How to Care for a Bowling Ball

Some bowlers will tell you they're only as good as their equipment, which means they're not very good if their ball is in bad shape. Taking the small amount of time needed to care for your ball can help it look and perform like new for as long as you own it.

Step 1

Keep the ball in a bowling ball bag during transportation and storage. Bowling ball bags act as a barrier between the oils and dirt of the surrounding environment, and also make transportation of the ball much easier.

Step 2

Keep the bowling ball at a consistent temperature, being sure to avoid temperatures that are extremely hot or cold such as leaving your bowling ball in your trunk during a heat wave. As temperatures climb above room temperature, your bowling ball expands, which can cause it to warp. When temperatures are too cold the ball can shrink, and in rare cases can even crack.

Step 3

Clean the outside of the ball and the finger holes on a regular basis with household cleaning products. Products like Windex or Lysol are fine to use on your bowling ball to keep it free of dirt and fungus growth. You can also buy specific cleaners made for bowling balls, but household cleaners work fine.

Step 4

Polish your ball on a regular basis using a bowling ball polish and a microfiber cloth. Apply the polish to the ball and then buff it off with the microfiber cloth or other rag that will not leave fibers behind. Polishes can be purchased at most bowling alleys or pro shops.

Step 5

Have your ball refinished by a pro-shop periodically to keep its smoothness and shine. Resurfacing helps remove indentations or grooves on your ball that have developed over time. You can also purchase your own spinning resurfacing machine online or from some pro shops.

Tips and Warnings

  • You can also sand your bowling ball to remove dirt and grit from the surface, but sanding should be done by a professional as it can change the way your ball plays while bowling.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball polish
  • Cleaning products such as Lysol or Windex
  • Microfiber towel
  • Ball bag

References

Article reviewed by I.P. Last updated on: Apr 29, 2012

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