As you play, sweat, dirt, and other skin oils will build up on the surface of your cue, especially on the wrap. Naturally, you’ll want to clean your cue from time to time. However, cleaning it the wrong way will damage the cue, potentially even beyond repair. It’s important to make sure you’re cleaning it correctly.
Finished areas
Finished parts of the cue, like the forearm and sleeve (or the entire butt if the cue is a no-wrap model) can be cleaned by applying a small amount of a furniture polish like Pledge to a clean cotton cloth and wiping the cue with it. This will remove any residue, while not harming the finish.
The wrap
NEVER SPRAY ANYTHING ON THE WRAP OR SHAFT OF YOUR CUE
The wood underneath your wrap is unfinished. As such, liquids that soak into the wrap will make their way into the wood as well, potentially ruining your cue. It is always recommended to apply liquids to a clean cloth first, then use that dampened cloth to clean the wrap.
Irish linen
To clean an Irish linen wrap, we recommend the use of Isopropyl alcohol (90%). Lightly dampen a cloth with it, then run the cloth over the wrap to clean it.
Eventually, your linen wrap will need to be replaced. When varies by player; players that sweat more will naturally need to replace their wrap more often. Our repair department offers professional cue rewrapping. Learn more: Repairs
Leather
Your leather wrap can be cleaned with water. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with it, then run the cloth over the wrap until it is clean. Run a dry cloth over the wrap to absorb any excess water.
The shaft
The internet is full of bad recommendations for cleaning your cue’s shaft using household products. Being a narrow, unfinished piece of wood, the shaft is especially susceptible to damage and warping. It is best to stick with products designed specifically for the purpose of cleaning a pool cue shaft.
We recommend our Shaft Maintenance Kit, available here: Product Page. It includes everything you need to get your shaft looking like new again. We also have an instructional video walking you through the full process in only 5 minutes. Take a look: Video
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