How to Clean a Felt Pool Table Top: Brushing & Stain Removal

This article was co-authored by Cleanzen Cleaning Services and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. The Cleanzen Cleaning Services Team consists of Residential Cleaning Specialists. With more than six years of experience, they specialize in connecting independent cleaning professionals with those who need help cleaning their houses. All of Cleanzen’s professionals are experienced and licensed and have passed background checks.

There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 359,825 times.

You love shooting pool at home, but do you remember the last time you cleaned your table top? Debris and dust can work itself deep into the felt and spills could leave stains, but cleaning the fabric on your tabletop is so easy. With about 30 minutes and a few tools, you can make your pool table look amazing again! Keep reading for everything you need to know about keeping the felt on your pool table clean and protecting it from damage in the future.

Things You Should Know

• Clean dust and debris off the felt with a pool table brush. Move the brush in short, straight strokes in a single direction.
• Blot up spills right away with a dry, lint-free cloth. Let the cloth absorb the liquid as much as possible.
• Lift stains up with a damp microfiber cloth or pool table cleaner. Apply gentle pressure and rub at the stain in one direction.
• Vacuum your pool table top only if you have a brush upholstery attachment with weak suction so you don’t damage the felt.

Steps

Brushing and Washing Pool Table Felt

1. 1Clean the pool table’s rails with a pool table brush. A pool table brush is the best tool to use for the felt since the soft bristles catch debris without pulling the fabric. Run your brush straight across the rail to pick any dust or debris that built up on the surface. If you need to reach under the rails, use the end of the brush with the longer bristles.[1] X Research source
   • Some dust and debris may fall onto the tabletop when you clean the rails, but don’t worry about it for now since you’ll brush it up later.
2. 2Brush the table top in one direction using straight strokes. All you have to do is start on one end of your pool table and brush toward the other side. Apply light pressure instead of scrubbing the surface with a lot of force. Move the brush in quick, short strokes so the dust collects at the other end of the table. When you reach the end of the pool table, simply sweep the debris into a dust pan and throw it away.[2] X Research source
   • Avoid brushing the debris into the pool table’s pockets since it could get on the balls and transfer back onto your table.
   • Keep the bristles on the brush pointed down while you’re using it. If you flick the bristles up at the end of your stroke, you could spread dust back onto the felt.
   • Brush your pool table felt at least once a week to prevent dust from building up.

   Advertisement

3. 3Wipe the felt and pockets with a damp lint-free cloth. Wet a microfiber cloth with water and wring it out completely. Gently run the cloth over the table top in the same direction that you brushed the felt. Then, wipe out the insides of the pockets to clean them too. The cloth will pick up any dust and debris your brush left on the surface.[3] X Research source
   • Wipe your table top at least once a month to keep it clean.
   • If the pockets are made of leather, wipe them with a leather conditioner instead. Avoid getting any leather conditioner on the felt since it could leave a stain.
4. 4Absorb spills right away with a white cotton cloth. Lay the towel flat on the spill so it absorbs on its own. If the towel gets completely wet, just replace it with a new towel and keep soaking up the spill until it’s mostly gone.[4] X Research source
   • Try to dry the spill as fast as you can so it’s less likely to damage or stain the felt.
   • Avoid pressing the towel down since it may force the liquid deeper into the felt.
5. 5Remove spots with a cotton cloth damp with warm water. Blot the spill or spot with a white towel dampened with water. Gently wipe at the stain using straight strokes. Rinse the towel multiple times to pull up as much of the spill as possible.[5] X Expert SourceCleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
   • Never scrub at the spot in a circular motion because this will pull at and loosen the felt.
   • After you have blotted the stain away with water, you can dab it with another dry towel to help it dry out faster. Then, allow it to air dry.
6. 6Use a pool table felt cleaner to treat stubborn stains. Felt cleaner is made specifically for pool tables, so it’s safe to apply without leaving any marks or stains. Just hold the can about 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) over the tabletop and coat your pool table in an even layer of foam. Right after applying it, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up the foam and remove the dirt and debris.[6] X Research source

