Bowling How To's & Coaching Tips, Bowling Tips & Coaching Articles
How Often & How Should I Clean My Bowling Ball?
“]
How Often Should I Clean My Bowling Ball?
Bowling balls are precision tools, and like any piece of performance equipment, they need proper care to deliver consistent results. Whether you’re a weekend bowler or a league competitor, knowing how often to clean your bowling ball is crucial for maintaining peak performance and extending the life of your gear.
Why Cleaning Your Bowling Ball Matters
Bowling lanes are coated with oil patterns that help guide the ball’s motion. As you bowl, your ball absorbs this oil, which can clog the pores of the coverstock and dramatically reduce traction and hook potential over time. A dirty ball leads to unpredictable performance, lower scores, and faster wear.
Maintains Ball Reaction
A clean ball grips the lane consistently, delivering the hook potential you expect shot after shot.
Extends Ball Life
Prevents premature wear and degradation, protecting your investment for years.
Improves Accuracy
Consistent motion leads to more controlled shots and higher scores.
Reduces Oil Build-Up
Keeps the coverstock in top condition and maintains factory performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bowling Ball?
After Every Bowling Session
You should wipe your ball with a microfiber towel or shammy after each throw to remove surface oil and dirt. At the end of each session, use a bowling ball cleaner to give it a light wipe-down. This simple habit prevents oil from setting into the coverstock pores and maintains consistent ball reaction.
Deep Clean Every 15-20 Games
After 15-20 games, perform a deep cleaning using an approved bowling ball cleaner to extract oil from the ball’s surface. Popular options like Storm Reacta Foam or Max Tack Cleaner work excellently for this purpose. You can do this at home with the right products or at a pro shop for a more thorough cleaning.
Professional Oil Extraction Every 50-75 Games
Once your ball has absorbed significant oil (typically after 50-75 games), schedule a professional oil extraction or “de-oiling” process at your local pro shop. This restores the ball’s gripping power and ensures consistent lane reaction. Professional extraction methods like hot water baths or specialized equipment remove deep oil saturation that home cleaning can’t reach.
Quick Bowling Ball Cleaning Schedule
| Cleaning Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe with microfiber towel / shammy | After every shot |
| Clean with ball cleaner | After each session |
| Deep clean (at home/pro shop) | Every 15-20 games |
| Professional oil extraction | Every 50-75 games |
| Resurfacing | Every 60-100 games |
Signs Your Bowling Ball Needs Cleaning
Don’t wait for a scheduled cleaning if you notice these warning signs:
- Loss of hook potential: Your ball isn’t breaking as sharply as it used to
- Ball feels greasy or slick: Visible oil residue on the surface
- Inconsistent reaction on the lanes: Unpredictable ball motion shot-to-shot
- Noticeable oil rings after shots: Visible track marks showing oil accumulation
- Ball slides through the breakpoint: Loss of backend motion and pin carry
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to clean your ball or schedule professional maintenance immediately.
Best Bowling Ball Cleaners from BowlersMart
Using USBC-approved cleaners ensures your ball stays in competition-ready shape without damaging the coverstock. Here are our top recommended cleaners:
Storm Reacta Clean – The All-Purpose Champion
Storm Reacta Clean is specially formulated to dissolve lane oil and restore that “tacky” feeling to your bowling ball. It’s travel-safe, airline-approved, non-flammable, and perfect for regular maintenance. Available in 32 oz and gallon sizes for heavy users.
Storm Reacta Foam – Innovative Application
Storm Reacta Foam features an innovative foam dispenser that allows you to apply directly to the ball’s surface. You use less product and save money while achieving excellent cleaning results. Perfect for bowlers who clean their equipment frequently.
Max Tack Cleaner – Restores Original Tackiness
Max Tack Bowling Ball Coverstock Cleaner is known for exceptional cleaning power that removes oil, dirt, and grime while restoring the ball’s original tackiness. This is the go-to choice for bowlers who demand maximum grip restoration.
Storm Reacta Shine – Clean and Polish Combo
Storm Reacta Shine is a one-step cleaner and polish that restores surface tackiness, shine, and performance. It provides outstanding length and backend reaction, making it perfect for bowlers who want a polished finish.
