Cleaning your pool table is a necessity, but it can also be an art form. Sure, it should be motivation enough to keep the dirt, dust, fuzz, chalk remnants and pet hair off your playing surface. But consider the look, performance and life of your pool table that comes from regular and proper cleaning. It’s the centerpiece of your party room, and if you clean if often enough, you can get the job done in 15-20 minutes… and have fun doing it.
Here are key tips for the best cleaning results for your pool table:
- Start by using a special brush to clean debris away from the bumper railings. Sweep around the pockets towards the center of the table.
- Use a straight motion with the brush, not circular, brush the debris straight from the head rails to the foot of the table.
- Always brush the cloth in one straight direction to keep the nap of the cloth straight and trained. This will ensure the ball rolls accurately and swiftly.
- Using mini dustpans designed for pool tables, collect the debris from each end of the table to complete the cleaning process. These dustpans have flexible edges for effective debris “pick-up.”
- As long as you’re cleaning the pool table surface, it’s a good time to clean the balls. Fill a basin with warm water and a little detergent. Use a slightly damp towel to clean the balls, being careful not to get them too wet. Set them aside to dry. Clean balls help keep the cloth clean and ensure a prolonged clean play surface.
Pool Cleaning “Don’ts”
- Do not use dustpans with metal or sharp plastic edges as you will surely damage your cloth surface.
- Do not use a vacuum as it will pull and stretch the cloth, which significantly reduces the cloth’s durability and hence, quality of play.
- Do not use soap if cleaning a spill, as it will stain the cloth and leave residue. Instead, use a dry, white, absorbent cotton cloth to clean the spill immediately. Lay it over the affected area and let the cloth do all the work. Rubbing, like vacuuming, will stretch the cloth. If it is an older spill (you know kids!), use the same type of cloth that is slightly wet from warm water only and pat it over the affected area. To avoid spills altogether, keep drinks away from the pool table. Invest in quality pub tables and chairs so that guests have safe spots to leave their drinks and snacks before shooting.
In Part II, we talk about types of pool table cloths and different options for cleaning them.
Blog Provided by Don Browne - Wordsmith Extraordinaire - Game Room Enthusiast