Cleaning the Pool Table and Accessories

1. 1Wipe the pool table’s exterior with wood cleaner. You can use any standard wood cleaner or polish on your table. Start by spraying your wood cleaner onto a soft microfiber towel. Then, gently rub the cleaner into the exterior wood on the pool table’s rails and body. Clean the entire pool table to remove dust at least once a week so it doesn’t get too dirty.[7] X Research source
   • If your pool table is made of laminate or other synthetic surfaces, just use a microfiber cloth damp with soapy water.
   • Avoid using glass cleaner on wood pool tables since it could ruin the finish.
   • Try not to get wood cleaner on the pool table felt since it could leave stains or damage.
2. 2Clean pool cues with rubbing alcohol and paper towels. Wet a paper towel with your rubbing alcohol and gently rub it up and down the shaft of your pool cues. Clean your pool cue after each time you play to get rid of chalk dust or any debris from the table.[8] X Research source
3. 3Wipe the pool balls clean with soap and water once a month. Dust and debris can stick to the balls and transfer back to the felt. Wet a cloth in soapy water and wipe each of the balls clean. Dry them off with a lint-free cloth when you’re finished.[9] X Research source
   • Avoid storing the balls in the pockets so that they rub against the felt. Over time, the felt could wear away and get damaged. Keep the balls in a rack or case off of the table.

Avoiding Common Cleaning Mistakes

1. 1Vacuum with a brush upholstery attachment at your own risk. Standard vacuum rollers and hoses have too much suction and could separate the felt from your table. While some experts recommend avoiding a vacuum altogether, a small handheld vacuum or a brush upholstery attachment usually has weaker suction.[10] X Expert SourceCleanzen Cleaning ServicesResidential Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 4 February 2022. Carefully move the vacuum in one direction so you don’t damage the felt.[11] X Research source
   • Try to use a vacuum only every 3–4 weeks. Most times when you clean, you can get by just brushing the felt.
2. 2Keep soaps or harsh cleaners away from the felt. Any type of soap has the potential to leave stains behind when they dry on your pool table. Rather than risking the look of your table, stick to using water to remove stains on the surface.[12] X Research source
   • Skip using vinegar as a cleaner since it’s still harsh on the pool table felt even after you dilute it.
3. 3Avoid rubbing the felt in multiple directions. Cleaning your pool table using back-and-forth or circular motions pulls the felt, which could cause wrinkles on your table top. No matter what you’re using to clean your pool table felt, only wipe or brush it in one direction so the surface stays smooth.[13] X Research source

Protecting Your Pool Table

1. 1Chalk your cue away from the table top. People often chalk their cues over the top of the table, but the fine grittiness of chalk can slowly wear away the felt. Keep the table top clean by always chalking your cue off to the side of the table rather than over the table’s surface.[14] X Research source
   • Don’t be afraid to tell guests that you don’t want them to chalk over the table. They won’t think about it if you don’t tell them, and it’s your table so it’s okay to have rules.
2. 2Keep food and drinks off of your pool table. Putting food and drinks on the felt or the rails could leave behind crumbs or spills. Place some stools or tables nearby, or put up shelves next to your pool table so you have somewhere to put snacks and drinks.[15] X Research source
   • Only set pool equipment, like balls or cues, on the table. Anything else should be off-limits.
   • If you smoke while you play pool, keep an ashtray nearby. If ash gets into the felt, it may leave stains or make the fabric wear away faster.
3. 3Stop leaning against or sitting on the table. When you lean or sit on the edge of your pool table, you stress and damage the joints. Avoid putting your weight against the table when you’re making a shot, and keep a few chairs or stools nearby so you have a place to sit down when you’re waiting to shoot.[16] X Research source
4. 4Keep your pool table out of direct sunlight. Changes in temperature and humidity can warp the wood on your table and cause it to crack. Maintain a consistent temperature in the room with your pool table so there isn’t a risk of it warping. If you have a window in the room, keep the blinds closed when the sun shines through it onto your table.[17] X Research source
5. 5Cover your pool table when you’re not using it. Pool table felt attracts dirt and dust really easily, so put a pool table cover over the top when you’re finished playing. Keep the cover on so dust builds up on it instead of the felt tabletop.[18] X Research source
   • Even if you don’t have a cover and don’t want to buy one, lay a clean sheet, tarp, or blanket over the table for a quick fix.
6. 6Limit how many jump shots you attempt. Jump shots are when you hit the cue ball at a downward angle to hop it over another ball. If the cue hits the felt tabletop, it could leave white “burn marks” that you can’t clean off or remove. Even though a jump shot looks cool when you do it, you can usually find a way to bounce the ball off a rail to make your shot.[19] X Research source
   • If you really want to practice jump shots, get a small square of felt to put underneath the cue ball. That way, your cue won’t damage the top of your pool table.

