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 often should you water tomato plants and when should you do it?
By Katie Mortram last updated
If you're growing juicy tomatoes, find out exactly how often you should water them for a bumper harvest.
How often should you fertilize your lawn and when to do it
By Katie Mortram last updated
Ever wondered how often should you fertilize your lawn? Here, we answer this question once and for all.
What Dyson vacuum cleaner do you own? Here’s why it’s good to know
By Katie Mortram published
It’s good to know which Dyson vacuum cleaner model you own. Here’s how you can tell and why it’s important.
Air dry vs dryer — what's the best way to dry your clothes?
By Katie Mortram last updated
Should you hang your clothes to dry or let the dryer do the work? Here are the pros and cons.
7 ant-repellent plants to keep your home pest-free
By Katie Mortram published
Have ants taken up residence in your home? These 7 plants will repel ants and stop them from coming back.
How to sharpen pruning shears in 7 simple steps
By Katie Mortram published
With regular use, blades on pruning shears dull. Here’s how to sharpen pruning shears to get them working as good as new.
7 things you forget have an expiry date
By Katie Mortram published
Ingredients aren’t the only things that expire. Here are 7 things you forget have an expiry date.
Shark vs Dyson: Which vacuum cleaner is best?
By Katie Mortram last updated
Ever wondered which is better — Shark vs Dyson? Here, we break down the differences.
7 plants that can survive without sunlight
By Katie Mortram published
Want to add some plant life to your sunlight-lacking home? These 7 plants will thrive regardless.
How to get rid of roaches quickly and safely
By Katie Mortram last updated
Knowing how to get rid of roaches the right way can save you time, effort and frustration.
How to plant potatoes and when to do it
By Katie Mortram last updated
Want to know how to plant potatoes? Here we take you through what to do and when to do it, so you can grow your very own spuds.
How to wash a pillow
By Katie Mortram, Cynthia Lawrence last updated
Is your pillow looking grimy? Here’s how to wash those stains away.
10 Things you should never put in the dryer
By Katie Mortram last updated
These 10 things will cause more damage than good in the dryer, so avoid them at all costs.
How to get rid of squirrels without hurting them
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to get rid of squirrels? Here, we cover the different methods and steps you can take to deter these critters.
How to clean a clear phone case and get it looking like new
By Katie Mortram last updated
If your phone case is looking grimy, here's how to clean a clear phone case and remove yellow stains.
9 ways to get rid of condensation inside your windows
By Katie Mortram published
Are the insides of your windows covered in condensation? Here are 9 ways you can get rid of it and stop condensation from coming back.
9 fly-repellent plants that will keep your home bug free
By Katie Mortram last updated
Struggling with flies in your home? These 9 fly-repellent plants will keep them at bay.
How to clean an iPhone’s charging port without breaking it
By Katie Mortram last updated
Is there a build-up of dust and debris in your iPhone’s charging port? Here’s how to clean it without damaging your phone.
9 mistakes to avoid when you clean your car
By Katie Mortram published
Are you guilty of making any of these 9 mistakes when you clean your car? Here, we break down what you’re doing wrong and what you should do instead.
How to season a cast iron skillet and how often you should do it
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you want to know how to season a cast iron skillet, these tips will keep it in good shape.
6 foods you should never cook in a cast iron skillet
By Katie Mortram published
Avoid cooking these 6 foods in your cast iron skillet — you could be doing more harm than good.
Cast iron vs enameled cast iron skillet — which is better?
By Katie Mortram published
There are two types of cast iron skillet — traditional and enameled. We'll take you through the differences and help you decide which type to buy.
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.