top of page

How to Clean Pool Table Felt Correctly

zainabfarrukh04

A well-kept pool table is a beautiful sight. However, it will accumulate dirt, grime, and stains along with time, diminishing your playing experience. Don’t despair! With proper tools and techniques, you can have your pool table felt looking fresh and playing smooth. Read this guide and we will share the correct steps to follow when cleaning your pool table. If you stick to these steps, you will end up regaining the original luster of the pool table.


Things You Need to Clean the Pool Table Felt


Essential tools and equipment for cleaning pool table felt.

First things first. Let’s take a look at the tools that you will need to proceed with cleaning your pool table felt. Make sure to have the right tools in hand, so that you can avoid any damage while cleaning. Things you need for the cleanup include:


  • Pool table brush

  • A vacuum cleaner with a hose as well as an upholstery brush attachment

  • Microfiber cloth

  • A gentle detergent

  • Water

  • A commercial pool felt cleaner

Steps to Clean the Pool Table Felt

Once you are ready with cleaning supplies, follow these steps to clean the pool table felt.


1. Brush Your Pool Table Felt

You can start off by brushing the pool table felt. Make sure to use a dedicated pool table brush for it. It can deliver effective results by removing dust, chalk, and lint from the felt.

Start off brushing the pool table felt by sweeping out debris in the creases as well as areas around the pockets. After that, you can move towards the end of your pool table where you can see the break line. This is often referred to as the head of the table. You need to continue brushing only in one direction from the head of your pool table. This will help you to clean the felt effectively, without missing out on any area.


You should not put too much pressure while brushing the pool table felt as well. It can help you to prevent excessive stretching and wear on the pool table. All you have to do is to get the bristles of the brush to gently contact with felt surface and wipe away debris.



2. Wiping the Pockets and Felt

Next, you need to wet a piece of microfiber cloth with some water and wipe the pockets. You need to drag the wet cloth in the same direction as you brushed. Then you can wipe the interiors of the pockets to clean those areas. A microfiber cloth is capable of picking up all leftover debris and dust from brushing.



3. Removing Spills

We all love to enjoy food and drinks as we play a game of pool. As a result, accidents can happen, and we will end up with stains. If a stain happens on your pool table, you need to act fast.


You can use a dull knife or a credit card and try to lift the spill away from your pool table. Make sure not to rub the spill, as it can spread and cause more damage. If it is a liquid spill, you should use a lint-free microfiber cloth and blot it immediately. Instead of rubbing, you should press down the cloth into the pool table lightly. Make sure not to use any paper napkins or towels for taking out liquid spills. That’s because they will end up leaving fibers on top of the felt.


To get some help with diluting the stain, you may press your wet microfiber cloth and then use a dry microfiber cloth for absorbing the liquid. After that, you can keep the felt to air dry. Make sure not to use any heat source for drying. Most importantly, you need to refrain from using the table until its completely dry.



4. Removing Stains

Some of the spills can leave behind stains on your pool table. In such instances, you may think about using a gentle detergent for taking it out. You may dip your microfiber cloth in the detergent and blot all stained areas.


It is important to wring the microfiber cloth, so that it will not over-saturate the felt. Then you can rinse it using a damp cloth and leave it to dry air. If you can use a commercial pool table felt cleaner, you may end up with better results. It is a good option available to consider when you are dealing with stubborn stains. Carefully follow the directions of the cleaner before you use to get the best results.



5. Vacuuming the Pool Table Felt

Once you are done with cleaning the pool table felt, you should vacuum it. This is where you need to use the host and upholstery brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner. Make sure not to use the “Strong” setting in your vacuum cleaner at any given time. That’s because aggressive vacuum can stretch and damage the felt. Do it gently and you will be able to complete the cleanup.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Pool Table Felt


Tips to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Pool Table Felt

Now you have a basic idea of how to clean pool table felt. As you do it, make sure to keep following tips in mind to get the best results:


  • You should not brush debris into the pockets of the pool table. If you do that, debris will eventually come back to the felt via the balls.


  • Always keep the bristles of your pool table brush pointed towards down. This can help you to prevent the spread of dust.


  • Some of the vacuum cleaners have too much suction power, even if at the lowest setting. This is why it is a good thing to stick to a handheld vacuum cleaner. They usually offer a weak suction power, which is more than enough for your pool table felt.


  • If the pockets of your pool table are made out of leather, you should use a leather conditioner for cleaning. However, make sure not to get any leather conditioner come into contact with the felt.


  • You don’t need to vacuum the pool table felt every time after cleaning it. If brushing is enough, you don’t have to worry about vacuuming.


  • Make sure not to use any harsh cleaners or soap when cleaning the felt of the pool table. Always use a mild detergent or a specifically designed felt cleaner. For example, you should not use vinegar to take out stains, even if it can deliver positive results.


  • You shouldn’t rub the felt in different directions when cleaning it. Always use straight motions when cleaning, instead of circular motions. This can help you to prevent wrinkles appearing on the pool table.

How Often Should You Clean the Pool Table Felt?

It is a good thing to clean the pool table felt after each game. This can help you to remove lint and chalk dust, which can make the balls roll wildly. But if it is not possible for you to clean the table after each game, you should do it at least once a week.

While you are not using the pool table, always keep it covered. This can prevent the damage that dust accumulation can create.

How to Protect Your Pool Table Felt?


How to Protect Your Pool Table Felt?

Now you have a clear idea how to clean pool table felt. Along with that, you should also know some important tips to protect it from damage. Here are few useful tips to consider when trying to extend the lifetime of any pool table felt.


  1. Don’t chalk the cue near pool table

    Most of us have the habit of chalking the cue near pool table. The grittiness of chalk can make the felt wear out fast. This is why you should keep distance with the pool table when chalking the cue. You need to encourage your guests to do the same as well.


  2. Never consume food or drinks as you play pool

    Eating and drinking as you play pool is the main reason why you will end up with spills. Instead of consuming food and drinks as you play, do it during breaks. You shouldn’t keep food or drinks on the pool table as well. Always keep stool or a table nearby to hold your food and drinks. Only your pool equipment, such as the cues and balls should be put on the table.


  3. Don’t lean against the pool table

    Another bad habit we have is leaning against the edge of the pool table. If you do that, you will be stressing the joints. Moreover, your hand can cause damages to the felt. Always keep some chairs or stools nearby, which you can use as you play pool.


  4. Don’t let direct sunlight fall on the pool table

    Last but not least, make sure not to let any direct sunlight fall on your pool table. Temperature changes and humidity can wrap the pool table felt fast. In case you have a window, you should keep the blinds closed.



Follow the tips shared in this article to clean your pool table felt properly. It will help you to use the pool table for a longer time, without any issues.

bottom of page