Regular cleaning is essential if you want your pool table to look great. This will keep your table in tip-top shape and make it more enjoyable to play on. The best way to do this is to use a brush.
You can find brushes designed specifically for cleaning felt pool tables at your local billiards supply store. These brushes are gentle on felt and can remove dust and lint. If you don’t have the funds to buy a special brush, you can use your regular household one. However, be cautious as too many strong strokes could cause damage to the surface.
Steam cleaners are another option for cleaning your pool table's surface. Although steamers are helpful in removing stain from the felt they can also be used to set them. You can also use equal parts water and white vinegar to remove stains. You should let the stain dry completely before you start to work with it.
Pool table felt is not as strong as regular felt, so you should be careful not to damage it. The average recreational player should clean their table at least once per week. For serious players, it is recommended to clean your tables more often.
Clean the pockets once you have removed the stains. Before you begin to work with the felt, it's a good idea for the pockets and rails to be vacuumed. When you clean them, you'll need a damp cloth, a soft cloth, and a vacuum crevice tool.
To remove stains, you should use a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they can trap fibers that will be left on the felt.
Spray-on solutions are also available. They will work better to remove stains. These products are available online and at your local store. They can be substituted for products found in your billiards supplies store.
After you've applied cleaning solution to the felt wipe it down using a damp cloth. Be careful not to rub the stains. Light strokes are best to ensure that the felt doesn’t get stretched.
You'll want to give the felt on your pool table a few minutes to air out. It is important to avoid smoking near the table and drinking, as well as ashtrays being placed on the rails. Chalk marks should not be left on the table.
After cleaning the table thoroughly, you can put the cues into the cue rack or cuestand. You shouldn't store them in extreme temperatures or in places where the moisture can cause them to rot.
The last step is to clean your balls. Although this is a common practice you need to be careful. Many home-based cleaning products are designed to remove tough grime, and can damage the felt. It is also possible to protect your felt with a specialized cleaner.