How to Maintain Bowling Lanes

Dust and clean bowling lanes regularly with liquid solutions to keep them in optimum shape. Dusting should be done three to four times every day, according to Jay Hawk Bowling. A dusting should be completed first thing in the morning to remove dust that settled overnight. A second dusting should be done before your daily conditioning so dirt does not settle into the conditioner. Finally, dust before leaving for the day to get rid of any residual grime. A duster is a machine that is dragged across the wood surface to make dusting more efficient and convenient. This machine should be run from the pin deck to the foul line. Drag the machine off the edges of the lanes and over the gutters. Clean residual dust in the gutters with a mop.

Use a cleaning machine on the lanes. The cleaning machine is pushed across the entire lane surface and employs a liquid cleaner. In the case that a combo cleaning-conditioning machine is used, a dusting still should be done beforehand.

Condition the lanes. Bowling-lane conditioner is mostly comprised of mineral oil with a leveling agent and an anti-static agent, according to Free Patents Online. Both natural wood and synthetic bowling-alley floors need to be conditioned. Oil is applied to reduce skid marks caused by the dropping of balls onto the wood. To avoid the mess of oil, some bowling-alley owners apply a sheet of nonstick surfacing to the lanes instead of oil. As little conditioner as possible should be used, according to Jay Hawk Bowling. if cleaning agents or oil conditioner is allowed to soak into the wood, it can cause serious problems. Do not apply extra conditioner to cover up worn lanes. Though this will work temporarily, it will cause more damage to the wood in the long run. Strip the lanes regularly of all cleaners and conditioners to reduce contact with the wood. Stripping is done anywhere from once a day to once a week, according to the owner's preference. Vacuum lane-stripping equipment is used for this task.

Perform regular repairs to damaged lanes. Repairs can be made all at once by resurfacing. This process involves sanding down and refinishing the lane to produce a smoother surface. When bowling balls strike the lane surface, they can chip away at the sealant and cause small chips called nickeling marks. This common damage can be repaired as needed throughout the year. Sand the surface of the chip and dig out any dirt and oil that is stuck in the crevice. Apply clear polyurethane to the chip and use a foam paintbrush to apply the number of coats needed to level out the chip. Cracks can be fixed by drilling into the cracked wood at an appropriate angle and injecting an epoxy. The epoxy will seal the crack and prevent it from opening further, as well as provide a smooth surface on the lane.