We had a leak in the house and it went under the laminate in our living room, kitchen and dining room...I had already decided I hated laminate as it was severely gouged and marred from our dogs....and once I used a steam mop on it and it promptly lifted up, never to go down again.
Seeing how much dirt we picked up on the laminate, I knew carpet was going to be filthy so we looked very carefully at what was new in the market...and we found Luxury Vinyl Plank backed with cork...easy and quick to have a professional install it and my goodness, it's gorgeous! It's also so much easier on my arthritic knees and ankle. It's tough as nails and continues to be totally impervious to animals and humans...go investigate. I think the cork backing is important (it's an option) and the entire things is a joy every single day! I cannot tell it isn't wood!! Had this done in Feb and it's still perfect in Nov.