How to Clean Snooker & Billiard Balls

If you've ever aimed at a long red ball in snooker or a tricky cut in English pool cue and wondered, "Why is this cue ball slipping?"—you're not alone. Dirty balls are silent game-breakers. Chalk dust, fingerprints, and everyday grime cling to the balls like static electricity, dulling their shine and ruining your spin. Even the best snooker cue in the room won't help if the cue ball looks like it's been rolled through custard.

Clean balls not only look gleaming—they feel just as smooth. For many players, this determines whether you'll enjoy a silky smooth shot or face a night of frustrating bounces and bizarre spins.

Therefore, in this guide, we'll walk you step-by-step on how to properly clean snooker and billiards balls, whether you're a casual home player or a professional who polishes your cues more often than your car. We'll explore proper cleaning methods, storage, maintenance, and even how to restore the shine to yellowed old balls. We'll explain things in a friendly, easy-to-understand way—because billiards and snooker aren't complicated sports. Let's get your cue equipment shining again!

Why Clean Balls Are More Important Than You Think

In snooker halls across the UK, there's a saying: "Clean balls, clean game." That couldn't be truer. Clean, shiny cue balls roll straighter, respond better to spin, and result in more consistent shots

When dirt builds up, the balls start absorbing moisture and chalk. This leads to:

• Slipping and bouncing
• Slower spin
• Increased friction with the tablecloth
• Unnecessary sticking during breaks or shots
• Faster wear on your clothes

Dirty balls bring dirt back to the pool table, meaning you'll end up spending more money on table maintenance and cloth cleaning. Frankly, nobody wants to invite friends over for a game and be handed a set of snooker cue that looks like it’s survived a pub fight.

Golden Rules of Ball Cleaning

Never use any harsh, corrosive, high-temperature, or chemically-laden cleaners. Pool and snooker balls—especially high-quality phenolic resin balls—require gentle cleaning to maintain their surface tension and shine.

• Dishwasher? Please don’t.
• Toothpaste? Unless you want to ruin them.
• Bleach? Absolutely not.

How to Clean Snooker & Billiard Balls Safely and Effectively

1. Vinegar Solution – The Best Choice for Removing Yellow Stains

If your cue ball looks more like a soft-boiled egg than a pristine white ball, then vinegar is your best friend. White vinegar is a mild bleach, enough to remove yellow stains, but gentle enough not to damage the ball's surface—as long as you don't overuse it.

How to clean balls using vinegar:

1. Prepare the solution
   Pour half a cup of warm water and half a cup of white vinegar into a bucket or basin and stir well.
2. Soak the balls (5 minutes max)
   Gently immerse the ball in the solution and wait a moment. Soaking for more than 5 minutes may damage the ball's surface.
3. Rinse thoroughly
   Make sure all the vinegar is rinsed off. Residual vinegar can cause discolouration of the ball.
4. Dry with a microfiber cloth
   Do not use paper towels—they will scratch the ball.

When to use this method:

• Yellow stains
• Long-term chalk marks
• Cue ball cleaning
• Old ball equipment is starting to fade

2. Soap & Warm Water – The Classic, Safest Everyday Cleaning Method

If you want a simple, easy, and foolproof cleaning method, this is it.

How to clean the ball with soap and water:

1. Pour warm water into a sink or bucket (do not use hot water!)
   Hot water will deform or create microcracks in the ball.
2. Add a mild dish soap
   Choose something gentle, like Fairy Liquid.
3. Soak for 5–10 minutes
   Do not soak for more than 10 minutes to avoid discolouration.
4. Wipe each ball with a microfiber cloth
   Avoid using a brush—even a soft-bristled brush can scratch the resin.
5. Rinse and dry individually
   This prevents water stains and streaks.

This method is ideal for daily cleaning and maintaining the ball's shine.

3. Ball Cleaning Machine – Fast, Automatic, Professional Results

If you play snooker a few times a week, or simply love your equipment, owning a professional ball cleaning machine will completely transform your experience. The Regal 4th Generation Electric Snooker and Billiards Ball Cleaning machine is a favourite among snooker players, featuring:

• Super-fast 3-minute cleaning cycle
• Low noise
• Excellent polishing effect
• Dedicated cleaning slots for each ball
• Compatibility with both 52.5mm snooker balls and 51mm English pool balls

A machine like this requires no effort from you, delivering a consistent shine every time. Whether you run a club, practice daily, or simply like the convenience, this investment is absolutely worthwhile.

4. Professional Cleaning Services

If your balls have deep scratches, severe yellowing, or stubborn stains, professional cleaning may be the best option.

Professionals use:

• Industrial cleaning solutions
• Mechanical polishing wheels
• Ball-specific cleaners
• UV damage removal methods

It's like giving your car a thorough service—sometimes it needs extra care.

How to Maintain Snooker & Billiard Balls

Maintenance is the real secret. Proper maintenance keeps balls clean for longer.

After each session:

• Wipe the balls with a slightly damp microfiber cloth
• Dry them completely
• Remove chalk marks before they dry hard
• Keep your hands dry and clean
• Avoid eating or drinking near the pool table

How often should you clean?

• Play once a week: Clean every 2 months
• Play 2–3 times a week: Clean every 2–3 weeks
• Play daily: Clean weekly
• Club usage: Clean every day

Additional Tip:

Always store balls in a tray or ball box. Leaving balls on the table will leave marks on the cloth and attract dust.

How to Make Old Balls Look New Again

If your ball has accompanied you through years of matches, late-night practice, and the occasional "pub-style smash break”, all hope is not lost.

1. Removing Stubborn Stains

If vinegar isn’t enough, try a baking soda paste:

• 1 part water
• 2 parts baking soda

Apply gently, let sit for 3 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and then dry. Check the ball's material first—not all balls will work.

2. Handling Scratches

• Light scratches → Polish with a polishing compound
• Medium scratches → Lightly sand with fine sandpaper
• Deep chips → replacement recommended

Scratches not only affect appearance but can also damage the tablecloth.

3. Polishing

• Use non-oil-based polish compounds. Oily products will leave stains on the tablecloth, causing damage.
• Always polish after the balls are fully dry.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

1. Yellowing of the cue ball is the most common problem. Avoid:

• Sunlight exposure
• Heat sources
• Humid environments
• Prolonged exposure to air and dust

Regular cleaning prevents yellowing.

2. Discolouration

Plastic balls are more prone to discoloration than phenolic balls. For longer-lasting performance, it's recommended to upgrade your equipment—it's more cost-effective in the long run.

3. Chalk Stains

Simply wipe with a damp cloth. Old chalk stains may require soapy water.

4.Damaged or cracked balls

Unfortunately, once a ball is severely damaged, it's best to replace it.

FAQs

1.What’s the best way to clean pool balls?

• Mild soap water is the safest.
• Vinegar can effectively remove yellow stains.
• Machines are the best option for frequent players.

2.How do I clean chalk stains?

• Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe.
• For old chalk, use mild soap and water.
  

Conclusions — Clean Balls, Better Play, Better Experience

A set of shiny balls not only looks good, but also enhances your shot. You'll pocket the ball more smoothly, spin more evenly, and it will better protect your pool table and extend its lifespan.

If you take your game seriously, a reliable cleaning routine is just as important as choosing the right English pool cue. Maintaining your cue equipment is part of the fun of billiards.

A little bit of careful maintenance can make a big difference – and your game will benefit.