Pool Table Cloth Cleaning Tips

For many people, achieving the American Dream of home ownership is not complete until the billiard room is finished. Like boats and fancy cars, a good pool table requires regular maintenance to retain its rich look and playable surface. Caring for the felt surface shouldn't take too much time away from your pool playing, provided it is not neglected.

  1. Vacuum

    • Though there is something romantic about brushing the felt pool top, the best way to remove harmful dust, dirt and other debris is with a vacuum. A handheld unit with a variable setting is the best choice (set it to the lowest setting).

      While brushing the table is better than nothing, vacuuming will fully remove the contaminants, such as chalk residue, which can cause microscopic abrasions in the fabric. These minuscule cuts can turn into major tears as time goes by.

    Brush

    • Keep a soft bristle table brush on hand for removing foreign debris during game play, when a vacuum is not practical.

      Brush crumbs, talc, chalk and dirt in a straight path toward a pocket. Avoid "scrubbing" the table in a circle. Rather than remove dirt, this actually pushes particles through the felt to the slate top below, and will wear down the felt.

    Practice Preventative Measures

    • The easiest way to keep the pool table clean is to keep it from becoming dirty. Chalk-up cue sticks away from the table, so the chalk dust floats to the floor, not the table top. Keep drinks and snacks on a separate table. Crumbs can throw off your game, not to mention the grease stain that can be left from oily snacks like potato chips. Drinks on the side board are an accident waiting to happen; don't place one down for even a second. Even the sun's rays can cause damage to the table top by fading the color. When not in use, it is best to keep a cover over the table to protect it from light and keep dust to a minimum.