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 woman who is overly hot in a kitchen fanning herself](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PqUsHoBkif9ecwZn4Ds8pM-320-80.jpg)
7 ways to keep your kitchen cool in a heatwave
By Katie Mortram published
A kitchen can be unbearable in a heatwave. Luckily, we’ve found 7 ways to cool this space down.
![A sprinkler head spraying water next to a hose spraying water from a hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DG6VSDofSpAyrwjjwKBM98-320-80.jpg)
Sprinkler vs. hose: which is better for your lawn?
By Katie Mortram published
Wondering which is the best method for watering your lawn? We break down the benefits of using a sprinkler system versus watering by hand here.
![Creeping phlox plant cascading over a brick wall](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yCrvZGkYGkaaDN5EspvmiS-320-80.jpg)
7 plants that prevent weeds in your yard
By Katie Mortram last updated
Weeds are pesky to remove at the best of times. Luckily these 7 plants can help prevent weeds from taking root in your yard.
![A toaster oven in a kitchen with a hand pulling the door down](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S7tTRZEzpyDVi68VZHF4gm-320-80.jpg)
7 toaster oven mistakes to avoid at all costs
By Katie Mortram published
We rely on our toaster ovens for quick and delicious meals. But, did you know there are common mistakes often made with this appliance?
![Wildflowers being grown in a yard next to the lawn and watering can](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Rig2wKLBVEK2tMBSXpAYDb-320-80.jpg)
7 benefits of a wildflower garden — and why you should grow one
By Katie Mortram published
Our lawns are expensive and time consuming to maintain — here are 7 reasons to replace it with a wildflower garden instead.
![Hands hold Amazon packages](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7TZQWYUsWBj72ZpJTb8NoJ-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes to avoid when shopping this Prime Day
By Katie Mortram published
Prime Day offers a chance to get your hands on some great deals, but could you be making any of these 7 mistakes in the process?
![Orchids sitting on a windowsill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/swv7EdjBtLGHBD4aotJ3Ta-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes to avoid when growing orchids
By Katie Mortram published
Orchids are pretty simple to grow, but there are still 7 mistakes often made with these plants.
![A mole poking out from a molehill](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UwJk2ieR7yKmCyDCrL9Sjn-320-80.jpg)
7 plants that repel moles and keep them out of your yard
By Katie Mortram published
Do moles keep messing up your yard? Here are 7 plants that can help keep them at bay.
![two ants drinking water](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R5RktbhDKBiU8BtsbNvgiT-320-80.jpg)
7 things that are attracting ants to your home
By Katie Mortram published
Ants are a common pest in kitchens. But, did you know that there are 7 things attracting them into your home in the first place?
![A mosquito sitting on the skin](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wFXrJwTTJZ3PTjK2infGFN-320-80.jpg)
How to get rid of mosquitoes in your home and your yard
By Katie Mortram last updated
Need to know how to get rid of mosquitoes? Here, we take you through what to do if you think you’ve got an infestation and how to deter them in the future.
![A blender filled with beetroots being run in a kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sJodWHqJLCtCBPkPUqrQZk-320-80.jpg)
7 blender mistakes ruining your smoothies
By Katie Mortram published
We rely on our blenders for much-needed smoothies. But, are you making any of these common mistakes in the process?
![A selection of herbs including basil. parsley, thyme and oregano](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CiG2y9HbyUfAe8XwrbYbRg-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes it’s all too easy to make when growing herbs
By Katie Mortram published
Herbs can be easy or tricky to grow, depending on the type. But, in either case, there are still 7 mistakes often made.
![A sprinkler system watering a lawn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6YfyC2RWcGT9DvKhhfz2wZ-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes to avoid when you water your lawn
By Katie Mortram published
Make any one of these mistakes when watering your lawn, and you could be doing your yard more harm than good.
![Knife chopping](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EMdMkuzTHJFKdtJHrMP34k-320-80.jpg)
7 mistakes that are ruining your kitchen knives
By Katie Mortram last updated
We use our kitchen knives regularly to prepare food, but did you know there are 7 mistakes you could be making with these tools?
![A cockroach eating from a dinner plate while someone prepares food in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3iED9C9vwF2DrspMNTgQha-320-80.jpg)
7 things that attract roaches to your home — and how to fix it
By Katie Mortram published
Roaches are an unwelcome sight in any home. But, could you be inviting them in without knowing it?
![A mosquito sitting on white mesh netting](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4w3JZsmAgZpThfmoEXkmh6-320-80.jpg)
7 ways to prevent mosquito bites at night
By Katie Mortram published
Are mosquitoes biting you at night? We’ve rounded up 7 tips to keep mosquitoes away while you sleep.
![American robin sitting on a branch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/phsxQcJGCRhqQwPG5j9tGm-320-80.jpg)
Stop birds from ruining plants in your yard — 7 easy tips
By Katie Mortram published
Are birds making a meal of your yard? Here are 7 useful ways to bird-proof your space and protect your plants.
![Japanese Knotweed growing into the sky](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qtyP3uPiyShoKPFERyYo74-320-80.jpg)
9 invasive plants to keep out of your yard
By Steven Asarch last updated
Invasive plants can cause serious damage to your yard. Here are 9 invasive plants to look out for.
![A lawn being watered by a sprinkler system](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GKh2UxDY8QYRHE8vEV6DEb-320-80.jpg)
When is the best time to water your lawn? Here’s what the experts say
By Katie Mortram last updated
Is your lawn looking worse for wear? Here’s the best time to water it to get it thick and healthy again.
![An open gym bag on the floor showing towels, clothes and dumbbells, while someone ties up sneakers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3s3nshPaDMeQRqGiRLLmF8-320-80.jpg)
5 reasons you should always wash sportswear separately
By Katie Mortram published
Are you guilty of throwing your sportswear into the wash with the rest of your laundry? Here’s why this is a habit you need to break.
![A couple covering their ears in bed from the noise](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bxSNpqY5rNBDaxWDNUGXUF-320-80.jpg)
5 rude habits your neighbors hate
By Katie Mortram published
Certain habits might be convenient for you, but not so much for your neighbors. Here are 5 habits which some may find rude.
![Someone's hand feeling the grass](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YXjZ2YRHQsSFsxHsBHT6Em-320-80.jpg)
How to make your lawn thicker in 7 simple steps
By Katie Mortram published
Want a thicker lawn? Here, we cover what you need to do step-by-step to get your grass looking thick and full.
![A wasp on a leaf](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DjLraUTiRH5o2U5HWvaGmU-320-80.jpg)
7 things that attract wasps to your yard
By Katie Mortram published
Are wasps abundant in your yard? Here are 7 things attracting them right now.