With proper care and maintenance your pool table will last a lifetime, whereas if you neglect to take proper care then it will affect your game overall and will eventually cost a lot in repairs and replacement. The most important part of pool table maintenance is its proper care both when it is in use and when it is not in use. The pool table will deteriorate over time whether you use it heavily or don’t use it at all. However, if you act as a responsible owner then your pool table can become a piece of heirloom. Let’s find what preventive measures and maintenance steps are necessary to keep your pool table in pristine condition.
The most important part of pool table maintenance is of course keeping it clean. Things like dust, chalk, talc and other debris can gather on the pool table. For cleaning the pool table you have two options. You can either brush or vacuum the surface. Vacuuming is preferable to brushing because brushing will mostly move the dirt all around the table while vacuuming will remove it from its place. Whether you brush or vacuum you should do it in the same direction so as to maintain the smooth motion of the ball on the felt cloth surface. Always clean from one end. Never use circular motions. A smaller hand vac run on its lowest setting is most suited for this purpose.
Even if you use a vacuum cleaner you will still need a pool table brush. It is best to loosen whatever dust, crumbs, chalk or talc that land on the pool table with the brush and then use the vacuum. If you brush and then vacuum regularly then you can greatly increase the life of the pool table. Keep the pool table covered when not in use to prevent spills, moisture or accidental damage as well as collection of dust on its surface. As prevention is always better than cure make sure that people don’t eat near the table when it is uncovered and make sure that no one sets glasses, cans or bottles on any part of your pool table. Otherwise you will have to contend with stains and moisture damage. If you can’t avoid them altogether then encourage the regular use of coasters.
Never stand or sit on any of the parts of the pool table and make sure that your children or pets also obey this rule. Whether the table is in use or not, make sure that no unnecessary weight is put on it. Excessive ball buildup will cause the cloth at the pockets to wear out faster. Leather pockets can lose shape due to it. Remove the balls after your session is over and keep them in their place. Sharp parts of hand jewelry worn by both men and women can damage the felt. Make sure that they remove any hand jewelry that can cause harm before playing.
Discourage people who flip coins on the pool table. If you must throw money on the table then make sure they are larger bills. Coins can cause invisible cuts that may develop into tears. Direct sunlight can have a bleaching effect on your poll table finish and cloth. Although it will not happen suddenly the color will fade over time. Make sure that constant sunlight does not fall on the table. Use blinds if necessary. To keep the lacquered surfaces of your pool table in top condition you can use a furniture oil or polish. For the leather parts like pockets use a leather conditioning product for keeping them supple and extending their life.
