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This year, the Des Moines Home + Garden Show is excited to have HGTV’s Patric Richardson present on the Rose Farm Inspiration Stage. Before there was a TV show, and before there was a book, Patric Richardson loved laundry. When he was barely 3 years old, Santa brought him a toy washing machine, fueling a passion already inside him and presenting itself when he helped hang clothes on the clothesline or fold the sheets with his beloved Granny Dude.

That passion has led to a television career as The Laundry Guy on HGTV, Discovery+, “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” “Good Morning LA,” “NBC Nightly News,” WGN, the BBC, and more. He’s also been featured in “The Washington Post,” “The New York Times,” and “Better Homes and Gardens.” He’s also written two books, “Laundry Love” and “House Love.”

So, we asked him the tough questions about those even tougher stains. Plus, a few more things to get to know the man behind the (laundry) machine.

What is your favorite part of doing laundry?  

I love the whole process for 2 reasons. First, it makes whoever you are doing laundry for (including yourself) happy. Second, it gives me such a sense of satisfaction. You start with this wrinkled stain pile of fabric and end with a beautiful closet full of clothes. Mick was wrong, you can get satisfaction!

What is the trickiest stain to get out?  

Lipstick or Barbeque…They are both oily and complex and, in both cases, the higher the quality, the harder to remove!

What is the most underrated cleaning product?  

VINEGAR! I love it for so many things. It is perfect to remove oily stains in the laundry and then clean the laundry room!

What home gadget or tool should every homeowner have?  

I couldn’t do laundry without a horsehair brush. They get softer when they are wet, so they are safe enough to scrub cashmere and silk, but strong enough to take out serious stains.

Best home purchase for under $100?  

A steamer, but an all-purpose one. You can use it to clean the house and it will have an adapter to steam clothes.

What is one design tip for big impact in the laundry room?  

I am famous for saying you should hang a disco ball in the laundry room, but after that, get a great light fixture and some paint. You can make a fun room that you love to work in and it can just take an afternoon.

Favorite room in your home?  

I love my whole house. We did a total reno when we moved in (it was last updated in the 70s) and I love every room. Besides the laundry, I would have to say my tiny efficient kitchen. I feel like I could cook for anyone there, but everything is close at hand.

Tips for designing an office at home?

My biggest tip is a space to spread out. Those little desks that close up look great, but I need a library table to spread out. Also, make a few things moveable so you can have extra light if you need it, or a chair for a collaborator. The key is to make it look great so you love it, but it should be functional. If you are going to work in there all day, add a mini fridge or a coffee maker so you can grab a beverage without breaking your momentum. It’s hard when you need to stop for a second but then you see dishes in the sink or mail to go through.

When you design a space, what is the most important advice you give?  

Make it yours. If you love orange, go for it! It will work even in the most formal of spaces. I designed my house 14 years ago and I still love it. I have only added artwork and a couple of pillows since then. I still look forward to coming home.

Which fellow HGTV star would you most like to work with and why?  

Oh gosh, so many people. I love the HGTV people! If I had to pick, Ben and Erin (Napier). I was lucky enough to get to do something with them. I really love several of those people so I guess I would like to do something like “Rock the Block” where I can work with a bunch of them at once. I know it’s a cop-out, but too hard to pick!

What do you enjoy about being at a home show?  

First and foremost, PEOPLE. I love to talk, and I love to meet people in their towns and hear their stories. Second, my father was a builder, so I love seeing all the aspects of home and garden. I like to walk around and see what everyone has to offer. It totally energizes my mind.

The Des Moines Home + Garden Show returns to the Iowa Events Center for four days, Thursday, February 22 through Sunday, February 25. See Patric on the Rose Farm Inspiration Stage on Thursday at 6 p.m. or Friday at 5 p.m.

Get your tickets now, presented by Quantum Fiber, at https://desmoineshomeandgardenshow.mpetickets.com/ to save. Discounted advanced ticket pricing available through February 21.