House manual
Our house manual guides cover every aspect of managing your home. We have advice for those buying, selling or renting. We can help you manage your bills, create a new cleaning regime or organise your rooms.
Explore House manual
House manual
-
How we test vacuums for pet hair at Ideal Home — the exact methodology
Our pet vacuum review process puts bestselling and newly launched vacuums through their paces, and this is how we do it
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Discover how people who are sight impaired rely on smart tech to adapt their homes for everyday living
From household tasks to chill-out time, here’s how tech can help
By Ideal Home
-
How to balance radiators – the DIY household task experts swear will slash your energy bills this winter
When was the last time you balanced your radiators?
By Jenny McFarlane
-
How we test vacuum cleaners at Ideal Home
We review every vacuum cleaner we recommend to readers at home and at our dedicated test facility. Here's the details on how
By Molly Cleary
-
Water bills are expected to increase by £86 in April - here’s how your area will be affected
How the Ofwat announcement will affect you
By Kezia Reynolds
-
Interval cleaning will help you work smarter to keep your home clean - here's how to do it
This cleaning method will take the hassle out of hosting this Christmas
By Lauren Bradbury
-
These 3 common household pests hate this festive scent - how cinnamon can be used to prevent bedbugs, silverfish and spiders
It's time to say goodbye to unwelcome pests
By Kezia Reynolds
-
How to stop decluttering procrastination - 4 expert hacks that will get you to start, right now
Stop putting it off and start decluttering your home, with the help of these pro tips
By Katie Sims
-
The Chaos Method is the immersive decluttering technique that dials up the pressure to help you clear out efficiently
Sick of living in clutter? It’s time to embrace the chaos…
By Kayleigh Dray
-
7 things to declutter quickly from your home before Christmas Eve – the areas to blitz if you have 10 minutes spare
Create calm before the storm by clearing out the stress-causing excess
By Vanessa Richmond
-
How long should you wait between coats of paint? This is what the experts say
Here's how long the pros say you should wait before applying the second coat
By Katie Sims
-
8 easy things to declutter before 2024 if you want to start the new year in a calm space
Start the new year as you mean to go on with this list of easy things to declutter
By Kayleigh Dray
-
Does the wattage of a vacuum cleaner matter? Experts reveal whether these numbers can affect its performance
This is what your vacuum cleaner’s wattage really means for its performance
By Lauren Bradbury
-
The Japanese cleaning principle of Kiyomeru will turn cleaning into a mindful ritual - here's how
If you think cleaning is a chore, Kiyomeru is for you
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Should I open windows when cooking in winter? Experts share the pros, cons and alternatives to try
We asked our experts whether it's better to have windows open when cooking, or not
By Sophie Warren-Smith
-
How to clean candle wax off upholstery and carpet - 3 easy steps to deal with festive tablescape disasters
When it sets, wax can be a nightmare to remove from any type of fabric - but not anymore...
By Kezia Reynolds
-
10 things you should never store in a fridge, according to professional chefs
If you've been keeping any of these items in the fridge, the pros say you've been doing it wrong
By Katie Sims
-
How to tell how much suction a vacuum cleaner has - and how the newer models are flipping the script on everything we thought we knew about suction
This is what those numbers really mean
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to stop condensation on double glazed windows in winter - 3 easy things you can do now
Condensation on windows doesn't have to be an inevitable part of winter - just follow this expert advice
By Katie Sims
-
How to choose a vacuum cleaner - 7 questions you should ask yourself before parting with your money
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision for you and your home
By Lauren Bradbury
-
How to defrost a freezer in 7 simple expert-approved steps
Knowing how and when to defrost your freezer will give you back more space and keep it in tip-top condition
By Jenny McFarlane
-
Is a dedicated mattress vacuum cleaner worth it? I put Lakeland's to the test and now can't stop telling my friends about it
I was a surprise convert to this nifty gadget
By Zoë Phillimore
-
How to wash bath towels for ultimate clean comfort
Ensure bath towels are always soft and fluffy with these easy steps
By Rachel Homer
-
Are oil-filled radiators dangerous? Experts share their advice for how to use them safely in any room
Keep warm without the worry this winter
By Ellis Cochrane
-
How to get rid of an old vacuum cleaner - 3 easy methods to choose from, depending on the state of your machine
Dispose of your old vacuum responsibly and with little faff
By Katie Sims
-
How to defrost a freezer without turning it off - and it's a game-changer
Could this be the best method to get your freezer frost-free if you’re in a rush?
By Jenny McFarlane
-
4 scents mice hate - experts explain how to use them to ward off unwanted houseguests
You don't have to share your home with rodents anymore
By Kezia Reynolds