I tried the plant trick myself a couple winters ago when my old Victorian started feeling like a desert. It definitely helped a bit—plus, the greenery made the rooms feel warmer and more inviting. But eventually, I still had to bite the bullet and get a humidifier. The floors were just too finicky, and I noticed some gaps forming. Plants are great, but sometimes older homes need a little extra help...
"Plants are great, but sometimes older homes need a little extra help..."
Totally agree with this. I renovated a 1920s bungalow a few years back and tried everything from plants to bowls of water near the radiators. It helped slightly, but honestly, older hardwood floors can be stubborn. Eventually, I installed a whole-house humidifier system—made a huge difference. Plants are nice for aesthetics and minor humidity boosts, but for serious floor preservation, sometimes you just gotta go mechanical...
Yeah, humidity definitely helps, but honestly, regular maintenance is just as important. I refinished my old oak floors about five years ago and here's what worked for me: sweep or vacuum regularly to keep grit from scratching the finish, mop lightly with a damp microfiber cloth (no soaking!), and every few months use a hardwood floor refresher—not wax, just a gentle polish. Floors still look pretty good, considering two kids and a dog running around...
Humidity works, but honestly, I'd skip the refresher or polish altogether. Just sweep often and mop lightly with water and a tiny bit of vinegar—cheap, eco-friendly, and my floors look fine even with three messy cats roaming around...
You're spot on with the vinegar-water combo—been doing that myself for years. Polishes can build up and get sticky over time, especially with pets around. Simple really is best sometimes... your floors (and sanity) will thank you later.
