How to Care for Pool Balls & Cue Sticks

The game of pool involves a lot of equipment--the table, balls, chalk, cues and racks. Those more serious about the game also use bridges, jump cues, "shorty" cues and shapers for the cue tips. In a game where the slightest misjudgment will cost you a shot, the equipment needs to be well-maintained to ensure the best possible playing conditions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft cloths
• Mild household cleaner
• Paste wax or furniture polish

1. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off the balls regularly. The chalk and dust they pick up and redistribute can eventually corrode parts of the table. If necessary, they can be cleaned with a mild household degreaser, such as 409. Tough stains can be removed with a cleaner such as Soft Scrub, but make sure it is non-abrasive.

2. Maintain the shine of the balls. As the balls age, they may lose some of their shine. Buy products specially made to clean pool balls, or use paste wax, then buff the balls with a soft cloth to restore the luster. Some table owners use furniture polish, such as Pledge. Retailers who specialize in pool equipment can also clean and shine the balls for you.

3. Care for your cue. A straight cue, or stick, is essential to properly lining up a shot. Never bang your cue on the table, and between shots return it to its specialized cue rack. Cues left leaning against a wall can warp over time.

4. Wipe your cue with a damp cloth and mild soap if it gets dirty. Dry it completely. Don't eat while playing; that barbecue sauce on your chicken wings makes for a sticky cue.

5. Store your cues in a rack on the wall, and make sure it isn't near any sources of heat or moisture, as these can warp the wood. Do not store the balls in the pockets of the table, as the constant pressure can harm the pockets.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain the tip of your cue with a shaper, keeping its curve about the same as the edge of a nickel. Keep it chalked during play.
• Never use buffer wheels on your pool balls, as they can affect the balls' finish, which might cause them to roll funny--not something you need during a close game. Never use bleach or ammonia to clean the balls, because this will eventually fade the color.

References

• Border Billiards: Pool Table Maintenance
• DLT Billiards: Fun Facts--Table Care
• Divine Pool: Pool Tables--Care and Maintenance

Resources

• Schmidt Billiards: Pool Table Care

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