What Can You Put on a Bowling Ball to Make it Shine?

Bowling balls are made from many different kinds of materials, but some simple techniques can be used to clean and shine them after use. You should clean your bowling ball every six to nine games to keep it in top condition. Cleaning your ball keeps it looking good and improves its performance on the lane.

  1. Rubbing Alcohol

    • Rubbing alcohol is a cheap and effective way to clean your bowling ball. Alcohol will remove oil, dirt and other residue. It will also remove wax, so do not use alcohol on your ball if it has a wax finish. Use a rag or alcohol pads to clean your ball. Do not soak it in alcohol, as that can remove the paint from your ball. Removing lane oil and dirt will keep your ball shiny between polishings.

    Soap

    • Bowling balls can be thoroughly cleaned with detergent. Place your ball in a bucket filled with warm water and any kind of detergent. Soak it for 20 minutes, then wipe it dry with a terrycloth or 100-percent cotton towel. Do not allow it to soak too long, as the ball can warp from the heat. You can also put your ball in a standard dishwasher. Use the shortest cycle on your dishwasher, and do not use the heated dry setting, if your machine has one.

    Commercial Cleaners

    • You can use commercial bowling ball cleaners to clean your ball. Most bowling alleys have a pro shop where you can purchase different brands of bowling ball cleaner. Apply or spray the cleaner onto your ball and rub the surface until the cleaner dries. Repeat until you have cleaned the entire surface.

    Polishing

    • Polishing your ball periodically will keep it looking good, and restore its hook. Polish your ball whenever its finish looks dull. Pro shops carry different brands of ball polish. Only use polish recommended for the type of material that your ball is made from. Apply the polish in small amounts, and rub it into the ball with a clean towel. If your ball is scratched, dented or grooved, consult with a professional or your local pro shop to sand and resurface it.