Katie Mortram
Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances, to laundry products, to gardening tools. She also covers smart home technology, so is the best point of contact for any product recommendations around the home! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, having previously worked for the Good Housekeeping Institute as a Product Tester and the Manager of the Homes department.
Consequently, she 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. As a result, she’s constantly giving advice on ways to reduce energy as well as water consumption around the home.
In her time at Tom’s Guide, she has also 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. Her aim is to help every consumer find the best product to suit their circumstances, whatever the budget and preferences.
Latest articles by Katie Mortram
![Robot vacuum cleaning room with woman on couch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/its2Ps4RMjDGBkHtngK9S7-320-80.jpg)
Best robot vacuums in Australia 2024 tested and rated
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
These are the best robot vacuums based on our testing of models from Roomba, Shark, Eufy, iLife and more.
![Aura Mason Luxe Frame on shelf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xHymtfEAyaYDZ3dxgUcXTZ-320-80.jpg)
Here's the one digital photo frame feature you must start using in 2024
By Katie Mortram published
Digital photo frames just got better with this one feature.
![Someone passing a red present to another](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xN2sEHYVbjg5UBso4g7WuW-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes to avoid when buying holiday gifts
By Katie Mortram published
Don’t make any of these mistakes when shopping for gifts this year.
![Ring video doorbell with Halloween face plate](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AMjkRn8U2ogw7AJrJ8briH-320-80.jpg)
How to make your Ring Video Doorbell sound spooky this Halloween
By Katie Mortram, Mike Prospero last updated
Halloween is almost here, so why not get into the spirit by setting your Ring Video Doorbell to make spooky chimes?
![A close up of bed bugs on a mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KcbWvMyPKZmkuxKwebPGQS-320-80.jpg)
5 pests that bite you in your sleep
By Katie Mortram published
If you don’t take precautions, these 5 pests can bite you in your sleep.
![A woman cleaning an oven](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jVrRGuUqfdUk6A8gUbemea-320-80.jpg)
7 things we avoid cleaning, but we really should
By Katie Mortram published
There are some items around the home which we will actively avoid cleaning for one reason or another. We’ve found 7 such examples here.
![A woman checking a glass while unloading a dishwasher](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DAG2wbPo9X7EPgRPV8dYqJ-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Window frame damage from termites](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fE5gqu4tKJUJdeANDjHsu6-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A person holds a magnifying glass to a mattress to see the bed bugs crawling beneath](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ufzDxqnESqAnHtpDBry3Ta-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Sunflowers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d6T9njewHk5Lr2NSKQNeZn-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The lawn being aerated by a manual aerator](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yMSYZ94JjhUm99jJWQJ9sV-320-80.jpg)
7 signs your lawn needs aerating
By Katie Mortram published
Our lawns require ongoing maintenance, including aeration. But, how can you tell when it’s time to take on this chore?
![A close up of bed bugs on a mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KcbWvMyPKZmkuxKwebPGQS-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Someone organizing clothes on shelves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5v6J4QGiDhSfybg6M28k4M-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A flower bed full of peonies and perennials](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mPCFDEqqYuDVuhr5DphgCh-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Snowdrops in the snow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DhExqcAJVhAxYxPJFsoo49-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Coffee grounds and beans spilled over from a portafilter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oPxAennGyqX2sW5Ai7iywb-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Three Coca-Cola bottles on a wooden surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DLmkwGFhjopiXkmaSTtsXa-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A close up of bed bugs on a mattress](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KcbWvMyPKZmkuxKwebPGQS-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Revlon One-Step Volumizer Original Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2z723YoAHnEQbRznsZyNje-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Deadheading a phlox paniculata with pruning shears](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6qsgQCemeCF8sVLcCDXPfe-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A gleaming stainless steel sink](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wjADVEej8tqMpXdsZrk46T-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Birkin philodendron house plant in a wicker basket](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/J64VmPXtHUiLsxbxowXH7P-320-80.jpg)
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?
![A washing machine during its spin cycle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hnz5Jd7rCuiFiwxPjDPST3-320-80.jpg)
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.