Katie Mortram
Our former Homes Editor Katie oversaw everything from kitchen appliances to laundry products and to gardening tools. She has over 6 years of experience reviewing home products, having previously worked for the Good Housekeeping Institute as a Product Tester and the Manager of the Homes department. Katie has extensive experience in developing testing protocols as well as a knowledgeable background in her field. She specializes in MDAs, such as washing machines and dishwashers, but she also has a passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. She is now Good Housekeeping's Household Advice Editor.
In her time at Tom’s Guide, Katie compiled countless ‘how to clean’ features, and her home is immaculate as a result. If you need advice on stain removal, or want to remove limescale from your shower door, she’s got you covered. Katie has tested all kinds of appliances in her home, including electric kettles, coffee machines and robot vacuums to name a few, so she knows the difference between a satisfactory performance and a quality product.
Latest articles by Katie Mortram
7 ways to improve your dishwasher’s performance
By Katie Mortram published
We’ve found 7 tips to improve your dishwasher’s performance — so you can get the most from this appliance.
7 telltale signs you have termites in your home
By Katie Mortram published
Termites are never easy to spot. But, we’ve found 7 telltale signs so you know what to look out for.
7 ways to prevent bed bugs from infesting your home
By Katie Mortram last updated
Concerned about bed bugs? Follow these tips to keep on top of these pests and prevent an infestation.
7 best self-seeding plants for fresh growth every year
By Katie Mortram published
Fed up of planting fresh foliage? We’ve found 7 plants which self-seed to keep on giving.
5 ways bed bugs can invade your home
By Katie Mortram published
There are all kinds of ways bed bugs can travel into your home — we’ve found 5 common routes here.
5 best ways to declutter your home now
By Katie Mortram published
We’ve found 5 decluttering methods that can make the chore that much easier.
9 best plants that grow back every year
By Helen McCue last updated
Want an ongoing display of flowers in your yard? We’ve found the 9 best perennials for repeated blooms.
7 best winterproof plants to survive the cold
By Katie Mortram published
Does your yard look bare over the winter? These plants will keep your garden blooming in the cold months.
7 surprising ways you can reuse old coffee grounds
By Katie Mortram published
Don’t throw your old coffee grounds in the trash — here are 7 ways you can reuse it around your home and yard.
7 things you never knew you could do with Coca-Cola
By Katie Mortram published
Coca-Cola is more than just a soda. Here are 7 surprising uses for Coca-Cola.
7 telltale signs of bed bugs in your home
By Katie Mortram published
Worried about bed bugs? We’ve found 7 telltale signs of these pests, so you can act fast.
I traded my hair dryer for a hot air brush — and I’ve not looked back
By Katie Mortram published
Can a hot air brush compete with a hair dryer? I think so.
7 mistakes everyone makes when deadheading plants
By Katie Mortram published
There are 7 mistakes which could be damaging your plants when it comes to deadheading.
How to clean a stainless steel sink in 7 easy steps
By Katie Mortram published
If you want to get your stainless steel sink gleaming without the hard scrub, follow these top tips.
5 best plants to help cool down your home
By Katie Mortram published
There are all sorts of ways to stay cool in the heat, but did you know that houseplants can help?
7 reasons your washing machine won’t spin — and how to fix them
By Katie Mortram published
Does your washing machine refuse to spin? Here are 7 of the most common reasons and how to fix them.
7 tips to make your bathroom smell great
By Katie Mortram published
We’ve found 7 things people do to get a nice-smelling bathroom.
7 best trees and shrubs to soundproof your yard
By Katie Mortram published
Does noise travel through your yard? Here are 7 shrubs and trees that can help.
7 things that are attracting pests to your home
By Katie Mortram published
Do pests keep invading your home? These 7 things are a prime attraction.
7 things I've learned after cooking on cast iron over the years
By Katie Mortram published
My cast iron pan can cook all kinds of recipes; here’s what I’ve learned about it over the years.
Should you roll your lawn? Here’s what the experts think
By Katie Mortram published
Could your lawn benefit from rolling? Here’s the pros and cons you need to know.
9 ways to get rid of carpet beetles with or without chemicals
By Katie Mortram published
Carpet beetles can wreak havoc on rugs, clothes and soft furnishings. We’ve found 9 ways you can deal with this pest promptly.
7 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard
By Katie Mortram last updated
Want to keep wasps out of your yard? We’ve found 5 plants which will actively deter this pest.
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