A bowling ball is your main weapon against the pins, and it needs regular maintenance. This article shows you how to clean a bowling ball at home using simple and effective methods.
If you prefer a bowling pro shop professional to handle maintenance, that’s still the safest option. But for bowlers who want to try it themselves, we’ll share proven tips for keeping bowling balls sharp at home.
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How to clean a bowling ball at home?
Learning how to clean a bowling ball at home is the most important maintenance step for every bowler. A ball quickly collects dirt and lane oil, which lowers its performance.
Learning how to clean a bowling ball at home saves money and keeps your ball performing longer.
The best solution is a specialized bowling ball cleaner. It removes dirt and oil while also extending the ball’s lifespan. To clean your ball at home, spray bowling ball cleaner on the surface, wait 10 seconds, and wipe it off with a microfiber towel.
Cleaning out the pores (detox bowling ball)
Sometimes, surface cleaning isn’t enough. Bowling balls need a deeper cleaning to remove absorbed lane oil from the pores. Pro shops often use a sweatbox, also called a detox machine, or a spinner to prepare the surface.
But how to clean a bowling ball at home without these machines? Forget the oven or dishwasher - those methods can damage your ball.
Instead, fill a bucket with hot water and add a small amount of oil detergent. Dip the ball carefully, making sure water does not enter the finger holes. Avoid duct tape, since heat leaves glue on the surface. A wine cork or filling water just below the holes works better.
Leave the ball in the water for 15 minutes, then remove it, wipe it dry, and replace the water. Add fresh detergent and repeat. After cleaning, let the ball cool, then wipe it again using
bowling ball cleaner.
This method shows one of the safest ways for how to clean a bowling ball at home without pro shop tools.
Another simple option is leaving your ball in a warm car. Heat draws oil out naturally. Once finished, clean the surface again with a bowling ball cleaner.
How To Resurface a Bowling Ball at Home?
Once the pores are clean, you can begin resurfacing the ball’s surface. Always check the manufacturer’s website for surface specifications before starting.
Experienced bowlers know that Abralon pads are essential for resurfacing. For beginners, here’s a quick guide: 360, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 grit pads are commonly used. The higher the number, the smoother the finish.
If the ball was used a lot, start with a 500-grit 'Abralon'.
Place bowling ball on a hard surface and scrub it about 25-30 times in
circular motions. Then turn the ball over and repeat the same process with the
other side of the ball.
It is best to go around the ball from all sides with
one 'Abralon,' then replace it with less grit, and repeat the previous action.
After resurfacing the ball, it is best to clean it with a ball cleaner again.
Understanding resurfacing is part of knowing how to clean a bowling ball at home and keep it reacting properly.
Keeping Your Bowling Ball Fresh
Bowling balls naturally absorb lane oil during play. To keep your ball in shape, wipe it with a towel between shots. This removes visible oil before it soaks in.
After every session, clean your ball with an approved approved bowling ball cleaner. Regular cleaning keeps the surface fresh and improves traction on the lane.
With these steps, you now know how to clean a bowling ball at home and protect it from early wear.
Other bowling ball cleaning options
If you want an easier option for deep cleaning, consider a personal bowling ball revivor machine. It keeps your hands clean while restoring your ball.
How does it work? The revivor machine uses heated air circulation to pull oil and dirt from your ball in minutes. Place the bowling ball inside, set the timer, and switch it on. The machine handles the cleaning automatically.
Investing in a revivor is a smart way to maintain your gear at home. For the cost of one new ball, you can refresh old ones repeatedly. Among many options, the
"Pyramid Phoenix" model is recommended. It includes time and temperature readouts, plus automatic shutoff to prevent overheating.
FAQ
How to clean bowling ball?
To clean a bowling ball at home, follow these steps:
- Apply Bowling Ball Cleaner:
- Spray a bowling ball cleaner on the ball's surface.
- Allow it to sit for 10 seconds to dissolve dirt and oil.
- Wipe with a Microfiber Towel:
- Use a microfiber towel to wipe the ball clean.
- Ensure thorough cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and lane oil.
Regular cleaning with a bowling ball cleaner helps maintain optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your bowling ball.
How often to clean bowling ball?
If you ask how often to clean a bowling ball at home, the answer is simple: after every session. Regular cleaning removes dirt and oil, keeps the coverstock reactive, and ensures consistent performance.
What to clean bowling ball with?
The best way for how to clean a bowling ball at home is with an approved bowling ball cleaner. Spray the cleaner on the ball, wait 10 seconds, then wipe with a microfiber towel. Avoid household products - they won’t remove lane oil properly.
Can I clean bowling ball with dish soap?
Many bowlers ask if dish soap is safe for how to clean a bowling ball at home. It isn’t. Dish soap fails to remove lane oil and may harm the surface. Always use a specialized bowling ball cleaner for safe, effective results.
How to clean bowling ball finger holes?
Part of knowing how to clean a bowling ball at home is caring for the finger holes. Moisten a microfiber cloth with bowling ball cleaner, then gently wipe the holes. Let them air dry completely before bowling again.
What is the best towel to clean bowling ball?
When learning how to clean a bowling ball at home, always choose the right towel. Microfiber towels absorb oil well, but a specialized bowling ball shammy provides the best cleaning performance.
