How to Care for and Maintain Your Modular Furniture

Modular furniture systems like USM Haller and Klackjoy are built to last decades, but proper care ensures they look factory-fresh for years to come. Here's your complete maintenance guide.

Daily & Weekly Care

Dust Regularly

Steel and chrome surfaces attract dust and fingerprints. Weekly dusting prevents buildup:

• Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth
• Wipe in one direction to avoid streaking
• For textured panels, use a soft brush to reach crevices

Spot Clean as Needed

Address spills and marks promptly:

• Dampen cloth with warm water only — no harsh chemicals
• Wipe affected area gently
• Dry immediately with a soft cloth to prevent water spots

Monthly Maintenance

Deep Clean Panels

Once a month, give panels a thorough cleaning:

1. Mix mild dish soap with warm water (1 drop per cup)
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth (not soaking)
3. Wipe entire panel surface
4. Rinse cloth in clean water, wipe again
5. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth

Chrome Care

Ball connectors and tubes need occasional attention:

• Glass cleaner works well on chrome surfaces
• Spray onto cloth, not directly on furniture
• Buff to a streak-free shine

Check Connections

Monthly, verify all connections are secure:

• Gently test ball connector tightness
• Retighten any loose connections (finger-tight, not over-torqued)
• Check leveling feet/castors for stability

Seasonal Deep Maintenance

Quarterly Chrome Polish (Optional)

For high-use areas or to restore shine:

1. Apply quality chrome polish to clean cloth
2. Work in small sections with circular motions
3. Buff with clean cloth until all residue removed
4. Avoid getting polish on panels (may leave streaks)

Annual Inspection

Once a year, conduct a full system inspection:

• [ ] All connections secure
• [ ] No visible scratches or chips
• [ ] Leveling feet adjusted properly
• [ ] Castors rolling freely
• [ ] Panel colors consistent (no sun fading)

Handling Specific Issues

Scratches on Panels

Light scratches:

• May buff out with gentle rubbing
• Touch-up paint available from suppliers

Deep scratches:

• Individual panels can be replaced
• Contact supplier for color-matched replacements

Chrome Scratches

Minor:

• Chrome polish often restores appearance
• Buff thoroughly

Significant:

• Chrome tubes and balls are replaceable
• More cost-effective than attempting repair

Fingerprints on Colored Panels

Some colors show fingerprints more than others (especially black and dark colors):

• Clean regularly with microfiber
• Consider matte finishes for high-touch areas
• Accept that some fingerprints are normal in daily use

Panel Color Fading

Prevention:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure
• Use curtains or UV-filtering window film
• Rotate units periodically if sunlight is unavoidable

If fading occurs:

• Individual panels are replaceable
• Consider repositioning furniture

What NOT to Do

❌ Never Use:

• Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
• Bleach or ammonia-based products
• Acetone or strong solvents
• Steam cleaners (may damage powder coating)
• Steel wool on any surface

❌ Never:

• Over-tighten ball connections (damages threads)
• Drag furniture (lift or use felt pads)
• Place hot items directly on panels
• Allow standing water on any surface
• Use furniture as a ladder

Long-term Value Preservation

Document Your System

Keep records of:

• Original purchase date
• Configuration details
• Panel color codes
• Any modifications or additions

This helps with future expansions and replacements.

Store Spare Parts

If reconfiguring, keep removed components:

• Store in original packaging if available
• Label with specifications
• Keep in climate-controlled space

Professional Refinishing

For heavily used systems, professional refinishing is available:

• Powder coating can be stripped and reapplied
• Chrome can be re-plated
• Typically costs less than replacement

Why Care Matters

A well-maintained modular system:

| Benefit | Impact | |---------|--------| | Appearance | Looks new for decades | | Function | Connections stay tight | | Value | Maintains resale worth | | Sustainability | Extends already-long lifespan |

Still designing your system? Visit the Configurator to create furniture worth caring for.

Related Articles:

• How to Assemble Modular Furniture
• Modular vs Traditional Furniture

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean USM Haller furniture?

For everyday cleaning, wipe the powder-coated steel panels with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with warm water, then dry immediately to prevent water spots. For tougher marks, add a single drop of mild dish soap per cup of water — never use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads or steel wool, as they damage the powder coating.

What is the best way to care for powder-coated furniture?

Powder-coated furniture is best maintained by regular dusting with a dry microfiber cloth and occasional cleaning with warm water and a tiny amount of mild soap. Avoid bleach, ammonia, acetone, strong solvents and steam cleaners, all of which can dull or damage the coating over time.

How do you clean the chrome ball connectors and tubes?

Spray a little glass cleaner onto a cloth (never directly onto the furniture) and buff the chrome ball connectors and tubes to a streak-free shine. For heavier use, a quality chrome polish applied in small circular sections restores the gloss — keep polish off the painted panels to avoid streaks.

Can I use abrasive or chemical cleaners on modular furniture?

No. Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, steel wool, bleach, ammonia-based products, acetone and strong solvents should never be used, as they scratch chrome and damage the powder coating. Steam cleaners should also be avoided. Warm water with a touch of mild soap is all that is needed for almost every situation.

How do I prevent panel color fading on modular furniture?

Keep the furniture out of prolonged direct sunlight, use curtains or UV-filtering window film, and rotate units periodically if strong sun is unavoidable. Because the system is modular, any individual panel that does fade can simply be replaced with a color-matched one rather than replacing the whole unit.