how to clean the pool table felt

Pool tables are usually large investments that can last for years if you maintain them. The most important part of the pool table is the top, which is seamlessly connected. Cleaning this pool table felt ultimate to sustain its smoothness is necessary. In this guide, I will tell you how to clean the pool table felt.

A clean pool table is an elegant piece of furniture to place in your playroom, man cave, lounge, or any other place in your living space. But like any furniture, the pool table is also prone to getting dirty. In particular, you may need to clear the emotions on the pool table.

This article will cover what you need to do (and answer questions you need to know) when cleaning a pool table.

How to Clean the Pool Table Felt

The pool table felt needed to be cleaned in a certain way; otherwise, things would worsen. The tips below will help you clean your pool without messing up.

Let’s break it down.

If you are thinking of cleaning your pool table, here are the things you will need.

  • At least 1 liter of warm water
  • A bowl
  • A bottle of vinegar
  • A lint-free or microfiber cloth

The best way to clean pool table felts is done not involve water or dubbing.

If you have stains or gutters or even dust on the pool table, cleaning them includes brushing and vacuuming, cleaning spills, and reducing debris.

Step 1: Brushing and vacuuming the table

Use only the pool table brush

Brushes made for pool tables have soft bristles that are gentle on the feel. Never clean the felt with an abrasive brush as it is fragile. Brush the table repeatedly, at least one time a week. 

  • Pool table brushes can be purchased at supply stores, entertainment and hobby stores, Wal-Mart, or some large box office stores like Target. They can also be purchased online from a variety of vendors.
  • In most cases, you will pay about -10- $ 20, but you will often use a brush long enough to make a decent purchase.

Brush with straight strokes

Whenever you brush the felt of a pool table, use a quick and short forward stroke instead of a circular motion. Brushing the felt in the circle only spreads the dirt around and damages the felt. Use light strokes instead of hard scrubbing strokes.

Start brushing in the middle.

Brush the dirt outside the edge of the pool table. Brush the dirt into the line or. Throat so you can vacuum it. Once you have done that, brush the table again from one end to another to get anything you missed on the first pass above the felt. 

Vacuum up the piles you made    

  • Use either a handheld vacuum cleaner or a standard vacuum with a hose connection. Please do not use a vacuum brush attachment as it can be too stiff. Be sure to vacuum the bottom of the bumper carefully as dirt and dust are likely to accumulate. 
  • Use a narrow nozzle attachment to go under the bumpers.

Vacuum the entire table

Use a large rectangular attachment and run it in long strips from one end of the table to the other. Do not run it in circles. Use light pressure rather than pressing it hard into the felt. Be sure to get the whole table to remove as much accumulated dust as possible.

Ensure your vacuum doesn’t have too much inert power as it can pull towards the felt fibers and cause more problems. If you want to use a strong vacuum, don’t put it on a straight felt to reduce some force.

How to Clean the Pool Table Felt

Step 2: Clean up spills

Immediately place a dry, white towel on the spill. Place a paper towel or white cloth towel. Don’t press down, or you can push the spill into felt. Replace with a dry towel at a time without number until most of the spill is absorbed.  

  • The most important thing is to clean the spill as soon as possible to reduce the time it takes to experience and merges it into the table board underneath it.

Blot the spill with a white Towel filled with water

If you spill something other than water, wipe it lightly on the spot with a damp cloth. Rinse the towel several times to pull the spill as much as possible. Do not apply too much pressure when you press on the spot. 

  • Never scrub on the spot, as this will mess up the felt.
  • You remove the water stain with water; you can wipe it with a drier towel to dry quickly and then allow it to air dry.

Use vinegar to remove stains.

If removing the stain with water does not remove it sufficiently, mix a solution of vinegar and water in a ratio of 50/50. Dip the cloth into the solution and dab on the stain again. Vinegar will break the chemical bond to the stain than water. Rinse the cloth and dab frequently as needed.

  • Vinegar is a less harsh solution than chemical cleaning products, so it is safe for pool table felt cleaner.

Use pool table cleaner felt.

If blowing a stain with a damp cloth does not eliminate the spill’s effects, use a cleaning product. Just use a cleaner that’s specifically for the pool table felt cleaner. Carpet cleaners and other stain removers can hurt the felt than spills.

  • Only use cleaners as a last resort if the spill is bad and cannot be removed.
  • Seek the help of a manufacturer or a professional pool table dealer to determine which product you should use.
How to Clean the Pool Table Felt

Step 3: Reduce debris

Chalk your cue away from the tabletop

People often carelessly chalk up their cue to the tabletop, but chalk can wear away the felt fine grittiness. Always keep the tabletop clean by keeping your cue on the side of the table instead of the table surface.

Don’t be afraid to tell guests that you don’t want them to eat at the table. They won’t adhere to it if you don’t tell them, and it’s your table, so it’s all right to have rules.

Cover your pool table when not in use

Pool table felt attracts animal hair. Dirt and dust come into the felt, so keep it covered whenever you don’t use it to prolong the felt life. 

  • Pool table covers are often included in the purchase, but if you don’t have them, it’s a worthwhile investment to keep your table safe.
  • Even if you don’t have a cover and don’t want to buy one, place a clean cloth, tape, or blanket on the table that still keeps it cleaner than covering it.

Keep anything outside the table that is not pool equipment 

Never put food or drink on the table. Never place cigarettes or cigars on the table. Place some stools, tables, or shelves near your pool table to avoid arranging things on the table. Set ashtrays nearby if you have smokers on the table. 

This rule applies to anything not related to the table, including cluttered children’s toys, pets and pet supplies, chemicals and cleaning products, and dirty clothes or shoes.

Preventive measures will keep the table clean, so you don’t have to overwork.

How to clean pool table balls

How to Clean the Pool Table Felt: FAQs

Can you wash the pool table felt?

No, it would help if you did not wash the pool table. However, you can make your pool table felt cleaner by blow-dry and removing water from it.

How do you remove stains out of the pool table felt?

Cleaning the stain needs a gentle clean-up and mild touch techniques, such as a resolution of vinegar along with water, to steer clear of damaging the felt. Here are the steps to include when removing the stain from the pool table.

  • Blot the object as early as possible using a lint-free white cloth. …
  • Rinse the lint-free white cloth in cold water, then rinse off most of the water.

How do you get stains out of felt?

Cleaning steps

  • One teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent and one teaspoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water.
  • Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a detergent/vinegar solution; frequent removal with a dry cloth until the stain disappears.
  • Flush with clear water.

Conclusion

You appreciate playing pool; however, you will need to play on a clean surface. Realizing how to clean a pool table, wooden casing, and balls will empower you to set your tidiness and quality standards.

Now, you have gone through all the ways to clean up the felt, be it stains, residues, dust, or even animal hair, now you can clean up without hurting the felt. This will clean up your pool table again and give it a new life.

I hope this guide helped you and provided the complete information you deemed necessary.