How to Clean Pool Balls Properly
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Introduction
Clean pool balls don't just look better—they play better too.
Over time, chalk dust, oils from your hands and general dirt build up on the surface of your pool balls. This can affect ball roll, increase wear on your table cloth and reduce the overall appearance of your table.
The good news is that cleaning pool balls properly is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Why Should You Clean Pool Balls?
Every time a ball rolls across the cloth, it picks up tiny amounts of chalk dust and dirt.
Over time, this build-up can:
Reduce ball shine
Affect ball roll and reaction
Increase cloth wear
Leave marks on the cue ball
Make your table look older than it is
Regular cleaning helps maintain both the appearance and performance of your equipment.
How Often Should You Clean Pool Balls?
The answer depends on how often you play.
Casual Home Use
If you're playing once or twice a week, cleaning your balls every month or two is usually sufficient.
Regular Home Use
Players who practise several times per week should consider cleaning their balls monthly.
Club or Commercial Use
Balls used in clubs, pubs and venues often benefit from more frequent cleaning due to the higher volume of play.
What You'll Need
For the best results, use products designed specifically for pool balls.
Recommended items include:
Aramith Ball Cleaner
Aramith Ball Restorer
Microfibre cloth
Clean dry towel
Avoid harsh household cleaners, abrasives or chemicals that may damage the finish.
Step 1 – Inspect the Balls
Before cleaning, check the balls for:
Chalk build-up
Surface marks
Scratches
Chips or damage
Most surface marks can be removed during cleaning, but deep damage may indicate a heavily worn ball.
Step 2 – Use Aramith Ball Cleaner
Apply a small amount of Aramith Ball Cleaner to a microfibre cloth.
Work the cleaner evenly around the ball using circular motions.
The cleaner is designed to remove dirt, oils and chalk residue while restoring shine.
Once cleaned, buff the ball with a dry section of the cloth.
Step 3 – Use Aramith Ball Restorer for Heavier Marks
If the balls have stubborn marks or have become noticeably dull, Aramith Ball Restorer may be used before the cleaner.
The restorer is designed to tackle tougher surface contamination and bring older balls back to life.
After using the restorer, finish with Aramith Ball Cleaner to achieve the best possible finish.
Step 4 – Buff the Balls
Once cleaned, buff each ball with a clean dry cloth.
This helps restore shine and removes any remaining residue.
The result should be a smooth, glossy finish.
What Should You Avoid?
Avoid:
Household cleaning chemicals
Abrasive cleaners
Scouring pads
Solvents
Dishwashing detergents
These products may damage the finish and shorten the life of the balls.
Dave's Tip
Before anything else... Do NOT use untested products on your balls! You may well come back and find them discoloured, or worse!
One thing I've noticed over the years is that many players assume their balls are worn out when they're actually just dirty.
I've seen older Aramith sets look dramatically better after a proper clean with the correct products.
Before replacing a quality set of pool balls, it's always worth giving them a thorough clean and polish. The difference can be surprisingly noticeable.
Does Cleaning Extend Ball Life?
Yes.
Regular cleaning helps remove contaminants that can gradually wear the ball surface and table cloth.
Clean balls also roll more consistently and maintain their appearance for longer.
Combined with proper storage and regular table maintenance, cleaning is one of the easiest ways to maximise the lifespan of your equipment.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your pool balls clean is one of the simplest ways to improve both the appearance and performance of your table.
A few minutes of maintenance every month can help maintain shine, improve consistency and extend the life of both your balls and your cloth.
For the best results, use dedicated products such as Aramith Ball Cleaner and Aramith Ball Restorer, and avoid household cleaners that may damage the finish.
