How to Take Care of Pool Tables

One of the most vital equipments in playing pool is the billiard table. It's one of the most expensive and commands high maintenance too. Without considering on how to maintain your table as fixed and clean as possible, within a couple of months, you'll see it out of shape, and, well, not fit for a good round of pool.



The texture and quality of a billiard tables surface constitutes to a satisfying game. Its smoothness or roughness affects the credibility of the balls performance especially during a break.



There are several basic tips on caring for your table:



Brush the mat as often as possible from the first 3 months of purchase. By doing so, you could prevent dirt and foreign objects from staying and causing scratches on your cloth. Strokes must be in one direction from one end to another. Do not brush it in a circular motion. Vacuuming can also be done in one direction.

Cover your table with a cloth when you're finished playing or if you're not using it. This prevents dust, moisture and light from penetrating it which may cause wrinkles or loosen the cloth.

Avoid build-up or storage of balls in the pockets of the table. The weight of a number of balls can loosen the cloth that covers the holes.

Never chalk your cues on the table. This will tend to leave grinding chemicals that may damage your cloth.

Be careful when performing a particular shot for some can cause a tear within the cloth. A move like a jump shot is not done that often. Only when the need occurs.

Surfaces of the wooden sides must be dusted regularly. To maintain the dignity of its original feature, you could use an agent used for dusting which doesn't form residues. Immediately clean liquid spills to prevent the finish from staining.

Inspect the pockets for looseness of the staples which can cause a scratch or physically damage the surface of the balls.

Do not sit or put heavy objects that weigh more than the balls on your table for the reason that unwanted weight may cause the breakage of the seal.

Avoid moving your table from the moment it is positioned.

Do not position your table where sunlight can directly hit it because an increase in temperature can cause moisture.

Food and drinks should be kept at a distance.

Never try using chemicals that are strong and abrasive.