Keeping a pool table properly maintained is essential for consistent ball roll, reliable speed and long-term durability. Good care protects the cloth, keeps the slate level and ensures the table continues to play as intended.
This pool table maintenance guide explains how to clean different cloth types, protect your table from damage and recognise when professional servicing is needed.
Why Pool Table Maintenance Matters
A well-maintained pool table plays more accurately and lasts significantly longer. Poor or inconsistent care can lead to worn cloth, uneven bounce, slow ball travel or visible wear patterns across the playing surface.
Simple habits make a measurable difference. Regular pool table maintenance helps prevent avoidable damage, preserves playing consistency and protects the overall value of the table over time.
Essential Tools for Pool Table Care
Using the correct tools is more important than using strong cleaning products.
A high-quality table brush is essential for removing chalk dust and debris. Tables fitted with directional nap cloth also benefit from a napping block, which helps lift and align fibres after brushing. A billiard iron is used on snooker and English pool tables to smooth the cloth once it has been properly cleaned.
Microfibre cloths are suitable for wiping rails and cleaning balls, but household sprays or cleaners should never be used on the cloth. These products can harden fibres and permanently damage the playing surface. Felt cleaners designed for billiard cloth should only be used sparingly and when appropriate for the specific cloth type.
How to Clean Pool Table Felt Properly
Understanding Cloth Types
Pool and snooker tables use two distinct cloth styles, and each requires a different cleaning approach.
Directional Nap Cloth
Directional nap cloth is common on snooker tables and many English pool tables. The fibres run in a single direction, which affects ball speed and movement.
This cloth must always be brushed and ironed from the baulk end toward the black spot to maintain consistent play.
Non-Directional or American-Style Cloth
American-style pool tables use non-directional cloth. This surface plays faster and does not have a nap that influences ball behaviour.
This type of cloth does not require napping or ironing. Light brushing is usually sufficient.
Brushing the Cloth
For nap cloth, brushing is essential. Use long, straight strokes from baulk to black spot and avoid circular motions. This removes chalk and dust while keeping the nap aligned.
Non-directional cloth should be brushed gently to lift surface debris without forcing chalk deeper into the fibres.
Using a Napping Block
After brushing nap cloth, a napping block helps lift and smooth the fibres. It should be used gently in the same direction as brushing to maintain even speed across the table.
Ironing the Cloth
Ironing is only suitable for directional nap cloth.
Snooker and English pool tables are ironed on low heat after brushing to flatten the nap and remove minor imperfections. The cloth must be clean and completely dry before ironing.
Non-directional American-style cloth should never be ironed, as this can cause damage without improving play.
This brushing and ironing process replaces vacuuming, which can stretch the cloth, disrupt nap direction and weaken adhesive points over time.
Protecting Your Pool Table From Damage
Using a fitted cover when the table is not in use helps protect it from dust, sunlight and accidental damage. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade cloth and heat can affect slate stability, so tables should be positioned away from consistent sun exposure where possible.
Avoid placing drinks, sharp objects or heavy items on the table. Sitting or leaning on the rails can weaken cushions and affect alignment. Maintaining a stable room temperature and moderate humidity helps prevent timber movement and cushion softening, both of which impact play over time.
Caring for the Pool Table Slate
Slate should remain level, dry and clean. Ball drift or inconsistent roll can indicate slate movement or frame settling and should be addressed early.
Any moisture should be wiped away immediately to prevent absorption into the cloth or cushion layers. If seams become uneven or the table no longer plays level, professional re-levelling is recommended. Correcting slate alignment requires specialised tools and experience to restore a flat, accurate playing surface.
When to Re-Felt or Service Your Table
Cloth naturally wears with use, even when well maintained. Signs that re-felting may be required include thinning areas, tears, burn marks, slow patches or a noticeable reduction in table speed.
Most regularly used tables need re-felting every few years to maintain consistent playing conditions. If bounce, speed or accuracy feels different despite proper cleaning, a professional service can help restore performance and identify any underlying issues.
