It is important to regularly clean your pool table in order to keep it looking new. You can keep your pool table clean and it will be easier to use. This is best done with a brush.
Your local billiards supply retailer will have brushes that are specifically made for cleaning felt pool table surfaces. These brushes are gentle and won't leave any lint or dust on the felt. A regular household brush can be used instead if you don’t wish to spend too much. You should be careful not to use too many hard strokes as it can cause damage to the surface.
Another option for cleaning the surface of your pool table is a steam cleaner. A steamer is useful in removing stains but can cause them to return if they are not removed. For this purpose, you can also apply a natural stain remover such as equal parts of water and white vinegar. However, you should allow the stain time to dry before applying any other products.
Pool table felt is not as strong as regular felt, so you should be careful not to damage it. A typical recreational player should clean their tables no less than once a week. A more frequent cleaning schedule is recommended for more serious players.
Clean the pockets once you have removed the stains. Before you start working with felt, it is a good idea vacuum the rails and pockets. A damp cloth, a soft fabric, and a vacuum tool are all you need to clean them.
To remove stains, you should use a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using paper towels as they can trap fibers and leave them on the felt.
You can also buy a spray-on solution, which will do a much better job of removing stains. These products are either available in your local department store, or online. These products can be replaced by the products in your billiards supply company.
Once you've applied the cleaning solution to the felt, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth. You should not rub the stain. Use light strokes to avoid felt stretching out.
Give your felt time to dry. Avoid drinking or smoking near the pool table. Also, you don't want to leave chalk marks on the surface.
After you have cleaned the table you can place the cues on the cue rack. You shouldn't store them in extreme temperatures or in places where the moisture can cause them to rot.
Finally, clean the balls. This is a fairly common procedure, but it's important to be careful. Many home-based cleaning products are designed to remove tough grime, and can damage the felt. Protect the felt by using a specialized cleaner.