HOW TO CLEAN YOUR POOL TABLE AND POOL BALLS ~ Care for your table and make it last ( Pool Lessons )

This video takes you step by step into how to clean your pool table, how to care for your pool table, and how to keep the balls and the table clean and looking good.
We cover products and techniques for cleaning your pool table and the balls.
Visit our Website at: fxbilliards.com/
THE PRODUCTS FROM THIS VIDEO:
Table Cleaning Quick Cleaner amzn.to/2XMKgFh
Aramith Pool Ball Cleaner amzn.to/30FBef4
Simonis X-1 Table Cleaner amzn.to/3ktUEvg
Portable Vacuum amzn.to/33IQ9al
Spotted Pool Ball (High End) amzn.to/3age69O
Spotted Pool Ball (Basic) amzn.to/360WxY3
Predator Pool Chalk amzn.to/35UjvA4
Moori Pool Cue Tips amzn.to/2NyAVM2
Kamui Pool Cue Tips amzn.to/2REykla
Jasperbees Pro Pool Balls amzn.to/2DBk4qk
Aramith Pool Balls amzn.to/2DMAZG8
Become a Member: / @fxbilliards
My Equipment
Predator Revo amzn.to/2UGBlEC
Predator 314 Pool Cue Shaft amzn.to/30qCeCc
Lucasi Big Beulah 2 Break Cue amzn.to/37AWpAc
Predator BK3 Break Cue amzn.to/2GAarWT
Drone Camera - Drone Shots: DJI Mavic Mini amzn.to/2NvX3GT
Camera One: DJI Osmo Pocket (slow motion shots) amzn.to/38dbVlC
Camera Two: GoPro Hero 7 amzn.to/2R2RXnG
Camera Three: Canon M50 amzn.to/30JQ9FI
Here is a good book full of pool shots you should know: Byrne's Complete Book of Pool Shots: amzn.to/35YAYam
FX Billiards is a KZbin channel dedicated to the growth of pool and the education of pool players worldwide. Your goal may be to become a professional pool player, or simply learn to spin back the cue ball with a powerful draw shot. Either way, we are here to help.
Our goal is to provide the best pool videos and best pool lessons on the internet. Our website fxbilliards.com also provides you with audio books and private pool lessons by way of zoom.
Please feel free to contact Bryan Mitchell with any pool questions or billiards questions, at [e-mail]
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR POOL TABLE AND POOL BALLS ~ Care for your table and make it last: is all about ways you can care for your table and keep in looking good for years. We talk about how to avoid hot spots or pool tables and billiard tables as well as how to clean them. We discuss Aramith pool balls,and different cleaning products by Simonis such as the Simonis X-1 and Simonis 860 pool table cloth. We also cover how to brush your pool table and how to use the X 1 and pool table sprays to help remove dirt and pool cue chalk.
#cleanpooltable #masterclass #poollessons

[@AlsAllMetalDetecting]

Great advice here Bryan. I have a vintage Tucker table and I am very conscious about cleaning it but after watching this video, I'm gonna change a few things. Be well, Al-Fu

[@kenj1621]

I'll add the tip I got from my table guys. They told me to never use anything on leather drop pockets. Vacuum them out and wipe them out with a dry cloth and that's it. The leather absorbs whatever you apply, and then that's transferred to the balls and ultimately the cloth. I love the X-1. I use it all the time and it works great. Expensive but well worth it.

[@mikewoodson3135]

Don’t forget to clean the pockets they get pretty skunky. Thanks for the great videos they really help.

[@spydergkh6337]

