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A pristine gaming table felt is more than just pleasing to the eye; it’s essential for an optimal gaming experience. Buying a quality gaming felt is an investment, and it’s in your best interest to protect your investment with quality cleanings and maintenance. Below, we’ll explain how to clean and maintain your gaming table felt and more.
Before we get into the maintenance of your felt, what are the benefits of a professional-quality gaming table felt in the first place? A professional-quality felt provides a smooth, durable surface that enhances gameplay and withstands wear and tear. Investing in high-quality felt not only improves your gaming experience but also makes maintenance easier.
Cheap felt can deteriorate quickly, leading to inconsistent gameplay and frequent replacements. High-quality felt typically consists of wool or a wool-nylon blend, offering a perfect balance of softness and durability. This premium material resists pilling and maintains its color and texture longer, ensuring your gaming table looks and performs at its best for years.
Knowing what type of felt your gaming table has is crucial for proper maintenance. The two main types of felt commonly used are wool felt and synthetic felt.
Wool felt offers superior durability and a smoother texture. It’s a preferred choice for high-end casino table game layouts due to its ability to handle heavy use without significant wear.
However, wool felt can be susceptible to moisture and requires careful cleaning to avoid shrinkage. It’s also more expensive than synthetic felt, but its longevity and performance make it a worthwhile investment.
Synthetic felt, often consisting of nylon or polyester, is more resistant to moisture and stains. It offers a budget-friendly alternative to wool felt while still providing a decent gaming surface.
However, it may not deliver the same level of performance as wool felt and can wear out faster under heavy use. Synthetic felt also tends to be less soft and smooth compared to wool felt.
If unsure, owners can identify their felt type by examining the texture and feel. Wool felt tends to have a softer, more luxurious feel, while synthetic felt is generally smoother and less plush.
Maintaining your gaming table felt doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Establishing a regular cleaning routine can keep your felt in top condition and extend its lifespan.
Every day, gently brush your felt with a soft-bristle brush to remove dust and debris. This simple habit prevents dirt from embedding into the fibers and keeps the surface smooth for gameplay.
Always brush in one direction to avoid damaging the felt. You can also use a lint roller to pick up any remaining debris.
Once a week, use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean the felt. Be sure to use a low suction setting to avoid lifting the felt from the table. Additionally, inspect the table for any spills or stains, and address them promptly to prevent permanent damage.
Every month, give your gaming table felt a more thorough cleaning. Start by spot cleaning any stains or spills as needed. Then, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution.
Wring out excess water, and gently wipe down the surface in one direction. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading dirt back onto the felt. Use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the felt completely before use.
We’ve explained how to maintain your gaming table felt, but what about when you need to clean a stain or spill? Despite your best efforts, there will likely come a time when your gaming table will require a deep cleaning to restore its appearance and performance.
For minor stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution, then blot the stain, taking care not to soak the felt.
Rinse the area with a separate damp cloth, and pat dry with a towel. Repeat if necessary until the stain is gone.
For larger or more stubborn stains, steam cleaning can effectively lift dirt and grime from the felt. Use a handheld steam cleaner on the lowest heat setting and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the heat and moisture don’t damage the felt.
If your felt needs a more comprehensive cleaning, consider using a commercial felt cleaner. Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a soft brush to work it into the felt. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a damp cloth, then allow the felt to air dry completely before using the table again.
Owners should only deep clean their table felt sparingly to avoid excessive wear on the felt. Aim for once or twice a year at most, depending on how frequently you use your table.
Preventative measures are critical to maintaining the quality of your gaming table felt. Implementing these tips can help safeguard your felt from damage and prolong its lifespan.
When your gaming table isn’t in use, cover it with a fitted table cover to protect the felt from dust, spills, and sunlight. UV rays can fade the color of the felt over time, so storing your table in a shaded area also helps. Avoid using plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew growth.
Use clean, dry hands when handling game pieces, cards, or balls to avoid transferring oils and dirt onto the felt. Encourage players to avoid placing beverages or food near the table to prevent accidental spills. If you do allow food and drinks, make sure to provide coasters or mats to protect the felt surface.
If possible, rotate the felt periodically to distribute wear evenly across the surface. This practice can help prevent certain areas from becoming more worn than others, maintaining a consistent playing field.
By taking these precautions, you can keep your gaming table felt looking new and performing well for a longer period.
Keeping your gaming table felt clean and well maintained is essential for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Regular maintenance, including brushing and vacuuming, can prevent dirt buildup and preserve the felt’s quality.
If you need to replace an old or worn table felt or want to upgrade to a professional-quality felt for your table, Casino Supply can help! Browse our wide selection of table felts featuring numerous designs, or create a custom design online to make yours one of a kind.
