Upholstery, the craft of covering furniture with padding and fabric, originated in ancient Egypt around 3100 B.C., but modern upholstery uses a wide range of materials, from natural fibers to synthetic materials like Naugahyde and plywood. The word "upholstery" comes from the Middle English word "upholder," referring to someone who held up their goods, and today, the industry is worth billions of dollars globally. 

Upholstery can harbor a significant amount of bacteria and allergens, sometimes even more than a toilet seat, making regular cleaning vital for health and longevity. A professional cleaning can be cost-effective by preventing permanent damage from improper DIY methods and can restore and preserve the furniture's appearance.