How to Brush a Pool Table

A pool table owner should brush his table regularly to not only keep it clean, but also to prolong the life of the felt. Buy a nylon or horsehair table brush and a rail brush to do the job right.

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your pool table from the same direction and in a straight line each time. A good rule is to start from the side where you break and end on the side where you rack the balls using either a nylon or a horsehair table brush. You can also run your hand across the table to see if one direction is smoother than the other, and brush in the smoothest direction.

    • 2

      Exert enough pressure on the brush to remove lint, dirt, chalk and debris from the table, but not so hard as to stretch the felt. The more you stretch the felt, the quicker it'll become loose and you'll have to either remove the railings and tighten it or replace it.

    • 3

      Clean those hard to reach areas, like under the railings, with a rail brush instead of a table brush. This debris generally ends up in the pocket at the end of the rail.

    • 4

      Sweep debris into one of the pockets, and then vacuum out the pocket. You can also brush the debris into a corner and carefully vacuum it directly off the table.

    • 5

      Vacuum your pool table to get the lint and fine hairs that brushing might not pick up. Set the suction of your vacuum lower than you normally would for carpet to prevent pulling and stretching the felt.

    • 6

      Keep a regular schedule of brushing your table after about every 10 hours of play. If you own a table in a bar or other establishment where it gets an extended amount of play, it may not be convenient to brush it this often. At the very least, brush it every night at closing or each day before opening.