Do you know what pubs with pool tables dread the most? Drunk pool players who carry their drinks to the pool table and keep them on its edge! A slight tap on the glass can make the drink splash across the tablecloth. The result: its expensive worsted wool tablecloth, called baize, ends up with an unsightly stain. Of course, this is not the only danger; your pool table can face other hazards as well if not cared for properly.
Under normal circumstances, a full-size pool table requires minimal maintenance. However, it does require upkeep like any piece of beautiful furniture. Maintaining it properly adds years to its life.
Keeping the pool table in a good condition
It’s not only crucial to know the maintenance techniques for keeping a pool table in good condition, but it’s also equally vital to understand what needs to be done in case of spillages, etc.
#1 – Brushing the table the right way
The major enemies of the pool tablecloth are dust and lint. They not only affect the longevity of the cloth but also prevent accurate play. Most pool tables come with a brush with special fibres that are specifically designed so as not to ruin the fabric. Use this brush only and no other. The best way to brush is to start from one side and keep brushing in one direction from the head to the foot of the table. If you’re wondering where the head of the table is, it’s the side you break from. If you go brushing haphazardly, it’ll lead to pilling of the cloth fibres that may affect ball accuracy during play.
#2 – Handling spillages on the table
As mentioned earlier, spilling any liquid on the pool tablecloth is viewed seriously by pool table professional maintenance services, since it’s not that easily cleaned. But, since accidents do happen, it’s better to be well informed. Your first action should be to blot the spillage by using a clean damp cloth. Blot it by patting and not by rubbing, as that may ruin the cloth. This is a slow process but works, so have patience. Use of strong cleaners is not recommended. If the stain doesn’t go away by blotting, and it’s spoiling the look of the table, the last resort is a change of cloth.
#3 – Sitting on the edge of the table
Playing pool may involve standing up for hours. The temptation to sit on the edge of the table is strong. This is a big no-no because rail cushions are not designed to carry the weight of a person since they’re only held by using glue. Sitting on the edge puts pressure on the glue joint, making the rail cushion come off, break or sag. The obvious fallout is that the ball will not bounce as intended, thereby affecting the game adversely. Replacing a rail cushion is not easy since it entails removing the rail, taking off the cloth and the cushion, gluing on a new cushion and then upholstering the cloth back on the cushion. This delicate process requires professional services.
#4 – Using cleaning products on wood parts of the table
Using cleaning products for cleaning the rail surface of the table is not recommended, since they may fade the tablecloth. The best option is to use a clean damp cloth. This is good enough to rid it of dust and finger-marks.
#5 – Moving the pool table
There are times when you will decide to change the décor of your room. However, it’ll be a difficult task to shift your pool table to another location, even over a short distance. This may result in the shims, by which the table has been levelled, breaking loose and making the table skewed. At times, moving may even result in a cracked or broken leg. So, always contact professionals for moving and setting the table up in a new location.
Conclusion
Undertaking care and maintenance is an integral part of any piece of furniture. For a full-sized pool table, it’s more so, since it’s more delicate than furniture and needs to be handled with the utmost care. If you want it to sparkle in your clean home office, make sure to spruce it up routinely. Follow this guidance to properly maintain a playable pool table so it can last for many years to come.
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