The Right Way to Clean Aramith Pool Balls — No Special Gear Required

Skip the fancy cleaning machine. Dish soap and a soft cloth are all you need.

I manage purchasing for a multi-location entertainment venue — roughly $40k annually across 8 vendors. When I took over equipment maintenance in 2022, I assumed professional-grade balls needed professional-grade cleaning. So I bought a $400 ultrasonic ball cleaner. Six months later, I realized I could have saved the money. Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a microfiber cloth will keep Aramith balls in tournament-ready condition. Period.

Why does this matter? Because over-cleaning — or using the wrong chemicals — can damage the phenolic resin surface. And replacing a set of Aramith Pro Cup balls costs $300–500. A simple, consistent routine prevents premature wear and keeps your tables looking professional.

What actually works (and what doesn't)

I tested four cleaning methods across 2023–2024 with our venue's 30 tables (all using Aramith balls):

• Ultrasonic cleaner (soap + water): Works fine. But it's noisy, takes 10–15 minutes per load, and requires drying immediately afterward. Overuse (more than 2x per week) seemed to dull the finish over 12 months.
• Microfiber cloth + warm soapy water: Works just as well for routine maintenance. Takes 2–3 minutes per set. No equipment cost. My crew prefers this 4:1.
• Alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners: Avoid. I tested a generic "ball cleaner" that left a residue. After three uses, the balls felt slightly sticky. Switched back to soap and water.
• Dry cloth only: Removes surface dust but doesn't clean. After 2 weeks of dry-only on a busy table, the balls developed a visible haze.

The surprising result? Less is more. The ultrasonic machine actually increased the rate of chalk buildup in the numbers (note to self: follow up with the manufacturer about that).

My standard cleaning routine (tested on 60+ sets)

Based on 18 months of tweaking, here's what I instruct my maintenance team to do:

1. Daily: Wipe balls down with a dry microfiber cloth after table use. This removes surface chalk and oil from players' hands.
2. Weekly (or after heavy play): Fill a clean bucket with warm water (not hot — heat can affect the resin). Add one drop of dish soap. Submerge a microfiber cloth, wring it out, and wipe each ball individually. Rinse the cloth in clean water, then wipe again.
3. Dry immediately with a separate dry microfiber cloth. Don't let them air-dry — water spots can stain over time.
4. Monthly: Inspect each ball's surface. If you see dull spots, repeat the weekly clean. If you see chips, replace that ball (Aramith sells singles).

One caveat: this is for standard Aramith sets (Premier, Pro Cup, Tournament). The Aramith Black Edition balls — with their matte finish — require even gentler treatment. No ultrasonic cleaner. No scrubbing. Just a damp cloth and immediate drying. I learned that one the hard way when I dulled a $150 set (circa early 2023).

What people get wrong about cleaning

There are two common misconceptions I've seen in forums and from vendors:

Misconception #1: You need special ball cleaner. I've tested six different commercial ball cleaning products. The results were never better than soap and water. And some left residue that actually attracted more chalk. The simplicity bias is real — but that doesn't mean it's wrong.

Misconception #2: More frequent cleaning extends ball life. Actually, over-cleaning — especially with abrasives or harsh chemicals — can cause micro-crazing in the resin surface. What extends ball life is consistent, gentle cleaning and proper storage. I had a set of Aramith Premier balls that I cleaned daily with a mild soap for 18 months. They looked nearly new. Another set that I ran through the ultrasonic machine three times a week showed visible wear after 14 months.

One more thing: the belief that tournament venues use special chemicals is backwards. At the Mosconi Cup (I've spoken with their equipment manager), they use the same method — warm soapy water — between matches. They just do it more often.

When this advice doesn't apply

My experience is based on commercial venue use — 30+ tables, daily play, moderate to heavy usage. If you're managing a:

• Home table: Your cleaning frequency should be much lower (maybe once a month). Daily cleaning isn't necessary.
• High-end tournament setup: You might need more frequent inspection and replacement of individual balls. But the cleaning method remains the same.
• Old or damaged balls: If the surface is already pitted or crazed, cleaning won't help. Replace them (this is accurate as of early 2025 — ball technology may evolve).

Also worth noting: this applies specifically to Aramith balls. Some lower-cost polyester balls are more porous and may absorb soap residue. If you're using a different brand, test on one ball first.

Bottom line: you don't need a cleaning setup that costs as much as a new set of balls. You just need warm water, a drop of soap, and consistency. That's it. Done.