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
Best washing machines in 2024
By Katie Mortram, Camilla Sharman last updated
The best washing machines for every budget and family size, whether you need a top-loading machine, front-loader or smart washing machine.
Best air purifiers in 2024 tested and rated
By Katie Mortram last updated
We tested a range of models to find the best air purifiers to suit every budget and room size.
How to get rid of fruit flies fast
By Katie Mortram last updated
Fruit flies are an annoyingly house guest, but you can easily get rid of them with a few everyday products
How to get rid of wasps — and keep them away from your home
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to keep wasps away from your home? Try our top tips to keep these pests at bay.
How to get rid of roaches quickly and safely
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram last updated
Knowing how to get rid of roaches the right way can save you time, effort and frustration.
How to get rid of crabgrass without damaging your lawn
By Katie Mortram, Camilla Sharman last updated
Knowing how to get rid of crabgrass can keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. Here, we breakdown how to deal with this weed.
How to make your grass greener in 9 easy steps
By Katie Mortram last updated
Want to know how to make grass greener? It’s a simple process and here we take you through what to do step-by-step.
Robot vacuum buying guide—what you need to know
By Katie Mortram last updated
Not sure where to start your search for a robot vacuum? It doesn't matter how little or how much you want to spend, there's a cleaning robot out there for everyone.
Best space heaters in 2024 — tested and rated
By Sharon Franke last updated
We tested a range of space heaters to see which are best for keeping you warm all year round.
How to dethatch a lawn for healthier grass
By Katie Mortram, Camilla Sharman last updated
Want to know how to dethatch a lawn? Here, we take you through what you need to do and when you need to do it.
Philips Hue lights: A guide to what each bulb does (and costs)
By Anthony Spadafora last updated
This Philips Hue lights guide explains exactly what each Philips Hue bulb and light fixture does and how much they cost.
Last-minute smart light deal is a must for making your home shine over the holidays
By Katie Mortram published
Make your home shine for the holidays with this must-have smart light deal — it’s never been cheaper.
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.
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.
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?
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.
How to clean gutters in 9 steps — and when to do it
By Katie Mortram published
Need to know how to clean gutters? Here, we breakdown what to do step-by-step, including options if you don’t want to use a ladder.
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.
How to clean sneakers in 4 easy steps — with or without a washing machine
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Are your sneakers looking gray as of late? Here’s how to clean sneakers to make them white again.
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.
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.
11 things you never knew you could wash in a washing machine
By Katie Mortram published
Your washing machine can do more than your laundry. We’ve found 11 things you never knew could be washed by this appliance.
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.