How to Clean Pool Table Felt

A little routine care keeps Arcadia felt playing fast and looking sharp for years. Here's what actually protects the cloth — and a few habits that quietly wear it down.

Phenolic resin balls, like Predator's Arcos II, create fewer burn spots than polyester balls — phenolic is harder and more heat-resistant, so friction from play does less damage to the cloth over time.

Always chalk your cue away from the table. Chalking directly over the felt lets residue fall straight into the cloth, building up over time.

Use a dedicated felt brush — horsehair or nylon — to clear chalk residue that's worked into the cloth. Brush lightly, always toward one of the pockets, and always in the same direction; brushing back and forth adds stress the cloth doesn't need. Aim for once a week, or after about 10 hours of play.

Keep the table out of direct sunlight — UV exposure fades felt and, combined with high humidity, can cause it to lift from the surface. A felt cover between sessions blocks dust, dirt, pet hair, and UV rays at once.

Spills are one of the fastest ways to damage a cloth — keep food and drinks away from the table entirely rather than just being careful near it.

Wipe balls down with a microfiber cloth regularly. Dirty balls redistribute chalk across the felt every time they roll.

A low-suction vacuum with an upholstery attachment is fine for occasional deep cleaning — anything stronger risks stretching or damaging the cloth. Skip pool table brushes marketed as general-purpose table cleaners; they're not recommended for Arcadia felt.