One of the most frustrating things about playing air hockey is running out of balls. Whether you are playing against a human opponent or a computer opponent, you will eventually run out of the little white balls that come in the box. Luckily, there are some simple tricks to getting more balls. You can prevent scuff marks from appearing on the surface of your air hockey table. You can also remove the inevitable scuffs that do appear and give your table a beautiful shine once again.
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Wash Down Your Table
The first step in keeping your air hockey table looking new is washing down the surface with soap and water. This will remove any oil or residue that has built up from the friction of gameplay. After washing down the table, give it a dry with a clean cloth or dryer to prevent any wet marks from appearing on the surface. Some people also prefer to use a dryer on their outdoor patio or deck to avoid any water spots that may appear while playing.
Use New Balls
The second and most effective way of keeping your balls on the table is by using new ones. Every time you play with the same old set, you are increasing the likelihood of scuff marks appearing. To avoid this, change out the set of balls regularly. It is not always easy to find new sets of white balls in the same size and shape as your previous ones. In these cases, it is advisable to purchase a new container of balls to avoid any mix-ups. Changing out the balls will also make the game more interesting for both you and your opponent. Another advantage of using new balls is that they provide a better grip for when you are handling them with your hands. When you are in a hurry to get the puck, it is more convenient to have a ball that is easier to handle.
Play On A Level Surface
The easiest way to prevent scuff marks from appearing on your air hockey table is to play on a flat, even surface. The friction of the puck against the surface will cause much less scuffing than if played on an uneven surface. If possible, play on a wooden table rather than a metal one. The density of wood is greater than that of metal, so it offers greater support when playing. You don’t need additional supports such as cornetts or blocking wood pieces because the table will stay stable enough without them.
Avoid Direct Exposure To Sunlight
When playing in direct sunlight, the surface of your air hockey table will become hot, making it more likely for the white plastic to melt and peel away. The perfect place for your table is in the shade or on a cloudy day. If it gets too hot outside, you can always bring the interior of your car (which is cooler) or a fan to generate some airflow. It is not always possible to play in the shadows, though, so finding a level, cool spot is the key to keeping your table looking brand-new.
Shiny Cleaning
If you are really worried about the appearance of your air hockey table, there is another simple solution. You can use any household item to make it sparkle. Most people prefer to use a toothbrush because the bristles are perfect for scrubbing away any residue left by the soap and water wash down. After using the toothbrush, give the surface a dry and shine with a bit of oil. The oil helps the bristles stay in place while scrubbing, which makes it easier for you to clean the table. If you are playing outside, shine it with the sun’s rays to make it really shine.
So, on the rare occasion that you do run out of balls in the middle of a game, there are a few simple solutions. Simply wash down your table with soap and water, and you will be good to go again. Another option is to change out the set of balls often, ensuring that they stay new and interesting to play with. If all else fails, you can also use a bit of oil to help keep it clean and shiny.