How to Clean a Felt Poker Table

A convivial game of poker requires not just cards and chips but also drinks and snacks. This means that, sooner or later, someone is going to spill a drink on your table surface or paw it with greasy hands. When that happens, you'll need to clean the felt. You should also clean the table regularly to keep it in the best possible condition.

Brush your poker table gently with a small brush to remove crumbs or other debris. Alternatively, use a microfiber wiper.

Remove dust from the surface using a vacuum cleaner. Use a small hand vacuum cleaner; larger models may pull the felt away from its backing.

Reduce pilling by smoothing the felt with a pumice stone. Be aware that, like all methods of eliminating pilling, this will eventually wear out the fabric.

Respond quickly to spills. Absorb as much of the liquid as you can using a clean towel. Blot from the outside to prevent the stain from spreading.

Fill a bowl with cold water and add a small amount of vinegar; one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of water should suffice. Moisten a soft cloth in this mixture.

Gently blot the stained area with the cloth, periodically remoistening it. Dampen the cloth but don't get it too wet; excess water will soak through to the backing.

Allow the area to dry. If it is still stained, repeat the process. You can also buy specialized felt cleaning sprays, but these shouldn't be necessary for most stains.