Pool Table Care and Maintenance

A new pool table can cost a considerable amount of money, but all too often, pool tables are treated as playthings rather than valuable furniture items. Responsibly following the general rules of pool table care and maintenance from the start will keep your new pool table in prime playing condition for years to come. These are the basic guidelines of pool table maintenance.

Cloth Pool table cloth maintenance involves two procedures: brushing and vacuuming. Billiards chalk does more damage to table cloths than anything else (excluding obvious accidents such as liquid spills), and opinions are divided as to whether brushing or vacuuming is the best response. Whichever method you choose (we recommend doing both), it should be done consistently, meaning as often as every time you use the pool table. Should you choose to brush your pool table cloth, always brush in straight, one-directional lines toward the pockets. If you vacuum, use a small hand vacuum with light suction and follow the same motions as with brushing.

Wood
The natural wood finish of a pool table is a beautiful thing. To retain that beauty and luster, dust the wooden surfaces of your pool table regularly, and follow this cleaning with the application of mild lemon oil using a soft, clean cloth. Do not use cheap commercial cleaners or non-wood specific cleaners, as these can damage a pool table's wood finish.

Pockets
The pockets of pool tables are most often damaged by players sitting on them and by the cumulative weight of pocketed billiard balls. If pocketed balls are building up, extend the life of your pool table pockets by removing them.

Pool table pockets should be dusted regularly along with the table's wooden surfaces. Instead of lemon oil, apply saddle soap to the pockets. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then wipe dry.

General Pool Table Care and Maintenance Tips

• Never sit or stand on pool tables.
• Always chalk your pool cues away from the pool table cloth.
• Pool balls should be cleaned regularly with detergent to reduce wear to the pool table cloth.
• Do not set food or drinks on pool tables.
• Avoid placing your pool table in direct sunlight or under harsh incandescent bulbs.
• In dry climates, protect wooden pool tables from cracking by occasionally running a humidifier in the pool table room.
• If possible, position pool tables away from pets.