Why it's important to clean your billiard balls

Why it's important to clean your billiard balls - Pool Table Portfolio
Bob Saint Bob Saint

It's easy for owners to overlook the table's accessories, such as the pool balls. Given how many times pool balls are handled by players... germs, dirt, and other contaminants could easily be transferred from their hands to the ball to the felt, Increasing the time needed for the overall maintenance of the billiard table.

Not to mention other issues like how, unpolished, dirtied pool balls roll less smoothly than clean ones. The dirt, germs, excess chalk or whatever you like to dip your hands in, can even change how balls recoil off each other and travel on the felt... (yes, it makes a difference)

How do you clean your billiard balls?

Now that we have illustrated how important it is! we will show you multiple methods you can use to clean your billiard balls such as ball cleaner and a cloth / washing by hand / or a polishing machine. We will go over each method starting with the simplest.  

Method 1 : Ball Cleaner + A Cloth

Ball cleaner and a cloth

Step 1: Clothing The Balls
Start by gently wiping any excess grime off the balls using a microfiber cloth before placing the balls onto another towel / cloth.

Step 2: Apply The Cleaner
Apply a small amount to each ball, enough to cover a dime.

Step 3: Buff and Polish the Balls
Spread the cleaner around the ball with a clean microfiber towel to buff and polish it. Set it aside once it has a shine to it. Continue working on the balls one at a time, occasionally switching to a clean microfiber towel.

Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the balls are completely dry, buff them one last time with a clean microfiber cloth.

Method 2 : Using Soap And Detergent

Step 1 : Soaking
Use lukewarm water and fill a 3 - 5 gallon bucket about halfway.
Put the pool balls in the bucket then add the detergent and make sure that they are well submerged.
Let it soak for about 8 to 15 minutes.

Step 2 : Rinse / Drying
Rinse the pool balls with a microfiber towel then rub it gently for about 5-10 minutes
Then, put it in a cool, dry place and let it dry.

Method 3 : Using A Polisher Machine

Simply place the balls in the machine and run the cleaning and polishing cycle, which takes approximately three minutes. Consumables such as cleaning solution and cleaning pads will need to be replaced. However, most electric machines will run several cycles before needing to be replaced...

Here are some resources on how to do that.

How Frequently Should You Clean Your Billiard Balls ? 

Now that we know how to, we will learn when to...The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on how frequently you play pool. For example, if you play one game once a week, you only need to clean the pool balls every other month or two.

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