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
How to get rid of rats quickly and safely
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know how to get rid of rats? Here, we cover everything you need to know — from traps to preventative methods.
5 signs your lawn needs urgent repairs
By Katie Mortram published
Has your grass seen better days? Here are 5 signs that it needs some TLC.
7 plants that repel fruit flies and keep them out of your home
By Katie Mortram published
We’ve found 7 plants that can deter fruit flies for a pest-free home.
7 grilling mistakes you didn’t know you were making
By Katie Mortram last updated
It’s the season to get the grill out, but are you making any of these common mistakes without knowing it?
No Mow May — 7 reasons to stop mowing your lawn this month
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know more about No Mow May? Here, we look into the benefits of letting your grass grow this spring, and why it’s important.
7 mistakes to avoid when trimming a hedge
By Katie Mortram published
Trimming back your hedges? Make sure you steer clear of these 7 common mistakes.
7 mistakes to avoid when growing tomatoes
By Katie Mortram published
Tomato plants are easy to grow, but are you making any of these 7 common mistakes?
By Katie Mortram published
Are mosquitoes a common sight in your home? There are 9 plants that can help keep them at bay.
7 quick cleaning jobs to make your home look better
By Katie Mortram published
You can refresh your home in no time by cleaning these 7 key areas.
7 things you should never put down the drain
By Katie Mortram published
All kinds of liquids and debris get rinsed down the drains, but did you know there are 7 things you should never flush down there?
9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
By Katie Mortram published
Want to get more out of your lawn mower? We’ve pulled together 9 tips and tricks to improve your lawn mower’s performance, so it's ready for the summer.
7 clothes dryer mistakes to avoid at all costs
By Katie Mortram published
We use our clothes dryers on a regular basis, but did you know there are 7 mistakes that you could be making with this appliance?
7 mistakes that could be damaging your washing machine
By Katie Mortram last updated
Here are 7 common mistakes that can damage your washing machine and shorten its lifespan.
5 mistakes you make when applying fertilizer to your yard
By Katie Mortram published
Many keen gardeners rely on fertilizer, but did you know that there are 5 mistakes often made during its use and application?
5 ways to keep moles out of your yard this spring
By Katie Mortram published
Worried about moles making a home in your yard? Here’s how to keep them at bay.
9 mistakes you’re making when planting grass seed
By Katie Mortram last updated
Homeowners often plant grass seed in the spring for a fresh lawn, but be careful not to make these 9 common mistakes in the process
7 things you should check when buying a cast iron skillet
By Katie Mortram published
Buying a cast iron skillet isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Here are 7 things to consider before you pick one out.
7 surprising things you can clean with a dishwasher tablet
By Katie Mortram published
Dishwasher tablets are useful in more ways than one. Here are 7 things you never knew you could clean with a dishwasher tablet.
9 things you should never store under the kitchen sink
By Katie Mortram published
Everything and anything can end up under the kitchen sink, but there are 9 things you shouldn’t keep under there.
9 things to look for when buying a clothes dryer
By Katie Mortram published
Here are 9 things you need to check before you buy a clothes dryer.
Here's when you should replace mulch — and why it's essential
By Katie Mortram last updated
Has your mulch served its purpose? Here’s when you should replace mulch and why it’s important.
How to prune hydrangeas and when you should do it
By Katie Mortram last updated
Hydrangeas are beautiful, but they do need regular care. Here’s how to prune them, and the best time of year to do so
How to plant grass seed and get a greener yard
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
Want to know how to plant grass seed? Here, we take you through what to do step-by-step to get a greener yard.