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Written by / March 10, 2014 / Posted in Pool Tables

How to Clean a Felt Pool Table Top

Keeping your pool table’s felt top clean is important for maintaining both the table’s appearance and its play quality. Because table felt is somewhat delicate, however, when it comes to cleaning, less is more.

The best way to clean your table’s felt top is to brush it periodically, vacuum it occasionally and take measures to protect it from harm whenever possible. Here are the steps on how to clean a felt pool table top:

1. Brushing

Brushing is a good way to remove chalk, dust, pet hair and other debris from the top of your pool table. You must be careful, however, to choose a good brush and use proper technique because brushing the table incorrectly can drive dirt under the felt and alter play on your table. For best results, you should brush your table at least once per week if you use a table cover and more often if you leave the table uncovered.

Choosing a Table Brush

Choose a brush between 9 and 12 inches long with horse-hair or nylon bristles. If you have a large table, select a brush at the top of this size range. Smaller brushes are easier to handle and allow you more maneuverability, but larger brushes allow you to clean more area at a time.

Brushing Technique

When you brush your table, you need to avoid pulling on or stretching the fabric because stretched felt will slow play. Keep just enough pressure on the brush to maintain contact between the bristles and the material. Also, work in one direction to minimize stress on the felt. A good method is to always brush from the head to the foot of the table.

2. Vacuuming

Even with the best care, chalk, dust and other debris become trapped under a pool table’s felt covering with normal use. Gentle vacuuming once a month or once every other month is the best way to remove this dirt. You do need to take care, however, to protect the felt top by using low suction. Also, be sure to use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum since rotating bristles and straight suction can stretch the felt .

3. Preventative Maintenance

Keep the Pool Balls Clean

Pool balls pick up skin oils, chalk and other residue, and as they roll over the table, they soil the felt. To minimize this problem, clean your pool balls with a clean microfiber cloth after each play session.

Avoid Chalking Cues Over the Felt Top

Chalk dust can build up quickly on your table top and can even work its way under the felt covering. Because floors are usually easier to clean than pool tables, try to chalk your cues over the floor rather than over the table.

Cover the Table

Using a table cover between play sessions will save you a significant amount of cleaning time. Table covers protect felt tops from incidental spills, pet hair and dander, dust, light damage and other issues.

Keep Food and Drink Away From the Table

Removing stains from a pool table is difficult because moisture warps the felt covering and can cause damage to the underlying slate or wood. To avoid problems, do not set glasses, plates or other food or beverage containers on the pool table. If something does spill on the felt, blot it up immediately with a clean, dry cloth to prevent stains.

Have a question about maintaining your pool table? Contact our team today.

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