Finding the best bowling ball cleaners in the market is not a task that most bowlers are fond of doing. Some beginners do not even know that bowling balls require a high degree of care and maintenance, much less a specialized formulation for specific purposes.
In this guide, we walk you through the necessary things to know about a bowling ball cleaner, from our favorite brands and products to certain factors to consider before you finalize the purchase.
If you would like to know more about what a bowling ball cleaner can do to make your ball the best bowling ball in terms of consistency and performance, then keep reading!
Why You Need to Clean Your Bowling Balls
There are several reasons why you need to clean your bowling balls. Listed below are the major objectives of a bowling ball cleaner:
Consistent Shots
Bowling balls need to be cleaned so that a bowler can execute shots more consistently. It does not matter if you have the best bowling ball, or the most expensive. If you do not clean your bowling ball, dirt, dust, sweat, and other particles will accumulate on and around the bowling ball surface, resulting in an awkward performance due to an uneven, unclean surface or coverstock.
Longer Life
Removing dirt and grime is the key to prolonging the life of any major piece of gear or equipment, and the same general rule applies to bowling balls. To keep your bowling ball in the best shape, make sure to observe regular cleaning and maintenance sessions.
Value your bowling balls the way you value other important objects in your life (think of a car or a cellphone).
Hook Potential
A bowling ball that has a poorly maintained exterior will lead to some weird and awkward trajectories as it goes down the lane. If you are performing competitively, or are simply aiming to get a higher score, your hook potential should be the greatest weapon in your arsenal.
If your ball does not have the ball surface consistency and polish or finish required to nail those hook shots or angular movement patterns, then do not expect to perform as well.
Oil Absorption
When bowling balls travel down the lane, the ball surface absorbs an immense amount of particles, most especially oil. For coverstocks that are made of reactive resin (pearl coverstock, solid coverstock, reactive resin coverstock), expect to have a significantly larger amount of oil absorption compared to the plastic/polyester coverstock bowling balls and urethane bowling balls.
As a result of this, you should always endeavor to remove oil from your bowling ball after every bowling session, as leaving a high concentration of oil deposit around your ball would lead to quicker deterioration and poorer ball performance.
General Maintenance
Above all else, using a bowling ball cleaner for general maintenance of your bowling balls is simply good practice. A bowling ball is exposed to all kinds of particles (dust and dirt), surfaces, and liquids (sweat and oil), so to be on the safe side, a bowling ball cleaner is a must.
Belt Marks and Scuff Marks
Another good reason why a bowling ball cleaner is necessary is to minimize the impact of belt marks and scuff marks. These are surface-level damage to the outer layer of your coverstock that most frequently happens with pearl coverstock bowling balls.
There is no way to avoid belt marks and scuff marks, as the bowling ball is subjected to a lot of impact and friction, but with a bowling ball cleaner, you can keep your best bowling ball performing at its best, at least for a longer period of time.
What are USBC Approved Cleaners?
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) is very strict when it comes to the type of bowling ball cleaner used, especially in sanctioned competitions on a national scale.
It is important to read up on the rules and regulations set forth by the USBC to have an idea of what type of bowling ball cleaner is allowed and when (and how frequent) the bowling ball cleaner can be used during competition.
As a general rule, which was just recently implemented, bowlers can only use their bowling ball cleaner before and after competitions. To stay up-to-date with the latest provisions and regulations established by USBC, go and visit their website.
They also have a list of approved bowling cleaners and solutions. Even if you are just looking for the best bowling ball cleaner and not a USBC-approved bowling ball cleaner, we still suggest going with a USBC-approved product as it is safer.
Types of Bowling Ball Cleaners
Most cleaners come in different forms and compositions. In terms of application and delivery, a bowling ball cleaner usually falls under foam, liquid, or gel.
In this section, we give a brief description of each type of bowling ball cleaner composition (or delivery system) so you can choose which one is best for your needs.
Liquid
A liquid bowling ball cleaner is the oldest and most traditional form of a bowling ball cleaner. The delivery of the cleaning solution is pretty straightforward.
Out of a liquid bowling ball cleaner comes a liquid cleaning solution that you should apply either to the bowling towel or directly to the bowling ball (depending on the instructions indicated).
We recommend this type of bowling ball cleaner if you are looking for the most affordable type, but take note that this bowling ball cleaner dispenses a lot of cleaning solution so if you are not careful, you may end up spending more on bowling ball cleaners in the long run.
