plant daffodils in clumps - bulk-plant these beautiful blooms for an even bigger display next year
There are daffodils… And then there are *clumps* of daffodils
By Lauren Bradbury
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How to prepare your patio for winter - experts urge homeowners to complete these 7 tasks before the cold and wet weather takes hold
From protecting your plants to sealing your pavers, these tips will keep your patio in shape until winter
By Lauren Bradbury