Cleaning your Bowling Equipment

Those that take their bowling game to the next level with their own set of shoes and bowling balls will be relieved to know that they’ll always have go-to equipment of their own to play with. However, new bowling ball and bowling shoes owners have a certain amount of maintenance tasks to keep their bowling equipment in good condition.

Bowling Balls

Bowling balls require a regular maintenance routine to keep them working their best. They can easily pick up oil and other smudges as they make their way down the lane. This oil can cause damage to the balls over time which is why it’s important to clean it off.

The cleaning process can differ depending on the specific ball. Bowling balls that aren’t as expensive and are just the cheap plastic balls you pull out on occasion will only need tending to once in awhile as opposed to your higher end, go-to ball.

A good rule that many professional bowlers go off is it to clean their balls after six games. When cleaning your bowling ball, you want to avoid getting water into the finger holes. This can cause significant damage to the core and weight block of the bowling ball.

An easy method is to use a microfiber cloth with some alcohol. The alcohol will remove any oil, grease, and grime. You can also use specially made ball cleaners to get the job done. Even dish soap works since the goal is to remove oil. The only thing to remember is to never immerse your ball in water and to avoid chemical solvents such as acetone.

Bowling Shoes

Bowling shoes also need care and cleaning to stay in good shape. When these are neglected, your overall game can be impacted. If there is dirt or grime on the soles that causes too little or too much traction, your slide can suffer and, as a result, so can your game.

Some players find it best to clean their shoes after every use so that they can last a long time. Those that care for their shoes well will find that they can last anywhere between 10-15 years. Use a damp cloth with mild detergent for some gentle scrubbing. The soles of your shoes can be handled with a steel wire brush or a scotch pad.

Taking care of your shoes requires a consistent maintenance schedule. Whether you clean it after every use or every few uses, find a simple routine that you are able to stick to.

If you are looking for the perfect bowling alley, come check out the fun we offer at Stars & Strikes. We welcome bowlers of all levels. We also offer several exciting activities that will bring everyone together like axe throwing, laser tag, arcade games, and more! Get in touch with the location nearest you.