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
How long will food last in your freezer?
By Katie Mortram published
Here’s how long you can keep food in the freezer before the quality starts to degrade.
How to remove pilling from clothes to restore your sweaters
By Katie Mortram published
Are tiny bobbles ruining your favorite sweater? Here’s how to remove pilling from clothes, so you can make it look like new.
How to clean a cast iron skillet and remove rust
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
Cast iron skillets are an essential cooking tool, but they can show burn marks quickly. Here’s how to get it looking like new again
How to clean a dishwasher
By Katie Mortram last updated
Noticed your dishwasher has started to smell? It’s time to give it a clean — here’s how you do it.
Powder vs liquid detergent: which is best for your laundry?
By Katie Mortram last updated
Ever wondered which is better — powder vs liquid detergent? Here, we breakdown the benefits behind each of these options and help you decide which is best.
How to get rid of mold and stop it from coming back
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to get rid of mold? Here, we cover every step you need to take, as well as how to stop it from coming back.
I turned this smart light into a sunrise alarm clock — and it’s a game changer
By Katie Mortram published
Here’s what happened when our Homes Editor used a portable smart light as a sunrise alarm clock.
I write cleaning tips for a living — here’s what you will find in my cleaning cupboard
By Katie Mortram published
Our Homes Editor has written no end of cleaning tips and tricks. But what does she actually keep in her own cleaning cupboard?
5 mistakes you’re making with your cast iron skillet
By Katie Mortram published
While cast iron skillets are indeed hardy, we’ve found five mistakes which you could be making with this pan right now.
How to clean an Apple Watch band and make it look like new
By Katie Mortram last updated
Has your band seen better days? Follow these top tips on how to clean an Apple Watch band to make it new again.
How to load a dishwasher the right way
By Katie Mortram last updated
If you've ever wondered how to load a dishwasher the right way, follow these top tips.
9 things you should never put in an air fryer
By Katie Mortram last updated
Air fryers are great for cooking most things, but here are things you should never put in them.
9 ways to make your washing machine less noisy
By Katie Mortram published
Is your washing machine making a ruckus? Here are 9 ways to reduce the noise.
9 ways to prevent mold in your home
By Katie Mortram published
Worried about mildew? Here are 9 ways you can prevent mold from growing in your home.
I test appliances for a living and I’m surprised electric kettles aren’t more popular in the U.S.
By Katie Mortram published
I’ve been testing appliances for years, and I’m surprised how rare this one is in the U.S.
iRobot Roomba s9+ vs. iRobot Roomba i7+: Which should you buy?
By Katie Mortram, Meghan McDonough last updated
Want to know the difference between the Roomba s9+ and the i7+? Here, we cover everything you need to know, including the strengths and weaknesses of each design.
Are cordless vacuum cleaners worth it? Here are the pros and cons
By Katie Mortram published
Should you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner? Here are the pros and cons behind these appliances to help you make a decision.
11 things you should never put in a blender
By Katie Mortram published
Want your blender to last longer? Then keep away from these 11 things.
Top 8 dishwasher mistakes, according to someone who tests appliances for a living
By Katie Mortram published
Here are the top 8 dishwasher mistakes everyone makes, according to our Homes Editor.
7 things to look for when buying a dishwasher
By Katie Mortram published
If you need a new dishwasher, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Here are 7 things to consider when buying a dishwasher.
How to stop your air fryer from overheating
By Katie Mortram published
An air fryer can become a potential fire hazard if left to overheat unattended. Here’s how to prevent your air fryer from overheating.
I test appliances for a living and here are my top washing machine tips
By Katie Mortram published
Our Homes Editor has been testing appliances for more than 6 years. She's come up with 7 tips when it comes to washing machines.
How to care for an amaryllis and make it bloom
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know how to care for an amaryllis? Here we cover everything you need to know, from watering to feeding to soil conditions.
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