Articles by 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.

Lauren Bradbury

Latest articles by Lauren Bradbury

This is what Shark vacuum terms like ‘CleanSense IQ’ and ‘DuoClean Detect’ actually mean — so you’re not duped into buying something you don’t need

I’m a floorcare expert who regularly tests cleaning products — but this 3-ingredient DIY floor cleaner is what I use for unbeatable results

Best steam cleaners and mops — my 6 tried and tested favourites that I’d recommend for whole-home cleaning

Should you buy an air purifier or a humidifier? Experts debunk which option is best for allergies and a good night’s sleep

Experts warn of the 5 flooring sounds you shouldn’t ignore — and how you can fix them to prevent costly repairs later down the line

I bought multiple Shark vacuums before becoming an expert vacuum tester — these are the 5 things I wish I knew back then

Aldi is bringing its bestselling Shark lookalike back to the middle aisle — and this time it’s been given a space-saving upgrade you don’t want to miss

The best mattress for side sleepers, plus more expert advice for sleeping comfortably

Does a dehumidifier cool a room? Experts say it has some surprising benefits to help you beat the summer heat

Instagram just introduced me to this invisible kitchen vacuum — this is why every kitchen should have this clever, crumb-busting cleaning appliance

‘Städdag’ is the Swedish cleaning method I’ve been using to clean my home for months — this is why I’ll never clean any other way

Experts warn these flooring choices will make it harder to sell your home — why it may pay off (quite literally) to replace them before you move

I asked a Dyson engineer how you can avoid these common Dyson vacuum cleaner problems — and how to make the most of your machine

Experts warn that these 5 mopping mistakes are making your floors dirtier — and damaging your floors in the process

I threw wine, tea and mud on my carpets to test out Shark’s newest carpet cleaner — but after using it, you wouldn’t know

5 signs you’ve taken decluttering too far — and how you can pull yourself back, according to organisation experts

I ditched my regular vacuum to test Shark’s newest (and cheapest) release — it’s a great entry-level Shark vacuum cleaner

How to clean paving slabs — a foolproof 5-step process to clean winter grime off your driveway, patio, or garden paths

Is vacuuming or mopping better? Flooring experts explain how to choose the right cleaning tool for your needs

I’ve been using Lakeland’s new £5 mini mop as a shower squeegee, window cleaner and damp duster — it’s the ultimate multi-purpose cleaning tool

My mum introduced me to Nancy Birtwhistle’s ‘Pure Magic’ recipe - now I don’t think I’ll need to buy another cleaning product ever again

This £200 limited-time discount makes this Dyson vacuum cheaper than I’ve ever seen it - run don’t walk to Argos for this bargain

What to do with tulips after flowering – and the one mistake gardeners make that will ruin next year's blooms

Best cordless vacuum cleaner 2025 — 9 models I’d pick after rigorous testing and real-world home trials

I thought I knew how to clean my hard flooring until I tried Vileda’s new steam mop — the grime it picked up was downright embarrassing

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