Pool Table Cloth Care Guide

You have spent a considerable amount of money on your new pool table so it makes sense to take care of your table. Taking care of the cloth will not only  extend the life of your cloth but also  give you a better smoother playing surface. The Cloth that is fitted to the slate bed will have the NAP running down from the “D” end to the table’s “SPOT” end and the cushion cloth runs in the direction of the arrows in the diagram.

There are 4 main care areas which you should pay attention to: Brushing; Cushions; Ball Runs and Ironing

Brushing your Pool Table

The main thing to remember is to always brush in the direction of the NAP which, on a correctly fitted table is from the “D” or Baulk end of the table towards the “Spot” end. With a close inspection of the surface of the cloth you should be able to easily see which way the NAP runs.

We have seen people brushing against the nap or in circular motions. Both of these are absolutley fatal to the condition of the cloth. A new cloth treated to this abuse may be so badly damaged that it may be made impossible to “SET” the table surface again.

These only require regular brushing in the direction of the nap, which again on a correctly fitted table, will be as shown in the above diagram.

Ironing your Pool Table

Iron with a clean and NOT too hot iron. How hot is hot? A WOLL setting should be ok but irons can vary.  One way to test is to check the iron on a sheet of newspaper and if there is the slightest sign of scorching an the paper – it is too hot. Allow the iron to cool and test again. There are specialist table irons available.

Pool Table Ball Runs

Regularly cleaning the ball runs will ensure that dirt does not build up and eventually stop the balls from going through them.  It also helps keep your Pool balls free from dirt every time they roll down the pockets.  We recommend that you clean out the ball runs at least once a year minimum.  They can be cleaned with any sort of surface cleaner or spray cleaner.

Result from applying this Cloth Care Guide?

If you stick to carefully spending time once a while just for a few minutes to check your cloth, clean it, brush it and iron it then you will find that your cloth will always having a smoother playing surface, will last a lot longer before needing to be recovered and also will help improve your game as your table will always be in the condition that it is ment to be played on.