<p>As I type the crew is finishing up installing our new engineered wood floors downstairs. Any tips for caring for them? We got the handscraped since we have a large crazy dog.</p>
<p>The thing the scratches them fastest is the little dirt and sand bits that are inevitable – especially with a dog – that just become grit on your floors. I’ve been using dry Swiffer cloths every four or five days. It’s amazing what’s sitting on your floors that you’re not even aware of.</p>
<p>And of course wipe up wetness as soon as it occurs.</p>
<p>Thanks and I’m so sorry I posted twice! Not sure how that happened.</p>
<p>We love the robotic vacuum that we have programmed to run M-F. It works like a dream and does pick up an amazing amount. They have one designed for use with pets that is ok with hair–available at Costco too, so you can return if unhappy or any failure.</p>
<p>Have a doormat that actually removes mud and sand outside. Have another mat right inside the door. Get a good dust mop and run it around every couple of days, or buy a roomba as HImom suggests. Grit ground into your floor will do more damage than anything else.</p>
<p>If you lived in a northern clime I would suggest a boot tray by the door for mud season and winter.</p>
<p>We have washable bath mats that we launder regularly at every doorway where people enter our home. We have mats outside of each door as well. Our floors have lasted well for the 20+ years we’ve had them and not needed much care at all.</p>