How to Clean Billiard Balls

Last Updated: April 2, 2021 Tested

Do you play Billiards a lot? Then your Billiard balls will be covered in chalk. You should clean them, because if the chalk builds up, it may affect play. Follow this guide to clean the billiard balls, and I wish you future billiards luck.

Steps

1
Acquire a bucket. A good few 3 or 4 gallons (11.4 or 15.1 L) will do.^{[1]
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2
Fill it with water. Fill bucket about 3/4s of the way up.
3
For every 10 parts water, put in 1 pack of detergent.
4
Soak the billiard balls for about 5 minutes.
5
Take each ball out of the bucket, and sprinkle a bit more detergent, and polish with a rag/towel.
6
Dry each ball with a dry towel.
7
Have fun playing Billiards!

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use liquid detergent?

Community Answer

Yes.
Question

What kind of detergent is used to clean billiard balls?

Community Answer

Any kind of laundry detergent is fine.
Question

Do I have to use powdered detergent?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to use powdered detergent. You can use liquid detergent too, but powered detergent will make the process more efficient.
Question

I washed our cue ball to get the chalk prints off, and now it has a dull look to it. What is wrong?

Community Answer

Use Mother's car polish to restore the luster. Use your fingers, put a little on the ball, let it dry for about 2 minutes, then use a clean towel and rub the polish off.
Question

Do you wax billiard balls?

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Community Answer

No
Question

Do I have to use warm water?

Community Answer

No, but warm water is best at cleaning dirt and grime off the billiard balls.