Thanks for great video! (Long post to follow... 😎) We have an 8' table purchased from Family Leisure (fomerly Watson's) back in 2008. 1" slate, beautiful table. I have always been conscious of taking care of it. Not long after buying it, I ordered a set of Aramith Super Balls in the Pro Cup Value Pack. Also; the Measles cue ball. I have always tried to clean them with the Aramith cleaner that is included with the Value Pack about once a week. In the beginning, I used the standard brushes that were included with the table, and then later on, I would vacuum the table. For 3 years or so, the table wasn't being used.. It became a catch-all after we had some pipes burst. Sacrilege, I know! A couple of years ago, we started playing again. I discovered the Simonis X-1 brush, and the foaming cleaner you reviewed in this video. What a difference! Last year, I began noticing burn marks from where we break from. Around that time, my wife and I began playing mostly 9 Ball. At first, I thought they were just chalk marks. It shocked me to discover that they were actually burn marks! At the time, and even more recently, I was breaking pretty hard. Needless to say, I didn't know what to think. So; we swapped ends of the table. The rest of the cloth doesn't look too bad overall. When we started breaking from the other end, I found that some people use a piece of cloth to break from. So; I decided to try a eyeglass cleaning cloth. Work great!! No burn marks anymore from the breaking spot. I keep a couple in rotation, and hand wash them. But; what began developing were trace marks from the break to the rack! Again; burn marks!! If you look at my table, you can see these. Sometimes, we might play 70 or more games in a weeks time. Because of these results, I began breaking from both the left and right alternating days pretty much. There is a definite 'V' pattern now leading to the rack. By the way; a couple of years ago, I discovered the 'Magic Rack'. Very much enjoy these for both 9 & 8 Ball. About 2 weeks ago, I told my wife, it was time to get our table recovered. We decided on Burgundy Simonis 860. I went through Solo Billiards Movers, and they set us up for an appointment to have the job done. Last Monday, a gentleman came out who has been in the business 35 years, Greg Brooks (Brooks Billiards). Apparently; he is one of the best pool table mechanics in the area. He checked out our table, and mentioned how good it looked for its age. And, that the cloth still had some life remaining. That surprised me! Burn marks, and all. I thought it was definitely time to replace the cloth! He thinks it's probably Champion brand cloth. He performed a complete inspection. The bumpers are still okay. But; not as lively as they once were. They would need to be replaced sooner than later. So; he took the rails to have them fitted with new rubber. He told they will play much better. Good deal! Let's get it all done now! Greg knew right away where we bought the table. I know the table needs to be re-leveled. One end has a bit more roll now. What I didn't know is, the table actually is a bit bowed in the middle!! My thinking is; how can that be??! It's one inch thick slate! Well; apparently, this is not uncommon with 'less expoensive' tables. Looking at it, our table certainly looks great! Solid construction, very clean! It's what you don't see... He explained the difference in construction of the slate bed of ours versus the Legacy tables he sells. But; he didn't try to upsale me to the Legacy 'Mesa' which is very close to the design of our table. Greg told me when completed the setup & leveling of ours, it will great! Good enough! Regarding the trail of burn marks from the breaking area to the rack; he told me what is happening is the cue ball is actually launching off that thin little cloth, and when landing causes the marks! He doesn't like using a cloth for breaking and advised me aim more down when breaking then keeping my cue level like I typically do. Noted. Oh!! (and, this funny 😃) when he was checking the cushions, he was rolling a couple of balls, and mentioned, these are I need! Lol! What I have yet to mention is; when I decided to get new cloth, I ordered a new set of Aramith 'Tournament' balls (Value Pack) along with the Aramith ball case. Oops! 😆 I want every advantage possible in taking care of the new cloth. They advertise the Tournament balls as less friction. I'm taking their word for it. I'm also started to break at a slower pace in the last week before he dismantled the table. Control over power is what I need to work on anyway. Unfortunately; half the the time when I break, I have no idea if the cue ball will stay on the table or end up in the neighbor's back yard. 😨 Let alone settle in the middle of the table which is preferred. Greg said with Simonis cloth, it will begin to show wear long before it's actually worn out. Go to know! I guess, maybe, I have in my mind now that no matter how well I take care of my new cloth, it might begin showing wear sooner than I imagined. I hope not. Please feel free to post your experiences regarding burn marks, etc,,,. Regarding the Simonis X-1; I think it is totally worth the money! I guess, we have had it a couple of years, and it cleans better now than it did in the beginning. I vacuum it every few weeks. The foam cleaner reviewed here does a great job, as well. Make sure you shake the can really well before applying. My last application, it came out a little thick in a few spots, and it took a couple of weeks to fully dry in those areas. For those of you that hung in and read this entire post; Cool! And, thanks! I just wanted to share my journey. I appreciate any thoughts on your experiences. I've subscribed to FXBilliards, and look forward to more videos!

[@Scubfan18]

Love it, great post my man

[@nunyabizness9544]

Just clicked play and had to comment. I needed this video thank you....now time to watch the video.

[@mikebai2733]

Thanks for the info. I dont have a table myself but i know a few that do and will have to share this information.

[@oldschoolracquetball]

Great video, I would have loved to have seen you apply the spray to the table to see exactly how its applied and wiped off.

