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
![A washing machine with clothes inside next to a full wicker laundry hamper on a pink background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2RcbMTgzU2H6HGazMQxrfA-320-80.jpg)
17 things that should never go in a washing machine
By Katie Mortram published
Your washing machine won't thank you if you throw any of these 17 items into the drum.
![A bathroom sink with a hand towel, toothbrush and plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DmtB2F4yKKGiTBRHCC8EE5-320-80.jpg)
7 common mistakes making your bathroom dirtier
By Katie Mortram published
No matter how routinely and thoroughly we clean our bathrooms, some mistakes can take your efforts two steps back.
![A woman sneezing into a tissue while outdoors](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bANVkFu4Vzd6N759FMVWrM-320-80.jpg)
9 ways to fight allergy season
By Katie Mortram published
Struggling with pollen allergies? We’ve pulled together 9 tips you can follow to help prevent allergies this springtime.
![Empty oven](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/38FavQqbPK26Wj8YwfQfrm-320-80.jpg)
Your oven can clean itself with this underrated setting
By Katie Mortram published
Cleaning the oven by hand is no easy task — thankfully, this underrated setting can help.
![A washing machine with clothes inside next to a full wicker laundry hamper on a pink background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2RcbMTgzU2H6HGazMQxrfA-320-80.jpg)
Why is this energy-saving setting missing from U.S. washing machines?
By Katie Mortram published
There’s one setting missing from washing machines in the U.S. Here’s what you’re missing out on and how you can replicate it.
![A bottle of table salt tipped on its side and spilled](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FW7DMrBoVmCws2P5ReL3Gd-320-80.jpg)
9 clever ways you can clean with salt
By Katie Mortram published
Salt is useful in more ways than one. Here are 9 ways salt can help you clean your home.
![A wall oven in a kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DaAq7w5Xc6aTXbYGRXUvbj-320-80.jpg)
I test appliances for a living — here are 9 oven tips you need to know
By Katie Mortram last updated
I’ve tested appliances for over six years — here’s what I’ve learned from ovens.
![A woman in bed hugging the comforter](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QsPYwvy8VwgKbaudekFLhE-320-80.jpg)
How to wash a comforter the right way
By Katie Mortram published
Need to know how to wash a comforter? Here, we cover what you need to do step-by-step, so you can get it looking as good as new.
![5 pots of succulents sitting on a surface ready to demonstrate how to care for succulents](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WTaPprePYZdc3EDi9oodM9-320-80.jpg)
How to care for succulents and keep them alive
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to care for succulents? Here, we breakdown exactly what you need to do to help your plants thrive.
![A mop and bucket filled with cleaning products on the floor of a living room with a couch and table in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dwQBEDbJqDvgty3NFpedFa-320-80.jpg)
7 underrated cleaning tools that will cut your cleaning time in half
By Katie Mortram published
Here are 7 underrated cleaning tools which will speed up your chores.
![Washing machine](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BbGYHn9hp3ou6PL5EEAdhG-320-80.jpg)
15 things you should never put in a washing machine
By Katie Mortram last updated
Avoid putting these 15 things in your washing machine, otherwise you could do more harm than good.
![An air fryer sitting on a table next to some bread and oil](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dy9stMXRrAoSoVnpCQPUZQ-320-80.jpg)
9 things to think about when buying an air fryer
By Katie Mortram published
Thinking about buying an air fryer? Here are 9 things you should consider before you start browsing.
![Someone cleaning limescale from a glass shower panel](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AeuMWVy4xBWsZXHV7YkxAT-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a glass shower door — get rid of limescale and watermarks
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
Want to know how to clean a glass shower door? It’s easier than you think and just takes a few everyday items.
![Washing machine](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BbGYHn9hp3ou6PL5EEAdhG-320-80.jpg)
11 things to look for when buying a washing machine
By Katie Mortram last updated
Shopping for a new washing machine? Here’s what you need to know to pick the best.
![A kitchen sink with a garbage disposal filled with vegetable peelings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NPotJFsFAkAJJbyAMLKQte-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a garbage disposal and get rid of that smell
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to clean a garbage disposal? You’ve come to the right place.
![Making a bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Pjb9eWQxa6KP9Scz6Q53Hi-320-80.jpg)
You’ve been making your bed all wrong
By Katie Mortram published
Your bed-making routine might be all wrong. Here’s the right way to make your bed in the morning.
![A photo of the cleaning equipment needed to clean Apple Airpods Pro](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iFvpDknAsDLXpUHGyrMYMQ-320-80.jpg)
How to clean AirPods quickly and safely
By Katie Mortram last updated
Here’s how to clean AirPods quickly and effectively, without breaking them.
![TV](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HEwuGBDCpMGZZxJetZXH43-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a TV screen without damaging it
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
Here's how you can safety clean your TV screen and make it spotless.
![A close up of a clothes dryer's drum with dry clothes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LrW2oMHDP87f69SFxpEVME-320-80.jpg)
I test appliances for a living — here are my top 9 clothes dryer tips
By Katie Mortram published
I’ve been testing appliances for over 6 years — here’s how you can get more out of your clothes dryer.
![MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 sitting on a patio table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wKaEoNvjNpRkyZH74YAq2B-320-80.jpg)
How to clean a MacBook screen and get rid of smudges
By Katie Mortram last updated
Want to know how to clean a MacBook screen? It’s quick and easy to do with a couple of household items.
![A scratched glass stove top](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UCWbCE29zmjNC8iBpDZcWS-320-80.jpg)
How to prevent scratches on your glass stove and keep it like new
By Katie Mortram last updated
Want your glass stove to look better for longer? Here’s how you can prevent scratches and marks.
![Four pillows at the top of a bed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mMJD6PTiDhVg9nvCSGkche-320-80.jpg)
7 signs that it’s time to replace your pillow
By Katie Mortram published
Pillows are one of those things that we rarely replace, but we really should. Here are 7 signs that you need a new pillow.
![An alarm clock showing the time on a chair with two people cleaning a kitchen in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/64ibveCELggW9RMnefy3t3-320-80.jpg)
9 tips and tricks to cut your cleaning time in half
By Katie Mortram published
Here’s how you can cut your cleaning time in half, without making your home look like a mess.