Once you have invested in a set of new cubicles, it won’t be long before they start looking less than pristine. Cubes used in shift work (such as call center occupations) typically see some of the greatest wear and tear since they are occupied continuously by employees who don’t really see the workstation as “theirs”. However, any new cubicle will begin to show signs of being lived in after a while.

Here are several steps you can take to keep your organization’s workstations looking new for as long as possible:

Cubicle panel frames are generally made of powder coated metal that is resistant to scratches and dents. However, it can still accumulate scuff marks. Provide a wide enough walkway between cubes to cut down on shoes bumping the edges of the panel frames in high traffic areas. Preventing cubicles from being jarred lessens the risk of damage to the connectors between panels as well.

Laminate worksurfaces are also prone to getting marked up. Provide pencil cups and tray organizers so employees can keep writing implements off the desk surface. Workers should also be asked not to put stickers or tape on metal or laminate surfaces since this can leave a tacky residue. If Maintenance does find a sticky substance, they shouldn’t try to scrape it off. Instead, they should start with a mild detergent and a damp cloth to see if that does the trick. If not, they can try alcohol or Windex. Industrial strength solvents such as Naptha can be used as a last resort but should be spot tested first.

Fabric is the most delicate material found in a new cubicle. Some manufacturers make their textiles resistant to stains, but no fabric is completely immune. Eliminating food and drink at desks to reduce the risk of staining cube fabrics is not likely to be a popular policy. So, familiarize your janitorial staff with the cleaning agents recommended for removing stains from your cubicle panels. For some brands, warm water and soap will work. For others, specialized cleaners must be applied. Using an upholstery vacuum attachment to remove surface dirt and dust every couple of weeks is usually a good idea but actual steam cleaning is too harsh.

Get a Professional Retouch

If your cubicles are older, it is possible to get them refurbished so that they look new again. This process can include replacing the fabric and laminate as well as repainting the metal frames. Broken or missing components can also be replaced. If you are satisfied with the size and shape of your existing workstations but want a new color scheme and restored functionality, refurbishing may be the cheapest option.