New Year Reset, Mold Myths, and the Truth About Tung Oil

New Year Reset, Mold Myths, and the Truth About Tung Oil

Author: Dan Hansen/RepcoLite Paints January 10, 2026 Duration: 39:30

In the first full episode of 2026, Home in Progress host Dan Hansen takes a fresh look at New Year’s resolutions—why they so often fail, and how a small shift in thinking can make them far more sustainable. Drawing on personal experience, Dan shares a practical, realistic approach to setting goals that actually stick.

From there, the episode pivots to a common winter home concern: mold and mildew. Dan breaks down what mold really is, when it’s a health concern, and when it’s more of a maintenance issue. You’ll hear clear, step-by-step guidance on safely cleaning mold, choosing the right products, and preventing it from returning—plus what to do after mold is removed so your repairs last.

The episode wraps up with the launch of a new Winter Wood Shop series, starting with one of the most misunderstood finishing products out there: tung oil. Dan explains the differences between pure tung oil, tung oil/varnish blends, and products labeled “tung oil finish,” and compares their real-world performance to polyurethane so you can choose the right finish for the job.

Episode Timeline

00:00 — Welcome to Home in Progress

00:24 — Why New Year’s Resolutions So Often Fail

02:06 — A More Sustainable Approach to Goal-Setting

07:31 — Introducing the Winter Wood Shop Series

08:32 — Mold and Mildew: What Homeowners Should Know

12:56 — Understanding Mold in the Home

19:34 — Essential Safety Gear for Mold Cleanup

20:21 — Effective Mold Cleaning Methods

21:39 — How to Know When Mold Is Truly Gone

23:01 — Priming and Painting After Mold Removal

24:18 — Preventing Mold from Coming Back

27:29 — What Tung Oil Really Is (and Isn’t)

32:05 — The Three Types of “Tung Oil” Products

35:22 — Where Tung Oil Works—and Where It Doesn’t

38:25 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up


Home In Progress is a weekly conversation hosted by Dan Hansen from RepcoLite Paints, born from the belief that a home is never truly finished. It’s a constant, often charming, series of projects and adjustments. This podcast digs into that reality, covering everything from choosing the right paint sheen and troubleshooting a stubborn plumbing issue to planning a garden layout or refreshing a room with a new design perspective. The tone is practical and approachable, blending useful advice with a genuine sense of humor about the inevitable mishaps that come with DIY. You’ll hear specific tips on materials and techniques, discussions on balancing aesthetics with function, and honest talk about what it really takes to maintain and improve your space. Each episode aims to leave you with a tangible takeaway, whether it’s the confidence to tackle a small repair or inspiration for a larger weekend project. It’s for anyone who views their home as a living project-a place of leisure, creativity, and continuous learning. Listen for a mix of straightforward education and relatable stories that make the process of caring for a house feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding part of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Home In Progress
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