It is important to regularly clean your pool table in order to keep it looking new. This will keep your pool table in great shape and make it much more fun to play on. This is best done with a brush.
At your local billiards supply shop, you will find brushes specifically designed for cleaning felt pool tables. These brushes are gentle for the felt and remove dust as well as 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.
Another option for cleaning the surface of your pool table is a steam cleaner. While steamers can remove stains from felt, they can also set them. To remove stain, you can use equal amounts of water and vinegar. Be sure to let the stain dry before you begin to play with it.
Regular felt is stronger than pool table felt so be careful not to ruin it. A typical recreational player should clean their tables no less than once a week. More serious players should clean their tables more frequently.
After you have removed all stains, clean your pockets. It's a good idea to vacuum the pockets and rails before you start to work on the felt. To clean them you will need a damp, soft, and a vacuum crevice instrument.
A soft, lintless cloth should be used to clean up any spillages. Avoid using paper towels as they can trap fibers and leave them on the felt.
You can also get a spray-on option that will remove stains better. You can find these products at your local hardware store, or online. These products can be substituted for those sold at your local billiard supply store.
Once you've applied the cleaning solution to the felt, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth. You should not rub the stain. Be gentle so the felt doesn't get stretched.
You'll want to give the felt on your pool table a few minutes to air out. During this time, you should avoid drinking near the table, smoking, or placing ash trays on the rails. You also don't want to leave chalk marks.
Once the table has been cleaned, the cues may be stored on the cue rack. They shouldn't be stored in extreme temperatures or places where moisture could cause them to rot.
Lastly, you'll need to clean the balls. Although this is a common practice you need to be careful. Many home-based cleaners are designed to remove grime. This can cause felt damage. Using a specialized cleaner will also help to protect the felt.