The cloth is the part of a pool table that wears out. Look after it and it plays fast and looks new for years. Neglect it and you get chalk stains, bald patches and a slow, dull roll. Here is how to clean it and keep it that way.
Brush it after you play
Chalk dust and grit are what wear a cloth. A quick brush after each session gets them off before they grind in.
- Use a proper pool table brush. Our Viper and Millstone tables come with one, and the Ultimate Pool Upgrade Kit (offered at checkout with our slate tables) includes one.
- Brush in straight, short strokes from the head of the table to the foot, not in circles. Circles push dust into the weave.
- Brush under the cushion edges and work the dust towards a pocket or the end of the table.
Vacuum gently, now and then
Every few weeks, go over the cloth with a vacuum on low suction, using the upholstery attachment. Never use a beater bar or rotating brush head: it can pull at the cloth and stretch it.
Spills: blot, don’t rub
- Act straight away. Blot with a dry, clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much as you can.
- Do not rub. Rubbing spreads the spill and pushes it into the weave.
- For a sticky spill, dab with a cloth barely damp with cold water, then blot dry. Use as little water as possible.
- Never pour water on the table or use household cleaners. They can stain the cloth, and on an MDF table, water soaking through can swell the playing bed underneath.
Chalk marks
Most chalk comes off with the brush. For stubborn marks, let them dry and brush again, or use the vacuum. Chalk your cue away from the table, not over it, and the problem mostly goes away.
How to make the cloth last
- Cover it. A cover keeps off dust, sun and the drink someone puts down “just for a second”. It is the cheapest way to make the cloth last.
- Keep it out of the sun. Direct sunlight fades cloth. Close the blinds or keep the cover on during the day.
- No drinks or food on the table. Put a shelf or bar leaner nearby so nobody needs to.
- Don’t sit on the rails or the bed. It stretches the cloth and can upset the level.
- Keep the balls clean. Dirty balls leave marks on the cloth. Wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them.
- Save the trick shots. Jump shots and steep massé shots are the usual cause of tears.
When the cloth is worn out
Every cloth wears in the end, usually first around the break spot and pockets. A slate table can be re-clothed and will play like new. If your cloth is past saving, get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.
