The Top 10 Ways to Clean a Bowling Ball

Whether you’re a competing professional, weekly league member or weekend hobbyist, appropriate care for your particular bowling ball is crucial. According to MoRich Bowling, the key to a bowling ball cover's longevity is preventative maintenance. Keeping the surface clean and fresh provides for a longer lasting coverstock. Improper care of the ball will adversely affect your game because it will “behave” inconsistently. Since many high performance balls have different coverstocks, such as hard plastic, pearl or a reactive resin, the right product and method must be utilized. For maximum performance, clean it after every six to nine games that you have used it, unless directed otherwise.

  1. Baking

    • After an article in “Bowling This Month," MoRich Bowling adopted baking as its preferred method of cleaning bowling balls.

      Have a qualified professional bake the ball utilizing a special machine with a thermostatic control. MoRich suggests wet sanding the cover to 360-grit prior to having it professionally baked. This allows the oils to escape once the pores have been opened. Following the baking treatment, have the ball finished to the desired surface texture by the pro shop operator.

    Hot Water Bath

    • Also known as the “Hot Water & Dawn” and “Hot Water Soak, this process is recommended by both MoRich and Tim’s Bowling. It’s considered a safe way to remove oil and evenly warms the ball.

      Wet sand to 400-grit to open the cover’s pores. Dip the ball in a tub or bucket of hot tap water that just covers the top of the ball, and quickly remove it. Squirt 2 to 3 tsp. of Dawn dish detergent onto the ball and massage it by hand into the coverstock. Return the ball to the water for no more than 5 minutes, rubbing it with a clean towel while it’s submerged. Remove the ball and rinse with clean, hot water. Replace the soapy water with fresh hot water. Resubmerge the ball, again rubbing it with a clean cloth. The soapy film observed in the water is the once-trapped residue that is being removed from the surface. Repeat this process (sometimes two or three times) until the water is clean with no soapy residue. Then, towel dry and then air dry the ball at room temperature. Finish with a final 400-grit paper wet sanding.

    Warm Water Soak

    • Tenpin Bowling Balls suggests cleaning the holes and then taping them to prevent water from seeping into them. In this method, mild detergent is added to warm — not hot — water with the ball soaking for no longer than 20 minutes. Use a soft cloth to clean the ball during the soaking process. Drain the water and replace it with fresh cold water to rinse. Use a clean, dry, soft cloth to clean the ball with the fresh water. Dry thoroughly with a fresh towel and then remove the tapes.

    Alcohol

    • Improve Bowling recommends using rubbing alcohol to wipe down the ball after a few games. This simple technique removes residue, such as oil deposits or buildup from wax or polished finishes. Never soak or immerse the ball in the alcohol; doing so will remove the paint.

    Dishwashing

    • Also suggested by Improve Bowling is placing the bowling ball in the dishwasher, using any appropriate detergent recommended for cleaning oil and grease from dishes. Run the ball through a short cycle, to prevent heat from causing warping or other damage.

    Commercial Cleaners & Polishes

    • Rated 4.88 out of 5 stars by Bowlingball.com, Track "Clean 'N Sheen Polish" is the favorite of 88 percent of those reviewed. Bowlers praise it for its ability to remove stubborn oil and dirt, as well as scuff marks.

      Motiv "Power Gel Clean" received 4.83 stars and is the choice of 83 percent of reviewers. This product is approved by the USBC for use during competition. Used with a thick microfiber towel, the gel is not quickly absorbed like other conventional cleaners and bowlers appreciate the pleasant odor as well.

      The favorite of 89 percent of those reviewed, Ebonite Powerhouse “Clean n' Dull” comes in at 4.67 stars. It’s particularly effective on Resurgence and Cell balls because it maintains their dull finish, without adding unwanted sheen. Users praise this product for balls used in particularly oily lanes.

      Brunswick "Remove All Ball Cleaner" was rated 4.5 and the favorite of 65 percent of reviewers. Fans appreciate its great value, claiming it keeps the ball clean and tacky, with strong reactions.

      Storm "Reacta Clean All Purpose Cleaner" got 4.4 stars and is loved by 80 percent of reviewers. Satisfied users enjoy the tacky finish it leaves on the bowling ball.