Suppose you own an air hockey table and have recently found that your puck is getting stuck on the surface or not quite gliding the same as it used to. In that case, it can really hinder your favorite game.
If you’re struggling with any of these issues or even finding that your puck has started to curve to one side, it could be because your table simply needs a good clean.
Worry not, though. I am here to tell you that there is something you can do to fix the problem, and not only that, but I will take you through step-by-step on how to clean your air hockey table.
How To Clean Your Air Hockey Table – Step-By-Step?
You’ll be relieved to hear that cleaning your air hockey table isn’t the chore of the century. In fact, it’s relatively easy as long as you have the right equipment to hand.
Below I will tell you the four steps to cleaning and maintaining your air hockey table. Once you know this, you can keep on top of it so that it doesn’t negatively affect your game next time.
What You Will Need to Clean Your Air Hockey Table?
As with many different tabletop games, before you start cleaning your table, you will want to check that you have all the correct equipment. This is to ensure the cleaning is done efficiently and, of course, make it easier for you. Below I have put together a checklist before you start cleaning.
- A vacuum cleaner with attachment. (A normal household one will be just fine.)
- Microfiber cloth
- A needle, toothpick, or anything of similar size
- Replacement felt, if necessary (can be purchased on Amazon)
- Furniture polish or wax
- Glass cleaner
So now you have everything you need, let’s move on to how to clean your air hockey table.
4 Steps to Cleaning Your Air Hockey Table
Step 1: Vacuum Cleaning Your Table
As I mentioned earlier, when hockey pucks are sliding across your table, they do so by using a thin layer of air, and if any of these pockets become clogged up, then it will be that your puck isn’t able to glide as freely, and as we all know, this is a quick way to end the game.
So by starting to wipe your table, you risk pushing more grime and dirt into it, which is why it is vital that before anything, you vacuum it. This way, you’re removing any dust before you begin wiping. Below are some handy tips to vacuum your air hockey table correctly.
- Ensure your table is not plugged in.
- Using the brush attachment on your vacuum, skim it over the tabletop.
- Hold the vacuum attachment in front of the fan motor (located underneath your table)
- Switch on the air blower on your table.
- Using a damp cloth, wipe the surface of the table, and then do the same using a dry cloth to buff.
- Vacuum all goalie mallets, and check if the felt needs replacing.
- Finally, use the vacuum to clean the legs and feet of your table.
Step 2: Using Window Cleaner to Remove Stains
Next, you will want to use window cleaner to eliminate any sticky marks or stains on your table. Be careful when doing this, as rubbing too hard can remove the game markings on the table.
- Check where the game markers are on your table, and be sure not to rub them too hard.
- Spray your cloth with glass cleaner, and gently wipe the table’s surface. (do not spray the window cleaner directly onto your table as this could cause it to tarnish)
- Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe away any moisture that is left behind.
- Lastly, use the cloth with the window cleaner on it to wipe over the legs of the table.
Step 3: Polish
Furniture polish, or wax if you have it, will help your hockey puck to glide smoothly during gameplay. It also prevents dust from settling on the surface.
- Spray the polish onto a cloth and gently wipe the surface of the table. (You will only need a small amount of polish as too much can cause tarnish or leave marks.)
- Use the cloth to polish the mallets and pucks, and table legs.
- After polishing, buffer the table with a clean, dry lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Clean the Air Holes
You want to ensure that the air holes in your table are free of debris and dust, so after you’ve finished cleaning and polishing, here are some things you can do to keep on top of the airflow during games.
- Switch on the air blower on your table.
- Using a toothpick, or needle, gently pick inside the air holes to remove any obstructions.
- Once any blockages have been cleared, wipe down the table, and switch off the air blower.
Extra Tips For Maintaining Your Table
Keeping your air hockey table covered up when it’s not in use is a good idea. This will prevent dust from settling in the air hole and will mean that you won’t have to clean it as regularly.
There are many ways you can keep your air hockey table protected, such as:
- Plastic sheeting.
- Plywood cut to the correct shape and size for your table.
- Plexiglass.
- A specially designed cover, which can be purchased online.
- A table cloth.
- Avoid having items near the table which could cause debris to fall on it, such as food and pets.
So there we have it; hopefully, now, you can get to cleaning your air hockey table and bringing it back to new, and will also make sure to keep it protected from getting blocked in the future, meaning you can enjoy your favorite arcade game whenever you like.
