Think your luxury Pool Table just needs a wipe once in a while? Not quite. Short answer: clean it little and often. Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly depending on how much you play. Regular care not only keeps it looking great but also ensures years of smooth, professional gameplay. Stick around to learn the cleaning routine that will protect your investment for the long haul.

The Golden Rule: A Little and Often Prevents Long-Term Damage
Why Regular Cleaning Protects Your Cloth and Investment
A luxury pool table isn’t just another piece of furniture, it’s an investment in precision and design. The cloth, cushions, and frame are all sensitive, and neglecting them means faster wear, frustrating games, and costly repairs. By cleaning little and often, you’ll prevent damage, protect the surface, and keep every shot accurate. Think of it like brushing your teeth, skip it, and problems build up fast.
After Every Play Session: Quick Tasks
Wiping Away Chalk Marks from the Rails
Every game leaves behind chalk streaks and fingerprints. Don’t ignore them. Use a soft microfibre cloth to gently wipe the rails after play. This small habit stops chalk from transferring to the cloth and keeps your table looking sharp. It’s the difference between a tidy table and one that looks tired.
Putting on the Table Cover to Protect from Dust
As soon as the cues are down, cover your table. A custom-fitted cover blocks dust, pet hair, and even sunlight, which can fade cloth over time. It takes seconds but saves hours of extra cleaning. Think of it as tucking your table in for the night.
Your Weekly Cleaning Routine (For Regular Players)
Brushing the Cloth Correctly (From Head to Foot)
Weekly brushing keeps the cloth healthy. Always use a pool table brush with soft bristles and brush in straight, even strokes from head to foot. Never use circles, those pull at the fibres and shorten the life of your cloth. This habit is what separates a crisp, consistent playing surface from a sluggish one.
Wiping Down the Wooden or Metal Frame and Legs
The frame and legs may not touch the balls, but they’re part of the luxury. A damp microfibre cloth works for wood or metal, just dry wood immediately to prevent swelling. For metal, add a gentle polish once a month. Keeping the table’s body clean adds to the premium look and feel.

Your Monthly Maintenance Tasks
A More Thorough Brushing and Gentle Vacuuming of the Cloth
Beyond the weekly brush, once a month give your table a deeper clean. Use a low-suction handheld vacuum with a billiards-safe attachment. It removes fine dust and chalk that brushing alone can’t reach. Follow up with another brush to smooth the nap. It’s like giving your table a spa day.
Cleaning Inside the Pockets and Checking the Balls
Pockets collect chalk and dust, and balls pick up grime that rubs straight back onto the cloth. Wipe pockets with a dry cloth and clean balls using warm water and mild soap. Clean balls roll true and protect the felt. Skipping this step is like washing your car but leaving the tyres filthy.
Your Yearly Professional Check-Up
When to Consider a Professional Clean and Service
Even with great home care, a yearly professional service is essential. Pros use specialised felt cleaners, tools, and techniques to handle jobs you can’t. They can re-stretch the cloth, remove deep stains, and refresh the rails. A one-day service could easily add years to your table’s life.
Checking the Table's Level and Cushion Response
Over time, floors settle and cushions lose bounce. Professionals check that the table is perfectly level and cushions respond correctly, ensuring every shot behaves as it should. A tilted or dead cushion ruins the game, it’s worth the annual tune-up to keep things precise.
How to Deal with Spills and Stains Immediately
The Correct Way to Blot a Spill (Never Rub)
Accidents happen, wine, beer, or even a fizzy drink toppling over mid-game. The rule is simple: never rub. Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth to lift liquid before it sets. Rubbing forces it into the fibres and leaves a permanent reminder of your clumsy shot.
Using Specialist Cloth Cleaner for Tough Stains
If blotting isn’t enough, reach for a specialist billiard cloth cleaner. These are designed to lift stains without harming the fibres. Avoid household sprays at all costs, they’ll do more harm than good. A small bottle of the right cleaner could save you the cost of a full re-cloth.

FAQ: Pool Table Cleaning Frequency
How do you clean a pool table without a brush?
If you don’t own a brush, a lint roller or a handheld vacuum with a felt-safe attachment can work. Just stay gentle. Rough tools damage cloth fibres.
Can I use a regular vacuum cleaner on my pool table?
No, standard vacuums are too powerful and can stretch or tear the cloth. Stick to low-suction handhelds or, better yet, a brush designed for billiards tables.
How often should I clean my pool balls?
For casual play, once a month is enough. Daily players should clean balls weekly. Dirty balls scuff the felt and slow the game, so don’t overlook them.