Bowling is an interesting and fun game. And to keep the game running smooth, keeping your equipment in good condition is necessary. One of the most essential phases of caring for the equipment is cleaning, as bowling balls are prone to oil buildup.
Oil buildup on bowling balls is a very common problem. It affects the ball’s grip, trajectory, and overall effectiveness.
Therefore, cleaning oil from bowling bowls is crucial. But, how to get oil out of a bowling ball? It’s not that hard. Scroll down to learn the ideal way.
How To Get Oil Out Of Bowling Ball
Here are some methods you can use to get oil out of bowling balls.
1. Hot Water Bath with Dish Wash Soap
The easiest way to clean a bowling ball is by using a hot water bath and dishwashing soap. All you have to do is fill a bucket with warm water and then add a small quantity of dish soap.
Make sure to cover the holes of the ball to prevent water from getting inside and damaging the ball. Next, put your bowling bowl in the soapy water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
With time, the warm water and soap will break down the oil, making it easier to wipe off. Once you are done soaking the ball, remove it and gently scrub its surface using a brush with soft bristles. Thoroughly rinse the ball and dry it completely before playing with it.
2. Alcohol
Oil can also be effectively removed from bowling balls using alcohol as a removal agent.
Concentrated isopropyl alcohol is typically recommended for this method. The ratio of alcohol to water should be 70:30.
For this method to work, take a piece of cloth, put alcohol on it, and then gently rub it onto the ball’s surface. The alcohol breaks down and dissolves the oil, which you can then easily wipe away with a clean towel.
After that, wash the ball with warm water and soap to prevent any residue buildup.
3. Abralon Pads
Abralon Pads are designed especially for the maintenance of bowling balls. These pads come in various grits, so you can choose the level of abrasiveness you need.
Use a higher grit pad to make it easier to remove oil from the ball’s surface, and then gradually move to lower grits for a smoother finish. You should apply little pressure and use the pads in a circular motion to avoid damaging the ball.
This method removes oil and restores the ball’s surface texture.
4. Cleaning Bowling Balls with Windex
Windex, which is commonly used in homes to clean glass, can also be used to effectively remove oil from bowling balls.
A small amount of Windex goes a long way.
Spray Windex on the ball’s surface and then wipe it down with a microfiber towel. The ammonia in Windex helps break down the oil.
However, you shouldn’t use this method repeatedly. Why? Because too much ammonia will damage the ball’s coverstock over time.
5. Hair Dryer Method
This is yet another easy DIY way of removing oil from a bowling bowl.
This method is helpful in removing oil from the pores of the ball. Just set your hair dryer to medium heat. Then, slowly hover the dryer over the ball’s surface.
The heat will release all the oil trapped inside the pores, which will then rise to the surface. Once you’re done, clean the oil from the surface using a microfiber cloth.
Just ensure you don’t overheat the ball because excessive heat can cause damage.
6. Hot Car
Are you someone who is lazy and doesn’t want to spend money on cleaning products? If you are, then this method is for you.
Just leave your ball inside a parked car on a burning hot day to remove oil from its surface. Don’t be alarmed, this works. The heat will make the oil expand and rise to the surface.
Then, use a clean microfiber cloth to clean the grease from the ball’s surface. Remember not to use a very high temperature for this method because it could warp and crack your ball.
7. Oven Baking
I wouldn’t recommend this method because it can be dangerous. However, some people do advise it.
To implement this method, place your ball in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 140°F or 60°C). It works just like the hot car and the hair dryer.
The heated oven will break down the oil, and all that oil will rise to the surface. After that, just wipe off the oil.
However, you need to be careful with this method. Excessive heat can damage the ball’s core or coverstock.
8. Heater
This method involves using a heater to get the oil out of the bowling ball. It works just like the other ones.
All you have to do is place your bowling ball in front of a heater for a few hours. The ball will warm up, and all the oil will come to the surface.
After that, just wipe the oil with a microfiber cloth. As with the other heating methods, don’t use too much heat; otherwise, you’ll damage the ball.
9. Utilizing Pro Shops
If you are unsuccessful with the DIY methods of removing oil from bowling bowls, you can seek professional help. There are professional ball drillers and shop staff who are experienced in ball maintenance. They will provide expert advice and make your ball oil-free.
They use specialized equipment, such as a bowling ball spinner. This helps make the cleaning process more thorough and efficient. It also improves the porosity and friction of your ball.
Why It’s Necessary to Get Oil Out of Bowling Ball at Home?
While you can always go to professional cleaners to remove oil from your bowling balls, these services are generally very expensive. So it’s better to learn a few tips that you could easily use at home to remove oil from your bowling balls.
There are some shops that do provide free cleaning services if you purchase enough products from them. But this is not the case at every shop. Generally, it’s hard for people to decide which shop to go to. I’ve been there.
In addition, make sure you clean all your bowling balls regularly. If you don’t, it will affect your game. And I’m pretty sure you don’t want that. Since balls need to be cleaned often, it won’t suit most people to get professional cleanings.
Keep reading to find my very own DIY method for removing oil from bowling balls.
Making DIY Bowling Ball Oil Remover
To clean your bowling ball at home, you need to make a spray.
Get equal parts of rubbing alcohol, Simple Green, and some warm water. Mix it all together so that all the materials get infused, and voila, your spray is ready. It’s pretty simple.
The next step is spraying this solution on your ball. Leave it on for a few minutes. Once you see oil breaking down and coming to the surface, wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
Here is one rooky mistake to avoid. Don’t use acetone on your bowling balls. It damages the surface and the chemical seeps into the pores. I ruined one of my balls like that. The damage was real.
Overall, I can say that this rubbing alcohol solution is pretty strong in removing multiple layers of oil from your bowling ball. And the best part is, it doesn’t seep into the pores. It’s a win-win situation.
FAQs
How often should you remove oil from a bowling ball?
Ideally, it’s recommended to clean your balls every 70 to 100 games if you’re playing on regularly cleaned lanes. But if the lanes are oily and less maintained, you should clean your balls every 50 games.
What happens if you don’t clean your bowling ball?
If you don’t regularly clean your ball, the grease buildup will affect your ball’s motion and friction, making your gameplay inconsistent.
Does rubbing alcohol damage bowling balls?
Isopropyl alcohol has a tendency to dry out balls, which may lead to cracking. This affects the performance of the player, as the ball can no longer roll smoothly on the lanes.
Conclusion
As we’ve discussed, it’s very important to properly maintain your bowling balls. That’s the only way you can maintain your performance.
Regularly remove oil buildup from your bowling balls. This will help keep their grip and motion in good condition.
The methods given above are easy and effective. Plus, they will help maintain the longevity and health of your bowling balls.