With regular use and correct maintenance, a well-made and high-quality pool table could last up to twenty years or even more. One of the largest parts of being the proud owner of a pool table involves knowing how to maintain it, which includes brushing the felt, also known as the playing surface. In which direction do you brush a pool table?
When brushing a pool table, you need to brush gently and in a single direction. Start brushing at the end of the table, where the break line is marked. Work your way to the head of the table, brushing the debris or dust in a single direction. Avoid brushing particles into the pool table’s pockets.
When you notice some light dust or debris build up on your pool table, it’s not the end of the world, especially if you know how to brush in the correct direction to get rid of it! Continue reading with us as we discuss the importance of brushing your pool table in the correct direction and how to go about it!
The Importance Of Brushing A Pool Table
Whether you’re a beginner who only invested in your own pool table or have one that has been sitting at home for years, it is extremely important to know how to take care of it.
A large part of knowing how to take care of your pool table involves using a soft-bristled brush to remove any small particles that could obstruct your playing surface and influence your skills.
When a pool table isn’t brushed regularly, debris, pet hair, and chalk residue could get left behind or build up on the felt, especially if you play often. Since the felt is the most used and exposed part of any pool table, it also becomes the dirtiest.
Any debris lying on or building up on the surface could look untidy and cause the felt to become worn out more quickly and require replacing.
Even if you have a cover for your pool table and use it for those times, you are not playing, correctly brushing it will help with its aesthetic value and make it easier and more enjoyable to play on!
Brushing A Pool Table In The Correct Direction
Using a horse hair bristle brush or a nylon brush is recommended for brushing your pool table, as these brushes won’t damage the felt.
Keep in mind that brushing a table is also the best and safest technique, as vacuuming or using a cloth could either damage it or be ineffective. Your brush size doesn’t matter, but a larger brush would be more effective on a larger table.
When you’re starting to brush your pool table, start brushing at the head, which would have the break line, also known as the baulk line.
Work your way from the head to the foot of the table. It is essential only to brush your table in one direction, as it won’t put a lot of stress on the felt, as you’ll only be stretching the felt in a single direction.
Never brush in circular motions or use your brush to scrub the felt when working your way to the foot of the table, as the felt could become worn out and, in some cases, torn.
How To Brush A Pool Table Step-By-Step
Brushing a pool table requires almost as much strategy as playing, and it should be done correctly to prevent any damage, big or small.
Let’s take a look at a few easy steps on how to brush your pool table in the correct direction:
Start By Brushing Your Pool Table’s Rails
Before you move to the surface of your pool table, you need to remove any dust from the rails first. Cover the wooden part of your pool table’s rails with a cloth or towel, as you only want your brush to touch the felt part of your rails.
Move your brush in one direction all around the pool table. If some dust or debris makes its way to the surface of your pool table, don’t try to remove it, as you’ll have to brush your felt anyways.
Don’t apply too much pressure to your brush when cleaning the rails, and use only enough pressure that is required for the brustles to make contact with the rails.
Brush From The Head To The Foot Of Your Pool Table
When you have cleaned your pool table’s rails, you’re ready to brush your playing surface! Start at the head of your pool table, brushing in perfectly straight lines towards the foot.
Take caution not to scrub the felt with a lot of pressure, but instead move the brush in short and quick strokes. This will allow the dust to make its way to the other end of your pool table.
After each stroke, gently clean your brush to remove any additional debris or pet hair that may have accumulated on the bristles.
Refrain from moving your brush in circular motions or scrubbing the felt, as it could strain the felt and potentially tear or damage it.
Try to work around the pool table’s pockets with each stroke, as the dust could end up on your balls, transferring to your table once again.
The best way would be to keep the bristles on your brush pointed downward with each stroke. If you flick the bristles up, you risk spreading the dust into the felt.
Pick Up Any Particles At The Foot Of Your Pool Table
Once you have worked to the foot of your table, you will be left with dust and debris particles.
Stop to clean your brush and remove any additional particles, and use a vacuum or dustpan to remove them from the felt! It is recommended to practice brushing your table once a week or more if your pool table does not have a cover.
Conclusion
Knowing how to brush your pool table in the correct direction won’t only be most effective when you need to maintain and clean it, but it could also prolong the lifespan of the felt. Always brush in a single direction and never apply too much pressure to the felt.