Expert Q&A

• QuestionHow do you get stains out of a pool table felt?Cleanzen Cleaning ServicesThe Cleanzen Cleaning Services Team consists of Residential Cleaning Specialists. With more than six years of experience, they specialize in connecting independent cleaning professionals with those who need help cleaning their houses. All of Cleanzen’s professionals are experienced and licensed and have passed background checks.
  Residential Cleaning SpecialistsResidential Cleaning SpecialistsExpert AnswerFor wet or dried-in stains, dampen a clean cloth with fresh water. Gently wipe the felt in a linear motion to extract the stain.
• QuestionHow do I get a stain out of my pool table felt?Community AnswerIf the stain has been there a while, you’ll need to use a cleaner designed for pool tables.
• QuestionHow do I remove grease from the felt of my pool table?Community AnswerScrap the grease off of the felt with a plastic spoon and throw it away. Then lightly sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the grease stain. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or so, then vacuum it up. Dab the spot with a damp towel to clean it the rest of the way.

Tips

• If your pool table top is stained or damaged, consider replacing the felt so you have a fresh, clean surface.⧼thumbs_response⧽

References

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/O4CLfnFFO2A?t=69
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/u95MF6hwjjs?t=523
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/uQDeHlFNdbg?t=538
4. ↑ https://www.poolsandcues.com/wp-content/uploads/Pool-Table-Care-Guide.pdf
5. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/u95MF6hwjjs?t=751
7. ↑ https://www.poolsandcues.com/wp-content/uploads/Pool-Table-Care-Guide.pdf
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/SsG7-StXmI0?t=102
9. ↑ https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cleaning/

1. ↑ Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
2. ↑ https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cleaning/
3. ↑ https://www.poolsandcues.com/wp-content/uploads/Pool-Table-Care-Guide.pdf
4. ↑ https://becksbilliards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TableCareGuide.pdf
5. ↑ https://becksbilliards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TableCareGuide.pdf
6. ↑ https://www.poolsandcues.com/wp-content/uploads/Pool-Table-Care-Guide.pdf
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/uQDeHlFNdbg?t=387
8. ↑ https://www.poolsandcues.com/wp-content/uploads/Pool-Table-Care-Guide.pdf
9. ↑ https://becksbilliards.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/TableCareGuide.pdf
10. ↑ https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cleaning/

About This Article

To clean your felt pool table top, you’ll need a special pool table brush with soft bristles designed for felt. You can find these online or in recreation and hobby stores. You’ll want to brush the table from the center out to the edges, using quick, short strokes. Then, you can easily vacuum up the piles of debris with a hose attachment. After you’ve cleaned up the piles, vacuum the entire table to get rid of any leftover dust or debris. If you spill anything on your pool table, soak it up with paper towels. For any leftover stains, mix equal parts vinegar and water and blot the stains with it using a cloth. For more tips, including how to avoid getting your pool table top dirty, read on!

Reader Success Stories

• “I inherited a pool table that had not had any use for a long time, so these cleaning tips came in very handy to get it back into playing condition.”…” more