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Pool Table Maintenance Tips

Welcome to our Pool Table Maintenance Tips Page
  • Pool Table Care & Maintenance Tips

  • A quality pool table is an investment that can provide years of enjoyment when properly maintained. Following these simple care tips will help protect your cloth, preserve your table's appearance, and maintain optimal playing conditions.

  • 1. Keep Your Pool Table Covered

  • Always keep your pool table covered when it is not in use. A quality cover protects the cloth from dust, sunlight, spills, and accidental damage.

  • If you have dogs or cats, we strongly recommend a floor-length pool table cover. These covers provide additional protection by helping prevent pets from:

  • Scratching or damaging the cloth
  • Chewing leather pockets
  • Urinating on the table legs or cabinet

  • 2. Protect the Playing Surface

  • To keep your table in excellent condition:

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke around the pool table
  • Never sit on the pool table
  • Avoid placing objects on the playing surface

  • Excess weight can damage the slate, frame, rails, and leveling system.

  • 3. Do Not Move Your Pool Table

  • Once your pool table has been professionally installed and leveled, avoid moving it—even a few inches. Any movement can cause the table to become unlevel and affect ball roll.

  • 4. Clean the Cloth Properly

  • After playing:

  • Lightly brush the table using a quality horsehair pool table brush
  • Follow up with a lint roller to remove remaining dust and debris
  • Avoid aggressive brushing, which can prematurely wear the cloth.

  • 5. Avoid Hand Chalk, Talc, and Baby Powder

  • Never use hand chalk, talcum powder, or baby powder while playing. These products can work their way underneath the cloth over time, causing discoloration and damage.

  • Eventually, the cloth may develop a faded or "milky white" appearance and lose the vibrant color it had when new.

  • 6. Use the Correct Pool Chalk

  • Only use chalk designed for your specific cloth color. Using a different color chalk can leave visible residue and affect the appearance of your table.

  • When you need additional chalk, order the same color that was originally provided with your cloth. Quality billiard suppliers can help you match the correct product.

  • 7. Vacuum Your Pool Table Monthly

  • Approximately once a month:

  • Use a vacuum with a round 3-inch bristle brush attachment
  • Gently clean the cloth surface
  • Never place the vacuum directly on the cloth

  • Avoid using Dirt Devils or handheld vacuums, as they can be too aggressive and may damage the fabric.

  • 8. Maintain the Wood Finish

  • Once a month, maintain the beauty of your table's wood finish:

  • Apply furniture polish such as Old English or Orange Glo
  • Apply polish to a cloth first—never spray directly onto the table
  • Use a matching touch-up marker for minor scratches, dings, or dents

  • We recommend products such as Rejuvenate Exact Match stain markers for minor cosmetic repairs.

  • 9. Maintain Your Cue Sticks

  • Always make sure your cue sticks have properly installed tips.

  • A cue stick without a tip can easily damage or tear your pool table cloth. Cloth rips and tears cannot be repaired and will require replacement.

  • 10. Care for Leather Pockets

  • If your table has leather pockets:

  • Clean out dust and debris regularly
  • Apply a quality leather conditioner once a month
  • Keep the leather soft to prevent drying, cracking, and hardening


  • 11. Maintain Your Pool Balls

  • Inspect your pool balls monthly for damage.

  • Dropped or chipped balls can damage your cloth
  • Clean balls with a damp microfiber cloth
  • Replace damaged balls as needed

  • For the best performance and cloth protection, we recommend using high-quality phenolic resin balls, such as Aramith.

  • Understanding Ball Burns

  • Small white marks that appear on your cloth are commonly called ball burns or micro-burns. These marks are a normal result of friction between the cue ball and cloth during play.

  • During a shot, a cue ball can accelerate from 0 to over 20 MPH in a fraction of a second. The friction created between the ball and cloth generates significant heat, which can leave temporary marks on the fabric.

  • High-quality billiard balls and proper table maintenance can help minimize these marks and extend the life of your cloth.

  • By following these maintenance recommendations, you can keep your pool table looking beautiful and playing accurately for many years.

  • Pool Table Professionals LLC — protecting your investment with over 40 years of billiard expertise.