How to clean a bowling ball? Here are different methods if you use different wash tools, like hot water, alcohol, and brush. You will learn bowling ball cleaning from this article. And your bowling ball will improve your game and last longer after cleaning.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Bowling Ball?
At Home
As you bowl more frequently, the reactive resin material absorbs oil, which changes how it reacts.
The best course of bowling ball cleaning is to immediately wipe any oil track on the bowling ball with a microfiber cloth or microfiber applicator. Put the bowling ball where the oily surface is on top of the cloth, then spin it with your opposing hand. I believe this will work.
You can give it some upkeep by setting aside a short period of time. Better yet, complete your regular cleaning over the weekend leading up to your next competition.
A bowling ball can be cleaned at home using simple procedures that involve soaking the ball in a weak cleaning solution.
The coverstock, the ball’s outer shell, should be dusted off first. To remove sticky residue, you can use any soft brush and a microfiber towel.
Because they can scratch the surface, stiff-bristled brushes should be avoided.
To stop water from seeping in, tape over the finger holes with waterproof tape, like duct tape. If the holes are left exposed, the bowling ball may become wet. However, water by itself won’t cause much harm in that situation; the mixed-in cleaner or detergent will.
With Rubbing Alcohol
According to many cleaning professionals, rubbing alcohol is the best solution for bowling ball cleaning.
Just to be clear, never soak your bowling ball in an alcoholic bath. Simply spread some on a cleaning cloth or microfiber towel and wipe it over the coverstock.
You can also put it in a spray bottle after diluting it 1:1. Spray the bowling ball surface with a few pumps. Immediately after, use any cleaning cloth vigorously to wipe.
Using a Cleaner
If you are using a bowling ball cleaning, it will suffice without diluting it depending on their usage instructions. If you have access to warm water, use that as well since it will be more effective at removing oil traces.
Warm water performs better than cold water, though both can be used. Your only outcome will be frustration and the continued use of a slick bowling ball.
With Dawn
A different option is to thoroughly bowl ball cleaning with Dawn dishwashing soap. Even though other dish soap brands should work just fine, bowlers all seem to prefer Dawn.
Dawn’s formula is more gentle, but it still has the ability to remove the saturated oil from the ball’s surface. Ammonia and warm water are combined with ΒΌ cup of Dawn liquid.
Some bowling balls have colors that might bleed into the cleaning solution. As a result, check on your wet ball every five minutes. Just take out the ball if you notice any adjustments. The appearance of a faded or discolored ball may mislead you even though it won’t affect the integrity of the ball.
Although the coloring might be impacted, you can find solace in the fact that, after a few uses, when oil starts to build up on the coverstock once more, it usually returns to its original state.
The method for filling the bucket is the same as when you clean with plain water. By wiping the immersed ball while it is spinning, you can increase the level of cleaning.
It ought to work after 20 to 30 minutes of soaking. Your ball shouldn’t need to soak in the cleaning solution for too long; it should be sufficient to leave it sparkling clean afterward. Though not an absolute law.
When you regularly bowl ball cleaning, you should be able to estimate how long it takes to do so; this time may be slightly shorter or slightly longer. After all, your detergent might be sufficiently potent to remove oil more quickly than usual.
If it’s your first time, you can be cautious and only soak the ball for 20 minutes in a bucket of warm water that’s 125 degrees F. In order to avoid going too far, set a timer.
Why Your Bowling Ball Will Benefit from Cleanness?
Before anything else, it is important to understand that learning how to properly the bowling ball cleaning goes beyond simple maintenance. Gaining advantages by doing this is possible.
It can improve your game: Even though bowling balls from the same manufacturer may be similar, the way the bowler delivers and maintains the ball makes a significant difference. Self-cleaning can go a long way as encrusted dirt on your ball will definitely affect how it curves even if you throw them using the right technique with your dominant hand.
It can make the ball last longer: Your bowling ball’s lifespan appears to be affected by how often you clean it. Particularly with cleaners made specifically for bowling that are designed to shield your coverstock from dings and cracks.
Well, it just looks a lot better: It wouldn’t hurt to have a nice-looking ball, would it? Every time you use a bowling ball, it will shine like new thanks to routine cleaning.
What Are the Dos And Don’ts of Bowling Ball Cleaning?
A bowling ball cleaning for optimal performance, just like any other piece of sporting equipment. Several factors influence your bowling score, and keeping the ball spotless eliminates one of the detrimental factors. After a night at the lanes, cleaning bowling balls at home is simple.
Alcohol
Just a little alley oil or a scuff mark can affect how a bowling ball performs and reacts. The wax from the lanes also contributes to an unwelcome buildup on the surface of the ball. Rubbish, grease, and grime contaminants can be eliminated from a bowling ball’s porous exterior by using rubbing alcohol. As soon as you can after bowling, vigorously wipe the ball with an alcohol-soaked towel or microfiber cloth. Never immerse the entire bowling ball for any length of time in alcohol.
Ball Cleaners
To regularly clean and polish your bowling ball, use liquid or gel alcohol-based ball cleaners, also known as ball polishers. Cleaners for bet balls with additional degreasers or surfactants help get rid of tough dirt. The coverstock, or outer layer, of the ball’s microscopic pores, which are cleaned by surfactant cleaners, become clogged with dirt. To get rid of the loose dirt, clean the ball with alcohol. If you bowl frequently, invest in a personal ball spinner to use with cleaners. While using the cleaners, rotate the machine’s ball.
While Bowling
Follow a few easy steps to keep your bowling ball clean while competing. To keep the finger holes clean and grit-free, wipe them out. To avoid getting skin oil or moisture in the finger holes, keep your hands dry and clean with a towel. Between frames, wipe the lanes clean of wax and oil with a microfiber towel and some alcohol. Use the bowling ball cleaning and a towel to wipe away rubber scuffs from the pit cushions or the ball return system.
Don’ts
A bowling ball’s surface can be effectively cleaned with dishwasher or dish soap detergents. After 15 minutes of soaking, scrub the ball with a soft brush. A bowling ball should not be submerged in any liquid for longer than 20 minutes to prevent warping. Never use chemical cleaners to clean a urethane ball, such as acetone or MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). Avoid using any corrosive or abrasive cleaners that weren’t designed just for bowling ball cleaning.
Conclusion
It is crucial to bowling ball cleaning, and I cannot emphasize this enough. It can be a hassle, for sure, but you wouldn’t want to keep having to buy new balls every year.
It will also be worthwhile if you can give it a professional makeover occasionally from your neighborhood bowling alley. Regular bowling ball cleaning will polish your ball by resurfacing, which can restore its sharp edges for better lane grip, and make it not only spotlessly clean.
