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 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.
7 best self-seeding plants for fresh growth every year
By Katie Mortram published
Fed up of planting fresh foliage? We’ve found 7 plants which self-seed to keep on giving.
How to get rid of bed bugs — everything you need to know
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know how to get rid of bed bugs? Here we cover everything you need to know, from best removal methods, to how to tell if you have them.
7 ways to use fallen leaves in your garden
By Cynthia Lawrence published
Is your yard already covered in leaves? We’ve found 7 uses for fallen leaves in your garden.
5 ways bed bugs can invade your home
By Katie Mortram published
There are all kinds of ways bed bugs can travel into your home — we’ve found 5 common routes here.
18 foods you should never store in the freezer
By Katie Mortram published
Freezers are brilliant for storing leftovers, but we’ve found 18 foods you should never store in there.
5 best ways to declutter your home now
By Katie Mortram published
We’ve found 5 decluttering methods that can make the chore that much easier.
How to aerate a lawn and when to do it
By Katie Mortram published
Thinking about aerating your lawn? Here’s what to do step-by-step to get the best results.
9 best plants that grow back every year
By Helen McCue last updated
Want an ongoing display of flowers in your yard? We’ve found the 9 best perennials for repeated blooms.
9 signs that you’re cutting your grass too short
By Katie Mortram published
Are you cutting your grass shorter than you should? Here are 9 signs of this habit.
7 best winterproof plants to survive the cold
By Katie Mortram published
Does your yard look bare over the winter? These plants will keep your garden blooming in the cold months.
7 surprising ways you can reuse old coffee grounds
By Katie Mortram published
Don’t throw your old coffee grounds in the trash — here are 7 ways you can reuse it around your home and yard.
7 natural ways to get rid of ants without chemicals
By Cynthia Lawrence, Katie Mortram published
Here’s how you can get rid of ants using only natural household products.
7 things you never knew you could do with Coca-Cola
By Katie Mortram published
Coca-Cola is more than just a soda. Here are 7 surprising uses for Coca-Cola.
How to overseed your lawn in the fall and when to do it
By Katie Mortram published
Looking to overseed your lawn this fall? Here, we cover what you need to do as well as when, so you can get the best results.
Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!