A good game of pool is not without a good pool table. Likewise a great game of pool is played on a great table. Owning great pool table requires proper care and maintenance, and I know It can be a hassle. So, to keep the maintenance work level down to a minimum I composed a 7 step procedure that you can start using today.
Hey, (Bonus) I even threw in emergency procedure for cleaning your pool table in the case of a clumsy spill; aren’t I nice?!
Let’s go…
Regularly Cleaning of the Pool Table
To maintain a pool table in top condition; the table should be cleaned after play. Although this is not always the most convenient, it will preserve your pool table surface for optimal playing for years to come.
Otherwise a maintenance procedure should be carried out at least once a week if the pool table has been used that week; or if it has been uncovered and exposed to dust.
The reason behind this is that the table exposed to surrounding dust and chalk when in play will be absorbed overtime into the fabric, degrading its integrity and resulting in a poor play. So you can see why regular maintenance is key to good future play.
Here’s what you do:
1. Remove the balls from the pockets, wipe each ball down with a cotton cloth and place into its holding box or aside while you clean the rest of the table; with the balls clean they will roll without any interference and will not further contaminate the pool table felt.
2. If you have a light fixture that is over the pool table (especially a hanging light), wipe it off with a damp cloth, trying not to get dust on to the table. With the lamp clean, you will not have the causality of dust falling onto the pool table if someone were to accidentally nudge it during play.
3. Wipe of the railings with a dry cloth, sweeping the dust on to the floor (away from the surface of the table). The less dust you get on the table the better. You can always vacuum the floor later.
4. Starting at the head of the of the table using your broom, sweep the dust and debris down towards and out the nearest corner pockets.
5. Wipe of the pockets with a damp cloth inside and out, picking up all the dust
6. Care for the pool table wood finish by giving it a good polish with a quality and environmentally friendly product.
Earth Friendly Olive and Orange Oil Furniture Polish” is perfect solution to clean and beatify the wood finish on your pool table.
7. Cover your table when not in use to prevent dust from settling onto the playing surface over time.
Oh No! - In Case of Spillage
Some of this advice I got from someone who worked in a pool hall bar, where there would be regular spilling of bear, and cigarette ash on the tables. It couldn’t be simpler; all that’s needed is a rag and warm water.
Do not use soap water on the table, as the soap will not easily come out; it will then eventually dry and you’ll get an ugly soap scum stain, nasty.
Rather if a spill occurs and you can get to it immediately use the most absorbent rag possible, and lay it on top of the spill without applying pressure; let the liquid absorb naturally. Virtually all spillage should be absorbed by this process, as the fabric on the pool table is usually resistant to liquid do to its tight weave.
Now with a dry white cloth, blot the spill spot firmly to extract any reminding liquid.
Wet the spot with clean warm water, and then blot again; (Never rub the fabric as this too will determinate the weave). Continue this process (rinse and blot) until the blotting cloth is coming away clean.
Deep Cleaning and Resorting Pool Table Surface:
I personally never had to do this, but restoring a pool table felt that is anything less than maintained could be a lost cause. It may just be better to get it replaced.
However there is a product on the market called Quick-clean Pool Table cleaner, which is dry foam applied with a spray. You let it sit for 60 seconds, then use a clean cloth to remove the cleaner. So basically it’s a dry cleaning for your table. I heard it can smell “chemically active” So if you do want to try this product I would recommend wearing a mask.
That’s it, keep your table clean, and your game diry; heh heh heh.
Tell me how it works out for you. If you can add something that helps in the cleaning an maintenance of the pool tables please leave a comment, the form is below.