Proper Bowling Ball Cleaning Technique
Between Shots (During Play)
- Keep a microfiber towel or shammy in your bowling bag
- Wipe the entire ball surface after each throw
- Focus on removing visible oil and lane debris
- This prevents oil from setting into the coverstock pores
After Each Bowling Session
- Apply USBC-approved bowling ball cleaner to the entire surface
- Use a clean microfiber towel to work the cleaner into the coverstock
- Wipe clean with a dry section of the towel
- Allow the ball to air dry completely before storing
Deep Cleaning at Home
- Use a stronger approved cleaner designed for deep cleaning
- Apply liberally and let sit for 1-2 minutes
- Wipe thoroughly with microfiber towel
- Repeat if necessary for heavily soiled balls
- Some bowlers use a warm water bath (not boiling) with dish soap for 20-30 minutes, then dry thoroughly
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Your Bowling Ball
Avoid these common mistakes that can damage your equipment:
- Don’t use household cleaners: Products like Windex, acetone, or rubbing alcohol can damage the coverstock and affect the ball’s chemical composition (plasticizers that make your ball hook)
- Don’t use unapproved cleaners during competition: Only USBC-approved products are legal for use during sanctioned events
- Don’t skip cleaning after sessions: Waiting allows oil to penetrate deeper into the coverstock, making it harder to remove
- Don’t use abrasive materials: Rough towels or scrubbing pads can scratch the surface
- Don’t use boiling water: Extreme temperatures can damage the core or cause cracking
- Don’t let cleaning products sit too long: Follow manufacturer instructions for application time
How Cleaning Frequency Varies by Ball Type
Reactive Resin Balls
These high-performance balls have porous coverstocks that absorb oil quickly. Clean after every session and deep clean every 10-15 games for optimal performance. Reactive resin balls benefit most from products like Storm Reacta Clean.
Urethane Balls
Less porous than reactive resin, urethane balls can go slightly longer between deep cleanings (every 20-25 games), but still need surface wiping after each session to prevent oil accumulation.
Plastic/Polyester Balls
Spare balls made of plastic absorb minimal oil and can be cleaned less frequently. A wipe-down after each session is usually sufficient, with occasional deep cleaning every 30-40 games.
The Connection Between Cleaning and Ball Longevity
Regular cleaning directly impacts how long your bowling ball performs at its best. Oil-saturated balls lose their ability to grip the lane, requiring more frequent resurfacing and eventually leading to premature replacement.
A well-maintained bowling ball can last 5-10 years, while a neglected ball may need replacement in just 2-3 years. The small investment in cleaning products and routine maintenance saves hundreds of dollars in replacement costs over time.
Think of it this way: a $15 bottle of cleaner can extend your $200+ ball’s lifespan by years. That’s an investment that pays for itself many times over.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning Services
While regular at-home cleaning is essential, professional services offer deeper restoration:
- Oil extraction machines: Remove deep oil saturation that home methods can’t reach
- Ball resurfacing: Restores factory finish or creates custom surface textures
- Performance evaluation: Pro shop staff can assess if your ball needs more than cleaning
- Detox treatments: Professional-grade equipment extracts oil from deep within the coverstock
Schedule professional maintenance every 50-75 games or whenever home cleaning stops restoring performance. Most pro shops offer these services at reasonable rates ($20-40 typically).
Complete Cleaning Kit Essentials
Build your bowling ball maintenance kit with these essentials:
- Primary cleaner: Storm Reacta Clean for after-session cleaning
- Microfiber towels: Multiple towels for cleaning and drying
- Shammy cloth: For between-shot wiping during play
- Deep cleaner: Max Tack for thorough cleaning every 15-20 games
- Polish (optional): Storm Reacta Shine if you prefer a polished finish
Final Thoughts: Clean Ball, Better Game
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining a consistent, high-performing bowling ball. The better you care for your ball, the better it will perform for you on the lanes. Don’t wait for your ball to lose its reaction—make cleaning part of your regular bowling routine.
Remember the three-tier approach: wipe after every shot, clean after every session, and deep clean every 15-20 games. This simple routine keeps your equipment performing like new and extends its competitive lifespan significantly.
Your bowling ball is an investment in your game. Protect that investment with proper cleaning, and you’ll see the results in your scores. Shop our complete selection of USBC-approved bowling ball cleaners and start your maintenance routine today.
Top Recommended Bowling Ball Cleaners
“]
More Bowling Maintenance Articles
How Often & How Should I Clean My Bowling Ball?
“] How Often Should I Clean My Bowling Ball? Bowling balls are precision tools, and [...]
Feb
Brunswick Drops 5 New Bowling Balls for 2026: Complete Specs, Reviews & Comparisons
By BowlersMart Staff | Published February 16, 2026 | Updated February 19, 2026 Brunswick’s family [...]
Feb
4 New Storm Bowling Balls for Spring 2026: Full Guide
Storm Products Inc. just loaded up bowlers’ bags for the spring 2026 season. Four new [...]
Feb
SWAG Just Released 6 New Performance Bowling Balls
SWAG Bowling released six new bowling balls on February 17, 2026: the Judgement Hybrid ($184.95), [...]
Feb
16 New Bowling Balls Available in 2026
*Last Updated February 16, 2026 | Updated Monthly with New Releases Twenty-five new bowling balls [...]
2 Comments
Jan
Roto Grip Transformer Review & Analysis Guide
Discover the Roto Grip Transformer bowling ball with its revolutionary Morph-Wing Core. Learn about specs, [...]
Jan
Balls
Shoes
Bags
Accessories
Apparel
Deals
