The Ultimate Bowling Ball Maintenance Guide

Strike after strike, your bowling ball has been your trusted companion on the lanes. It has helped you reach new highs in your score and has been there for you on those tough days when you couldn’t seem to get a good roll.

Because of all the hard work it puts in, your bowling ball deserves some TLC in return. By taking the time to regularly maintain your bowling ball, you can prolong its life and optimize its performance. Here is the ultimate guide to help you take care of the most important piece of equipment in your bowling bag.

Cleaning Your Bowling Ball

Let’s start with the easiest of maintenance tasks: cleaning your bowling ball. By doing so, you can remove any built-up oil and dirt that can affect the ball’s performance. This will also help keep the surface of the ball smooth, allowing it to glide smoothly down the lane.

Here is how to clean your bowling ball correctly.

Wipe It Down

Using a microfiber towel, gently wipe your bowling ball before and after each game. This will help remove any surface dirt or oil that accumulated on the ball.

Use a Cleaning Solution

For a deeper clean, you can use a specific bowling ball cleaner or rubbing alcohol mixed with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your bowling ball and wipe it down with a microfiber towel.

Deep Clean

Every few months, give your bowling ball a thorough deep clean using warm water and mild dish soap. Fill up a bucket with warm water and add some dish soap. Place your bowling ball in the bucket and let it soak for 10–15 minutes. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface of the ball before rinsing it off with clean water.

Dry It Off

After cleaning your bowling ball, make sure to dry it thoroughly with a towel. Any moisture left on the ball can cause damage or affect its performance.

Polishing Your Bowling Ball

Polishing your bowling ball is another step in maintaining its performance and appearance. Polishing involves using a ball polish or wax to create a smooth surface on the ball. This helps the ball grip the lane better and reduces its tendency to skid.

Polishing your bowling ball every few weeks will help maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. It will also keep the ball looking shiny and new, which is always a plus!

Here are the steps to follow when polishing your bowling ball.

Use a Reputable Bowling Ball Polish

Make sure to use a high-quality, approved bowling ball polish. Avoid using household waxes or polishes since they could damage your ball.

Apply Evenly

Using a soft cloth, apply the polish evenly across the entire surface of your bowling ball. Make sure not to miss any spots and avoid applying too much pressure.

Let It Dry

After polishing, let your bowling ball sit for 24 hours before using it again. This will allow the polish to fully set and prevent any damage to the lanes.

Storing Your Bowling Ball

When you’re not using your bowling ball, you should store it in a safe, cool, and dry place. If you store your ball in suboptimal conditions, it can lead to warping or cracking. Here are some tips for storing your bowling ball.

Use a Bowling Ball Bag

Invest in a quality bowling ball bag with individual compartments for each ball. This will prevent your balls from knocking against each other during transport.

Store at Room Temperature

Avoid storing your bowling ball in extreme temperatures, as this can affect its performance and durability. The best temperature for storage is 50–70°F.

Store in a Dry Place

Moisture can damage your bowling ball, so keep it in a dry environment. Avoid storing it in damp basements or garages.

Rotate Your Balls

If you have multiple bowling balls, rotate using them regularly so they wear evenly and last longer.

Check for Damage

Regularly check your bowling ball for cracks, scratches, or chips. If you notice any issues, take your ball to a professional pro shop for repairs.

Resurfacing Your Bowling Ball

Over time, the surface of your bowling ball can become dull and scratched. This can affect its performance and make it harder to get a good hook on the lane. To restore the quality of your ball, you may need to resurface it.

Resurfacing is best done by a professional at a bowling pro shop, as they have the specialized equipment and knowledge to do it correctly. Here’s a look at the steps they will take in the process.

Determine Grit Level

The grit level refers to the coarseness of the sandpaper the professional uses during resurfacing. Depending on your ball’s needs, the pro shop will determine the appropriate grit level for resurfacing.

Sand Down Evenly

Using a specialized bowling ball spinner, the pro shop will sand down your ball evenly to remove the old surface.

Polish

After sanding, the pro shop will polish your ball to create a smooth surface and restore its performance.

Redrilling Your Bowling Ball

Redrilling is usually only necessary for bowlers who’ve experienced changes in their hand size or style. If your bowling ball isn’t fitting your hand comfortably or you’ve noticed a change in your release, it might be time to consider redrilling. Redrilling involves changing the finger and thumb holes to better suit your hand size and style. Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering redrilling.

Consult a Professional

A professional at a bowling pro shop should do the redrilling. They’ll have the knowledge and experience to ensure the proper fit for your new holes.

Consider Grip Options

When redrilling, you may want to try different grip options, such as fingertip or conventional grips, to see which one works best for you.

Choose a Reputable Pro Shop

Make sure to choose a reputable pro shop with experienced staff to avoid any damage or issues with your redrilled ball.

By following this ultimate bowling ball maintenance guide, you can keep yours in fantastic condition. Your bowling ball works hard for you, so work hard to take care of it in return. With proper maintenance, your bowling ball will continue to strike for you game after game.

If you need help maintaining your bowling ball or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional at Striking Results, a pro shop serving the bowling communities in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

We have a wide range of bowling equipment for sale, including new balls if you need a replacement, along with cleaners and shammy towels to help you keep your ball clean. We also perform resurfacing, drilling, and plugging for all types of bowling balls. Explore our website or stop by one of our locations to get your bowling ball maintenance done right!