What to Use for Cleaning Oil Off a Bowling Ball

It is important to keep your bowling ball maintained to enjoy peak performance, because even the slightest bit of oil or dirt can ruin your game. Bowling balls have pores and are very prone to collecting body oils, lane conditioner and dirt. There are several choices for cleaning the oil off a bowling ball, which can be done after every turn throwing the ball or up to every 80 games. Some cleaners remove surface oils whereas other cleaners go deep into the pores and remove all debris.

  1. Towels

    • Serious bowlers often use a specially formulated microfiber bowling ball towel after every turn. The microfiber towel is made of superfine, high-density fibers to absorb dirt and oils. The towel is similar to a static cloth, and when rubbed against the bowling ball, picks up the unwanted residue. It is important to use the towel after the ball has been in play because the oil is new and on the surface of the ball. "See-saw" towels are also available, which make cleaning the ball easy and hands-free -- the ball sits in a "pocket," while you grab hold of the sides of the towel, pulling up and down, moving the ball around the pocket. The see-saw towel is also utilized for protecting the ball during transit.

    Ball Bath

    • Soak the ball in a warm bath with mild soap. The water should not exceed 140 degrees F, as your ball will expand with excessive heat. Before putting it into the bath, sand the ball with 400-grit sandpaper to open the pores. Fill the sink or a bucket with enough water to cover the ball entirely. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water and agitate the mix. Slowly lower the ball into the mixture and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove the ball and set on a soft towel. Use the soft towel or microfiber cloth to wipe off the remaining oil and to dry the surface of the ball. Because of the pores, the ball will need to dry for 24 hours. This process might need to be repeated if the ball has never been cleaned.

    Cleaning Spray

    • There are many commercial ball cleaners available, most in liquid spray form. Ball cleaners contain a mild formula to remove dirt and oil. It is easy to use and can be done anytime and anywhere. Simply spray the specialized cleaner on the ball and wipe it off with a soft towel.

    Machines

    • Most pro shops or bowling lanes have an automatic ball cleaner. You place the ball into the machine and it cleans and polishes the ball. Though these machines are formulated specifically for bowling balls; the problem with this type of machine is that you cannot monitor the process and the polish might make your ball too slick to use immediately. Be prepared to use a microfiber cloth on the finished ball.