How to Clean and Care for a Home Pool Table

Pool and billiard tables come with costly materials and fabrics from manufacturers. The high cost of these tables is due to the top-quality wood, metal pieces, leather, and billiard cloth used during their manufacture. Therefore, it stands to reason that the regular cleaning and maintenance of pool tables is an essential activity among owners. High-quality billiard cloth is smooth, stretch-resistant, and durable in nature. The rails and outer wooden frame consists of metal, leather parts, and rubber cushions.

Care and maintenance of all these components is necessary for a good game of pool. Here is a general guide on cleaning and caring for your home pool table:

Cleaning Your Pool Table
A vacuum cleaner is the best device for cleaning pool tables. A table brush pushes chalk dust, talc, and other particles through the cloth and into the slate underneath. With time, this wears out the cloth from the bottom up, and slows down the movement of balls during play. Conversely, a small hand vacuum removes dust and particles from the top fabric. Always use a vacuum cleaner at its lowest power setting to avoid damaging the soft cover on top.

You should invest in both supplies for the best cleaning experience. A table brush is essential for immediately removing chalk particles, powder, and crumbs that may fall on the table during play. Invest in a soft-bristled brush for light dusting during playtime, and a low power hand-held vacuum cleaner for general cleaning needs. When using either tool, brush from the centre towards the ball pockets instead of using circular movements. The correct cleaning of the pool table will give your cloth almost three additional years before replacement.

Wood Railing Maintenance
Some pool tables consist of high-quality lacquered wooden railing and frame parts. Apply furniture oil to such surfaces at least once a month to maintain gloss. Billiard pockets usually have leather coverings to protect the balls from denting. Use oil-based leather products to clean and restore the leather. Avoid silicone-based cleaning compounds that can ruin the leather material.

Protecting Pool Tables from Damage
Avoid damaging your pool table by taking the following six general precautions:

Do not allow anyone to play a game without removing hand or wrist jewellery. Any sharp edges on such items can rip the expensive cloth.

Avoid tossing coins on the cloth while deciding who should take the first cue.

Avoid digging into the cloth using the cue in an attempt to make impossible jump shots.

Avoid chalking the cue stick after every shot. This chalk tends to settle and build up inside the thick cover, leading to gradual deterioration of the cloth.

Do not sit on the rails or put excessive weight on the table during play.

Do not allow pets, especially cats, to get anywhere near an uncovered pool table.
A pool table is an expensive investment for any owner. Care and maintenance are imperative to lengthen its lifespan and provide enjoyment to the owner’s friends and guests for a long time. Cleaning the top cloth and wooden rails is an essential part of the maintenance process.

Mike is a big pool enthusiast who participates regularly in armature pool tournaments across the UK. When he is not at a pool table, Nick enjoys writing and sharing his knowledge of the game by contributing blog posts to various pool-related websites.