Pool Table Maintenance - How to Keep Your Table Playing Like New.

Investing in a pool table is a brilliant way to bring years of fun and competition into your home, office, or games room. But just like any quality piece of equipment, a pool table performs best when it’s properly maintained.

Whether you own a slate bed table or an MDF model, this guide will walk you through the essentials of pool table maintenance — helping you extend its life, improve playability, and keep it looking great.

๐ŸŽฏ Why Pool Table Maintenance Matters

• โœ… Better Playing Experience – A well-maintained pool table will provide a more enjoyable game for all players.

• โœ… Better Ball Performance – A clean cloth and level table ensure smoother, more accurate play.

• โœ… Longer Lifespan – Caring for the cushions, legs, and playing surface protects your investment.

• โœ… Improved Appearance – A tidy table makes your games room look sharp and well-kept.

๐Ÿงน Step 1: Clean the Playing Surface (Cloth)

Your table’s cloth, or baize, is the most used part of the table — and it collects dust, chalk, hair, and crumbs over time.

How to Clean Pool Table Cloth:

1. Use a specialist pool table brush – On a traditional wool pool cloth (most common in the UK), brush from the baulk end and work your way to the opposite end using gentle, straight strokes. You can brush in any direction on a speed cloth (worsted cloth, more common on US tables).
2. Avoid circular scrubbing – This can damage the nap of the cloth.
3. Use a low-suction vacuum (optional) – Only if recommended by your table manufacturer. Always be gentle.
4. Cover the table to protect against dust, light, and spills when not in use.
5. Cloth Cleaner - Specialist cloth cleaning spray will help remove chalk dust and marks from you baize.

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Clean your cloth weekly if your table sees regular use.

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON LOOKING AFTER YOUR CLOTH PLEASE SEE OUR DEDICATED CLOTH MAINTENANCE PAGE.

๐ŸŽฑ Step 2: Clean Your Pool Balls

Dirty or chalky pool balls can transfer grime onto your cloth and affect the ball's true roll during gameplay.

How to Clean Pool Balls:

• Use a ball-cleaning solution or warm water with mild soap.
• Gently scrub with a soft cloth.
• Dry thoroughly before use.

๐ŸŽ– If you use Aramith balls (included with many of our tables), consider Aramith’s own cleaning products for best results.

๐Ÿงพ Step 3: Keep the Frame and Legs Clean

Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the table—including the table frame, top frame rails, and table legs—ideally with a microfibre cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.

• Avoid harsh sprays or polish
• Never use water on solid wooden parts or real wood tables.
• For laminate finishes (like our Sterling model), use a damp cloth followed by drying
• Regular cleaning will improve the aesthetics of the pool table.

๐Ÿ“ Step 4: Check and Maintain Table Level

A level playing surface is crucial for fair, accurate and enjoyable play.

How to Check Table Level:

• Use a spirit level across different parts of the table (centre, diagonals, rails).
• A standard spirit level is good enough. A precision level or professional grade spirit level is often too sensitive due to the movement in the pool cloth to accurately level the surface.
• Most slate bed tables (including ours) have adjustable leg levelling feet. You can turn the foot to raise or lower the corner. If you require more information, there are many YouTube instructional videos available.

๐Ÿ›  If your table is installed professionally, it should arrive perfectly level. But it's worth checking every few months—especially if it's been moved or is set up on a soft, thick carpet or a spongy floor.

๐ŸŽฏ Step 5: Look After the Cushions

Your table’s cushions are key to responsive bounce and gameplay. Over time, they can harden or lose elasticity.

Cushion Maintenance Tips:

• Avoid placing pressure or leaning on the rails,
• Clean with a dry cloth to remove chalk dust,
• Use a cushion rail brush to clean your rails thoroughly,
• If bounce becomes dull, consider professional replacement or upgrading the cushion rubbers,
• Check that your cushions are tight to the top frame rail surround. Over time, they may come loose. If you need advice on tightening the rails, please get in touch.

โŒ What NOT to Do

• Don’t place drinks or food on the table — even the rails.

• Don’t use a regular household vacuum on the cloth.

• Don’t expose the table to direct sunlight – this fades cloth and warps MDF tables.

• Don’t lean or sit on the table edges — it stresses the frame and cushions.

• If moving the table - use a specialised trolley or an adequate number of people. Dragging the table can snap the legs.

๐Ÿ› Useful Products for Pool Table Care

Looking to maintain your table the right way? Here are some essentials from our accessories range:

• Pool Table Brush Sets
• Cue Chalk and Cleaners
• Pool Ball Cleaning Kits
• Heavy-Duty Pool Table Covers
• Pool Trolleys

๐Ÿ Final Thoughts

Looking after your pool table doesn’t take much time — but it makes a massive difference in how your table plays and how long it lasts. A little weekly care can preserve your cloth, protect your balls, and keep your table looking and feeling new.

Whether you’ve got a professional slate bed table or an MDF wood bed model, this simple maintenance routine will help you enjoy years of high-quality play.

• ๐Ÿ‘‰ Need help choosing the right accessories? Get in touch with our team — we’re happy to help.