How to Care for and Maintain Your Modular Furniture
Keep your USM Haller and Klackjoy modular furniture looking new. Complete care guide covering daily cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and long-term preservation.
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:
- Mix mild dish soap with warm water (1 drop per cup)
- Dampen a microfiber cloth (not soaking)
- Wipe entire panel surface
- Rinse cloth in clean water, wipe again
- 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:
- Apply quality chrome polish to clean cloth
- Work in small sections with circular motions
- Buff with clean cloth until all residue removed
- 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.
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