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
![Grass clippings being emptied from a red lawn mower](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6ww5rkFvXXKmbggQShi8eM-320-80.jpg)
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.
![An open clothes dryer with a white towel within](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Jebzd5EZTvQcnqDNUKeGu9-320-80.jpg)
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?
![A washing machine loaded with colorful towels](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gnUiu4w6VArVY6wvecQXcU-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Two gloved hands holding fertilizer over a bag on a lawn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/G86tAozYyrkK9mMAEESaAG-320-80.jpg)
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?
![A mole which has emerged above ground in a yard](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5QbNTr6MDA2axk6ZnMkZpE-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A hand dropping grass seed onto the ground](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xWHKuBMZypGJ3hxUu39YgV-320-80.jpg)
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
![A selection of four cast iron pans next to a dish towel on a wooden table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EEHgvPZqQX6wAmpnNCMau3-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A dishwasher tablet sitting in a dishwasher dispenser](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pPcSfj6CkiHaF9Tz6VXgyK-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The cabinets underneath a kitchen sink with a door open showing cleaning products](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W6LWPetnaTnGKcQF9CAbdA-320-80.jpg)
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.
![An open clothes dryer with a white towel within](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Jebzd5EZTvQcnqDNUKeGu9-320-80.jpg)
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.
![mulch surrounding plants in front yard with wheelbarrow on right side](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rp5gQ87omjzkGuH5freDZc-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Hydrangeas](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FdQEd43s85YU6474J2cqmd-320-80.jpg)
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
![A hand holding and spreading grass seed over a patch in a lawn to demonstrate how to plant grass seed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FSSLzKkGjmx3srq52L46pN-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A tomato plant showing three ripe tomatoes covered in moisture](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S2ytWmtRS9NX9eHuQF5L3P-320-80.jpg)
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.
![man fertilizing lawn](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eYkBiX26k8RAsPSByQL4fB-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A drying rack drying clothes with a washing machine and laundry basket in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n8HhbPnsFfCywGPwwFcxgA-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Ants crawling over food](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6jGfaPKxYV3ocbrCgPZQKf-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A pair of bypass pruning shears on a wooden surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cxBh28kArBT7JM9cQyPAcK-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Sunscreen being squeezed into a hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oGe4me4rHBLxcLyxhgY5DC-320-80.jpg)
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.
![The Shark ION F80 Cord-Free MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum and the Dyson v15 Detect to demonstrate Shark vs Dyson](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vZ8NCWX8J2jqAQaWh5WHXU-320-80.jpg)
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.
![A ZZ plant on a table against a wall with limited light](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uJDYTuuUuRt28YtxGMXA8Q-320-80.jpg)
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.
![Potatoes sitting in the soil with foliage in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/arayF3hjeJGyRCFc7QbxX7-320-80.jpg)
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](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GSXcTEpES88whSiqPszu3H-320-80.jpg)
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.
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