[@darwinaldous3236]

I used alcohol to clean shafts & ferrals as you suggested. It worked great! Thx i live in central Oregon in a very dry climate, static build up on the balls & felt is a big problem. I raided my wife's laundry room for BOUNCE ANTI STATIC SHEETS. FELT AND BALLS ARE NOW STATIC FREE.DARWIN

[@km4ukz872]

Lots of good advice...thanks for posting. ALSO I would recommend a pool table cover! I use one and it really cuts down on the dust on my table

[@BangTimePool]

Good stuff Bryan- very helpful!!

[@philliptaylor2843]

Thanks for the video. I just got a brand new table in February and I've been agonizing over keeping it in good shape. 👍🏾

[@josephmcgee8450]

Thank you for video!

[@josephgarhart2628]

I clan bar tables and they get all kinds of burn marks and gouges from people that don't know basic shooting skills or are inebriated and his the table with the end of their stick, I was told before that I should use the X1 but said I'm cleaning worn out tabes anyway, I may go ahead and get one as I am doing exactly what you commented on, brush and flick the brush so the chalk falls back onto the table, I will invest in a vacuum as well and not brush chalk in the pockets, all pockets have raised area that the balls travel on so the balls don't come in direct contact with the chalk in the pockets, I wipe the down, good info, thanks for the recommendations!!!

[@TwoEagleStar]

All good information Bryan. A few things I need to invest in for sure to keep the table nice. Thanks for the insight!!

[@dfiato1072]

This is very helpful thank you

[@michaels8775]

Love the x1 to clean the table with I have used quick clean spray It works great but sometimes it sprays more and takes awhile for it to dry and leaves streaks. Thx for your videos oh yea it's called cloth not felt, just busting your pool balls

[@briansullivan9487]

Thanks Bryan

[@Stealpawn]

I been waiting for this video

[@majidmanion5476]

Very nice job thanks

[@MrKlaus314]

Great video. I always wash my hands before I go to the table. I'm a climber and that kills fingernails. Therefore I also make sure the nails are smooth so I don't damage the cloth.

[@akshayshrimanker5648]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@FXBilliards]

You are so welcome!

[@godjhaka7376]

If you use Taom V10 chalk only, that will keep the felt looking nice, and it will be a lot less work to keep everything clean.

[@FXBilliards]

It’s extremely good chalk

[@donparrish9659]

Thanks Bryan, when my pool room is finished where I can control the humidity, I want to get a refelt and definitely keep my investment looking and working the best it can be.

[@speedracer4963]

Thanks, getting a new table and only want quality stuff!

[@backyardbilliards101]

And I just got my table recovered did you see it yeah it looks like yours. man that cloth is real slick at first

[@jprice3648]

I have plastic pockets, so I will brush the debris into the end pocket, and then vacuum out said pocket, followed by a wipe down of the inner pocket and done.

[@FXBilliards]

If you’re going to do that - brush everything into a plastic cup that is sitting in the pocket then you can remove the cup that has most of the debris

[@carmenpetrelli6066]

I have a good set of Aramith Tournament pool balls and I use Master chalk. I'm having trouble getting the chalk marks off of my cue ball. I also have a BallStar pool ball cleaner but this doesn't remove all of the chalk marks. I've tried soaking the cue ball in water and that does help to remove most of the marks but I'm still not happy with the results. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@williambrodmanvi5944]

A 10" buffer screwed upside down into the bottom of a short 3-4gal 5gal style bucket with several ventilation holes and easy access to the on/off switch with either felt or micro fiber spray glued to the remaining couple of inches inside the top of the bucket for the balls to roll against makes for a very efficient way to clean all 16 balls very quickly and as often as you may like the only thing that is required to clean all of the balls at once is 3 extra balls to make for a full batch! It can be cue balls old balls it really doesn't matter as long as all the balls are 2 1/4" the shorter Armor All value pack style bucket the taper of this size bucket much better accommodates 19 balls at a time much better than an actual 5 gal bucket even tho they are both the same diameter at the bottom the shorter bucket has a faster taper to the top of the bucket leaving just the needed amount of room for the well centered buffer to operate with out resistance from the sides of the bucket which in most cases will greatly reduce the life expectancy of the buffer harbor freight buffers work but for myself after going through 3 of them I went with the same steering wheel style 10" buffer corded by ryobi and it has out lived the 3 previous ones probably 5x combined! I try not to run it longer than 5-6 min at a time still just to not over work it hope this helps anyone that may wish to have a proven way to clean and polish pool balls I put a small drop on every other ball of either polishing compound, liquid polish, or your favorite car wax or polish and run till dry on micro fiber bonets! Enjoy!

