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Wesley asked: How do I remove beer stains off of pool table felt? A friend spilled his half-empty beer on my pool table. I haven’t tried to get rid of the stain yet because I don’t want to damage the felt any further. The stain is about the size of my hand, and it left the green felt a shade darker. It doesn’t affect game play. The stain just looks ugly. I have no idea where to start.
With beer being a common beverage while playing pool, beer stains are a common problem. The felt on pool tables is not as durable as regular felt and needs to be treated with care. Using gentle cleaning methods and a mild cleaning solution, the stains can be lifted with no damage to the surface.
You Will Need:
- Lint free/microfiber cloths
- Vinegar
- Cold water
- Small dish
Steps to Remove the Stain:
- If the stain is fresh, use a soft, lint free cloth to blot up as much of the spill as possible. Try to keep the stain from spreading by blotting from the outside and working towards the source of the spill.
- Blot the area with cold water to remove as much of the liquids as possible.
- The longer the beer sits on the felt, the more difficult the stain will be to remove. Try to get as much of it up right away to make for easier clean up later.
- Mix one cup of cold water and one tablespoon of vinegar in a small dish.
- Moisten the microfiber cloth with the solution.
- Blot the stained area with the moistened cloth.
- Rinse the cloth often and remoisten with the vinegar and water mixture.
- Continue cleaning the area by blotting or gently wiping the surface until the stain is removed.
- Once the stain is gone, allow the area to air dry completely.
- If any stains are still present after the area has dried, repeat the above steps again.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Avoid using warm water as it can set the stains. The water and/or cleaning solution should always be cold while cleaning the stain.
- Once beer stains are set in they are nearly impossible to remove. Always treat stains promptly and avoid any heat for the best results.
- Installing shelves on the walls or placing tables near the pool table can keep beverages a safe distance from the pool table itself. This will prevent future spills and accidents.
- Steam cleaners can be used to remove many stains from pool table felt. However, the heat will set some stains if they are not removed completely. Work cautiously and thoroughly to ensure the entire stain is removed before allowing it to dry or become set in by the heat of the steam.
- There are products designed specifically for cleaning pool tables, but many times, the solution above works just as well as, if not better than, the store bought solutions.
Prevention is always better. If you really want to have a clean pool table, then you should avoid drinking while playing.
I bought a pool table that has a stain on it. I don’t know what from. I tried this solution and it didn’t do anything to it. Is there any other advice?
Roushan,
Since you don’t know what the stain is, you can try using a general stain remover for pool table felt, such as Suzo Harp Felt Cleaner. There are other kinds available, but that one specifically says it works to remove stains.
Avoid drinking while playing? That wouldn’t be any fun.