Wash and Wax Your Balls

Wash and Wax Your Balls

S&T Billiards knows that proper equipment care is one of the many keys to a great game. While most players focus on cue maintenance and table upkeep, washing and waxing your billiard balls is just as important. Clean and well-waxed billiard balls ensure smoother gameplay, preserve your table’s felt, and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Why Is It Important? Over time, billiard balls accumulate chalk dust, oil, dirt, and grime, which can negatively impact their performance. Dirty balls transfer grime to the felt causing premature wear and tear.  Clean balls roll more smoothly, ensuring consistent and predictable shots, improving playability. Regular maintenance prevents surface damage and discoloration, keeping your balls looking and playing like new. Waxed balls reduce friction and allow for more precise spin and control.

How often does it need to be done? Well that depends on how often you play. Casual players (Home use) wash their billiards balls once every 2-4 weeks and wax them once a month. Frequent players or competitive users, wash them weekly and apply wax bi-weekly for optimal performance. Pool Halls and clubs clean them daily and apply wax once a week.

Cleaning instructions

• Use warm water with a mild dish soap (like Dawn or Ivory).

• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the ball’s surface.

• Gently scrub with a soft microfiber cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

Wax Instructions

• Use a specialized billiard ball wax or polish designed to restore the glossy finish.

• Brands like Aramith Billiard Ball Cleaner & Restorer are highly recommended.

• Apply a small amount of wax using a microfiber cloth, buffing in circular motions until the ball is shiny and smooth. For those that don’t wish to do it by hand, there are cleaning machines that will do it for you.

When Is It Time To Replace them?

Even with regular maintenance, billiard balls don’t last forever. You’ll know it’s time if there are any chips or cracks. Structural damage will affect roll accuracy and gameplay. Also look out for loss of roundness or unusual bounce/roll. Over time, excessive wear can make balls slightly oval, affecting roll quality. If your billiards balls aren’t reacting as expected they may be unevenly worn. Sometimes it’s hard to tell just by looking at them.

Keep Your Game Sharp with Proper Maintenance

At S&T Billiards in Edgewater, MD, we emphasize the importance of keeping your equipment in top shape. By regularly washing and waxing your billiard balls, you ensure smooth gameplay, protect your table, and extend the life of your equipment. If you're unsure whether your billiard balls need cleaning, waxing, or replacing, stop by S&T Billiards and speak with our experts!

Play clean, play smooth, and keep the game rolling!