A pool table is a great source of entertainment for everyone. But, it requires a bit of care to ensure its best performance and long life.
When it comes to cleaning pool tables, many people often wonder whether or not they can vacuum a pool table.
In this blog post, you will learn if vacuuming a pool table is safe and if it is, then how can you select the right vacuum cleaner for cleaning your pool table:
Can You Vacuum a Pool Table?
The short answer is Yes. You can vacuum your pool table to remove dust and dirt. Apart from that, regular vacuuming is recommended to keep the table surface smooth and functional.
However, make sure you gently slide the vacuum cleaner along the table to avoid damaging the pool felt. It is also equally important to select the right vacuum cleaner that suits the surface of the table.
Here are some tips that can help you select the right vacuum cleaner for your pool table.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner with Crevice and Upholstery Attachments
You should use a vacuum cleaner that has a light suction with a crevice and upholstery attachments. The attachments connect with the hose of the vacuum and are used to get rid of dirt and chalk from the table.
The crevice attachment is used to clean beneath the rails.
Test the bristles of the attachments to ensure that they are soft. This is extremely important as rough bristles can ruin the surface of the pool table.
Avoid Using a Vacuum with Straight Suction
Never use a vacuum with a straight suction as it can rough up the smooth felt.
Canister vacuum cleaners are more suitable for cleaning the smooth surface of pool tables. They also have a better flow rate and suction, resulting in easier cleaning of your table.
Do Not Use a Vacuum with Rotating Brushes
Do not invest in a vacuum cleaner that has rotating brushes. This is important as the rotating brushes can damage the smooth surface of the felt.
These brushes are typically used to remove dirt and dust from carpets. But they can pull up the felt and damage the surface of the table.
A vacuum cleaner with a soft, non-rotating brush is a better option. Moreover, if the vacuum cleaner has a directional cloth, you should start vacuuming from head to foot in the same direction.
In addition, use the brush of the pool table to remove chalk and dust.
How Often Should I Vacuum My Pool Table?
A pool table should be vacuumed at least once a week. The more you play, the more frequently you need to clean the pool table.
Therefore, inspect the pool table regularly to see if the surface is dirty.
A dirty table not only looks unsightly but the dirt can also wear away its surface. Additionally, it can cause the pool balls to move in unexpected directions.
So, it is necessary to keep the felt dirt-free by vacuuming it frequently.
How to Properly Clean Your Pool Table Using a Vacuum Cleaner?
A dirty pool table prevents the ball from rolling smoothly on the surface, making it difficult for you to play. This is why you need to vacuum your pool table regularly.
When using a vacuum cleaner, make sure to set it to the lowest possible suction power. Strong suction power can warp and stretch the felt. Moreover, the brush of the pool table should be soft with light bristles.
Also, use the cleaner in only one direction. You should start at one end of the pool table and vacuum in one direction to the other end. This will prevent damage to the pool surface.
Related Questions
Here are some questions about vacuuming the pool table:
How to Prevent the Pool Table from Getting Dirty?
Here are tips to prevent the pool table from getting dirty in the first place:
- Use a Dirt Cover
You can take some steps to prevent your pool table from getting dirty. Consider buying a pool cover for the table. A cover will prevent dust from accumulating on the table.
You will have to vacuum the table less frequently if you use a dirt cover to protect the surface.
- Use Stain Guard
You may also consider using a stain guard to protect the surface of the pool table from oil or water-based stains. Products, such as 303 Stain Guard, help repel liquids from the table surface.
In the case of spills or stains, it becomes easier to clean the table.
Use the stain guard on the table in a well-ventilated area. Let the table dry for about 10 hours before using the pool table.
But even if you use a stain guard, make sure to wipe off any spills immediately with a clean and slightly damp cloth.
- Disallow Drinking and Eating
Make sure no one is eating or drinking near the table. Also, don’t allow anyone to put drinks on the table as they may spill on the table and damage the felt.
Cigarette smoking should also be disallowed near the table. Cigarette butts and ash can damage your expensive pool table and burn its cloth.
- Never Chalk Cue over the Table
Do not chalk the cue over the table.
The dust from the caulk will make the table dirty and also discolor the felt.
Make it a rule for the players to caulk while having the cue off the table.
How to Remove Stains and Spills from Your Pool Table?
Stains and spills can leave an unsightly scar on a pool table. Do not let the liquid remain on the table surface for a long time. You should clean any spill quickly to avoid staining.
You may consider using napkins or a soft cloth to clean stains. Soak the cloth in cold water and then blot the area for a few seconds. Avoid rubbing the cloth back and forth on the table as it can stretch the felt.
After wiping the surface clean, use a dry cloth or napkin to soak off any remaining liquid. This will reduce the risk of staining of the pool felt.
To remove stubborn stains, you may consider using a mixture of white vinegar and dish soap. Using the mixture will help in removing most types of stains from the table. But again, remember to rub the surface lightly to avoid damage to the felt.
You can also use a commercial solution made, especially for removing stubborn stains.
There are a wide variety of products available in the market for removing stains from pool tables. Always read reviews before selecting a commercial cleaner for removing stains.
Remember to use the cleaning solution after vacuuming the table. This is important since using the stain cleaner on a dirty felt can cause more problems.
The solution can mix with the caulk or dirt on the table and turn it into a paste. So, remove the caulk or dirt before using a stain cleaner.
Other Pool table related articles you may like:
- How Much Does It Cost to Refelt a Pool Table?
- Can You Paint a Pool Table?
- Can You Put a Pool Table on a Carpet?
- Can You Put a Pool Table Outside?
- Can You Stand On a Pool Table?
- Can You Iron a Pool Table Felt?
- Can You Wash Pool Table Felt?