The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths

The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths

July 17, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode discusses washing machine types, a guest's transition to a new home, and insights into home renovation challenges.

The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner. Then, bestselling author Mary H. K. Choi reflects on moving from a tiny Hong Kong apartment to an enormous Texas house that never quite felt like home. Plus, This Old House’s Zack Dettmore pulls back the curtain on why so many renovation projects go sideways and how homeowners can set better expectations before construction begins. In This Episode You'll Learn: * How to choose between a designer and a design-build firm for your next renovation. * The best way to clean, protect, and maintain soapstone countertops without damaging them. * Whether painting a concrete floor is a smart alternative to replacing old carpet. * Why one room in your home may never feel comfortable and what can be done to fix it. All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

People in this episode

Guest: Mary H. K. Choi

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: This Old House

Places: Texas, Hong Kong

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