How Do I Take Care of My Pool Table?
Just became a happy new owner of a pool table? Congratulations on joining the club!
Pool tables are an investment to any household and should be treated as a new family member. As such, it’s important to take care of your pool table to ensure that it lasts for a long time, and to protect its value.
Here are a few useful tips to clean and assist you in keeping your pool table in good shape, namely through damage i) protection and ii) prevention.
Protect
- Make use of a pool table cover when the table is not in use to avoid the cloth from decolouration or collecting dust.
- Clean pool table surfaces with a soft dampened cloth with either water or a non-corrosive wood polish.
- Brush your pool table with a table brush after to remove chalk dust. Brush the cloth from one end to the other, using soft strokes. Sticky tape can also be used to remove dust particles.
- Clean pockets with a soft dampened cloth using either water or a clear leather cleaner. Try not to drag your cue over the leather pocket.
Prevent
- Do not use the table as a countertop – your pool table should be restricted to only playing pool! Avoid placing additional items (such as shopping bags) on the table as it causes damage to the felt. If you lack countertop space, consider purchasing a pool table with dining top (convert pool table from fun into functional!)
- Avoid moving your pool table on your own. Given its weight (especially a slate table that typically weighs above 150kg), it's not recommended that you move your table without a professional. Not only may you hurt yourself or damage the floor and/or the table, it's likely to affect the table’s precision being levelled for its exact position.
- No smoking near the table – cigarette butts and ashes results in a higher risk of damage to the pool table’s felt.
- Do not sit, lean on or lift the pool table – this could place the table out of level or result in the misalignment of the table.
- No drinks on the table – placing drinks on the rails can cause damage to the wood, as well as a higher risk of spilling which will further damage the tables felt and table board.
- Avoid trying high-risk shots – these shots are likely to result in damage to the felt due to holes, marks and rips.