[@drillguy300]

Bryan, could you check out glass top oven cleaner/polish. I tried it and it seems to clean and polish well, but not sure if safe for balls.

[@FXBilliards]

I personally would stick with products designed specifically for pool balls. Some other products might damage the coloring or structure of the ball. Also, anything other than products specifically for pool balls will void the warranty.

[@Dalmusom]

Great video, thank you for it! What do you recommend for a stain (probably chocolate from a fingernail, could be anything)? Would Quick Clean help it or is there a particular stain remover for the felt? Thank you!

[@FXBilliards]

Hi Delma thanks for watching. As far as stains go, I would contact the manufacturer of the cloth. Or a place like Ozone billiards customer service for some ideas.

[@rickheider8727]

For those who are serious players, it is best to buy the best, even if it hurts a little at first as these products last forever without any regard to inferior products. For example, the Simonis 860 produces less burn marks especially when used with the Aramith Tournament balls. I think the Aramith Tournament balls are about $350 but you only need one set, not multiples. I mean, you already spent 1000's on your pool table right, so what's a $150 additional? So, in ball polishing why not go for a Ballstar ball cleaner? OK, so another $500, but you don't ever need another and you get it done in 3 minutes. That leads you to cleaning balls more frequently, thereby saving your cloth and balls. You will not believe what the Ballstar does to balls. They are really slick and spin like nothing else, a real pleasure to play with. Since it cleans 8 balls at once, I leave three cue balls in the cleaner and clean them 3 times by putting in 5 uncleaned balls five times. That really cleans the cue balls which I rotate until the next cleaning. Ballstar also has their own cleaning solution.... So go ahead and complain about the cost, especially those of you with Predator $1000 cues (me included).... Just kidding, but really, after your initial investment, this is one of the least expensive sports....

[@jamalgibson7820]

Thanks for the info. You didn't mention how often you clean the table. I'm sure it would vary by how often you shoot but is it after a certain amount of rounds? Thanks in advance

[@FXBilliards]

I really just clean the table when it needs it. I use very clean chalk but I usually clean the table about once per week. That’s about 20 hours of play/practice for me. If I am shooting the same shot over and over, like a draw shot from the same spot, I might clean the table because of the number of marks I am leaving on the table. I hope this helps.

[@jamalgibson7820]

@@FXBilliards Thank you. Very helpful...

[@rickselby8068]

How much wear on the Simoni’s 860 indicates when to replace ? I’ve noticed it’s getting a little thread bear. It’s about 8 yr’s old and used almost everyday for an hour or so. Being 77 yrs. Old I don’t play with as much furver as I used too. In short it’s not in anyway abused.

[@FXBilliards]

Without seeing the cloth, my thoughts are “eight years” I would probably replace it.

[@DarrinsDen2023]

Hello, Regarding pool table felt and balls. I bought a used 8' Olhausen table and on some parts of the felt there are very small divots, not really visible unless you know where to look. You can feel them slightly though if you touch them. What would have caused this? Would something that tiny really impact the way the balls roll? Replacing felt is outrageously expensive, is there anything that can be done to help seal the divots? I was thinking of putting pool dots over them, not sure that would work though.. As for cleaning the balls, how about a magic eraser i see lots of people say they are safe to use and do a good job but i haven't taken the chance on it yet..

[@FXBilliards]

I have used a Magic Eraser on old cues but never on balls. Cheaper balls might not be able to handle the Magic Eraser. But I dont know for sure. There are a lot of good products that you should try first. As far as the cloth on your table. I think those "divots" might come from people freezing the balls in place by tapping on top of them with other balls. We used to do that when setting up trick shots, in order to keep the balls in place for our setup. Yes, it can cause issues with shots, especially if the balls are moving slowly. But (without seeing it myself) I dont think it will be enough of an issue to replace the cloth yet.

[@ricktherezman]

I used a magic eraser on an old cue ball and it made it all dirty looking. Took the shine all away from it. So no I won't ever use one on a ball ever again....

[@thegodofpez]

I had no idea of the upkeep of a pool table! Would you advise a first time buyer of a pool table to go used? My brother plays semi-professionally in FL and owns his own table. He said it’s very difficult to get a table set up at your residence and you can often get used tables dirt cheap because of that, and because people are willing to let them go just to get them out of their way. Curious on your thoughts. Thanks, Bryan!

[@FXBilliards]

It is amazing how hard it is to get rid of a pool table...So yes, used is a good idea if someone is moving or getting a new table. I would get a slate table and have it professionally moved. Or at least, professionally installed. If it needs new rails, cloth, etc. it might cost you a few hundred dollars but it is cheaper than a few thousand. Good luck with your search.

[@thegodofpez]

@@FXBilliards You’re the man. I appreciate your input heavily. Your quick and honest feedback is why I watch your videos on a daily basis, not to sound like a fanboy. You’re one of the best content creators for this platform hands down. Cheers, brutha.

[@michaelmccullar2982]

What name brand balls do you suggest I get if you don't mind me asking

[@FXBilliards]

I use Arcos 2 balls but anything over $200.00 is going to be good quality. There is a link to the balls I use in the description of the videos.

[@michaelmccullar2982]

@@FXBilliards thank you for replying

[@chris12b23]

Just put Simonis felt on my table and found that X-1 in my local billiard store. That will be my next item to buy, but might buy it on Amazon its cheaper than the store. Great video...

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching. If you get an X-1 from AMAZON and use this link, it will help support the channel. Thanks again for watching. Simonis X-1 Table Cleaner amzn.to/3ktUEvg

[@chris12b23]

@@FXBilliards I sure will

[@williamward1513]

Not sure if it's odd or not, but I've had really good luck just running a lint roller over my table, lmk if that's kind of a bad thing, i haven't owned a table long enough to learn all the wrong and right ways yet.

[@FXBilliards]

William Ward I don’t like to lint roller idea because of the stickiness. And it doesn’t help getting the chalk off the table.

[@mikep.panucci5099]

I treat my diamond table like a billiards table...no chalk on the rails whatsoever.

[@backyardbilliards101]

I took an old drinking cup and cut it a little bit and set it in the pocket and sweep the dirt into that. I made a homemade ball polisher out of a bucket and a car buffer I just cut a small hole in the bottom of the bucket for the wire call championship and put a strap in it to tie it down ice tablecloth on the side and I can polish about seven balls at time. And yes the bucket is pink because I stole it from my wife

[@mu99ins]

QUESTION: I wipe my balls with a microfiber cloth after I practice. Is that the correct thing to do? Also, I wipe my cue stick with a cotton cloth after I'm finished shooting. I replaced the balls that came with my table with higher end balls, Aramith Premiums, made in Europe. They aren't the best, but they beat the cheap balls, as the cheapos lost their shine quickly, and retained "dirt" in their porous surface. Wearing a dust mask is an excellent suggestion, and I don't know why I didn't consider that before. I have experienced lifting the cloth with a strong vacuum, so I went to a brush attachment, to guarantee that the suction will not be too strong, and it also loosens the dust for the weaken suction to carry the dust into the vacuum cleaner. But there is the concern that the brush might wear on the fiber of the cloth. So... (see next line) The Simonis X-1 Table Cleaner is going to thin my wallet a little bit, but it looks like the gentlest way to clean a table. I give it a try.

[@FXBilliards]

Sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right. Wiping everything down after you play is certainly a good idea. And in the long run that X 1 will pay for itself.

[@mu99ins]

@@FXBilliards - I just cleaned my table with the Simonis X1and am thoroughly satisfied with the purchase. The table looks very clean. It's very civilized process, requiring less physical effort compared to vacuuming, and very quiet, and a quicker process.

[@78oldwing1]

I know this will sound like sacrilege, but what do you think of cleaning pool balls in the dishwasher?

[@FXBilliards]

DO NOT DO IT. - That instantly voids the warranty. here is an article you can read. . thebudgetbilliard.com/can-i-clean-my-pool-balls-in-the-dishwasher/

[@bdudley2991]

I’ve read it’s not recommended, but I think mostly because the balls might discolor. I’m sure a no-heat dry would be a good idea if you did. I took the info as dishwasher a no-no.

[@bdudley2991]

Oh

[@bdudley2991]

FXBilliards didn’t see this earlier. Oops.

[@miket8497]

Could you please explain why ball cleaner is better than a rag & dish soap? Also, I have read that putting your balls in the dishwasher is a big no-no. True? Thanks in advance for passing on the obvious jokes, guys!

[@FXBilliards]

thebudgetbilliard.com/can-i-clean-my-pool-balls-in-the-dishwasher/

[@martinlepper4522]

Chances are your table is covered with cloth. Probably Simonis.

[@gregbrown4136]

Stuff nobody thinks about