Gel
A gel bowling ball cleaner dispenses a thick, gooey cleaning solution that is drier than a liquid bowling ball cleaner. A gel bowling ball cleaner is very effective, as long as you know how much to use in a given situation (always refer to the instructions printed on the product for guidance).
If you are looking for a bowling ball cleaner that you can bring along with you, without much fear of it spilling over and causing a great mess, then go with the gel bowling ball cleaner.
Foam
A foam bowling ball cleaner is essentially a ball cleaner that dispenses liquid in foam form. The application of foam bowling ball cleaners is rather easy to do and does not usually leave any sticky or excess residue.
We find this type to be the best bowling ball cleaner as it is very practical and effective in general maintenance and cleaning. Be wary, however, as this type of bowling ball cleaner may cost a lot more than the other types of cleaners.
Choosing the Right Bowling Ball Cleaners
There are several factors to consider when getting the best bowling ball cleaner. Just like choosing any other piece of bowling gear, equipment, or apparel, securing the right cleaner for your needs can determine how great or poor your performance will be in the bowling alley.
To get the right one for you, make sure you check out this list of factors to consider.
Cost (Affordable vs Premium)
A lot of the more popular bowling ball cleaners are sold for around $10 per order, which is a very reasonable price point, especially since you need to get any kind of bowling ball cleaner to make sure that your bowling ball performs well and lasts longer.
If, however, you have a larger budget, we recommend checking out the options at the $15 and $20 price points. These premium-priced, USBC approved bowling ball cleaners are much more expensive for any number of reasons (packaging, delivery system, quality, concentration, etc.) but we can assure you that you would still get tremendous value out of your purchase.
Size and Portability (4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz)
Most bowling manufacturers make 8 oz ball cleaners as this is arguably the most portable size and weight without sacrificing the actual content or cleaning solution.
Get an 8 oz or 12 oz bottle if you have a bowling ball bag that has enough compartments to fit a bowling ball cleaner of this size. Otherwise, you should be good with a 4 oz or 6 oz ball cleaner.
Purpose (General Cleaning vs Scuff Removal vs Shine)
A lot of cleaners in the market are highly specialized. Whether it be to remove scuffs or scratches or to simply make the ball cleaner and shinier, you can get exactly what you need.
If you need to get a bowling ball cleaner that is for general purpose use, then go with products such as the Neo Tac Hook It Cleaner or That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Professional Grade Cleaner.
If you need to get a cleaner that is designed for the removal of minor scuffs and scratches, look for special purpose cleaners (or you could visit your local pro shop to consult with other options and remedies).
Smell (Scented vs Unscented)
Unfortunately, the smell of some cleaners, even those that are USBC approved, may be too harsh or off-putting. If you have a sensitive sense of smell, we recommend looking for products that have a minimal (or tolerable) scent profile, such as the Storm Reacta Shine Bowling Ball Cleaner or the Pyramid Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner.
Ease of Use
Not all cleaners were made equally. With the numerous methods of dispensing or delivering the cleaning solution, you are bound to notice that some are easy to use while some are unreasonably more difficult.
In selecting the best ball cleaner, always check how the cleaning solution is dispensed. The nozzle, trigger, and spray pattern should be designed to make the ball cleaner easy to use.
Top 5 Bowling Ball Cleaners
There are so many cleaners in the sport of bowling today, that it has become increasingly difficult for us to come up with a list of the best of the best in the market.
Fortunately, we have tried out a lot of cleaners, so this list should provide you with the kind of cleaner that your balls need.
1. Storm Reacta Foam Bowling Ball Cleaner
If you need something that not only looks like it will get the job done, but legitimately gets the job done, then the USBC approved Storm Reacta Foam Cleaner is your perfect companion.
The Storm Reacta Foam Cleaner uses a foam delivery method, which means that the application of the cleaning solution will be very efficient and effective.
Using a direct-to-ball application method, expect to fully get rid of oil, dirt, and other external particles that could affect the way your ball grips the lanes.
This cleaner also doubles as a polisher, so if you want to make your ball look like brand new, then this is definitely the product for you.
2. Storm Reacta Shine Bowling Ball Cleaner
If you are looking for something with a neat design that really makes your ball shine, then the Storm Reacta Shine Ball Cleaner is something to consider.
The Reacta Shine Cleaner cleans and polishes the ball, making your ball look as amazing as it first was. You can choose to utilize a ball spinner for an even application of the cleaning solution or do it manually.
The Reacta Shine Cleaner is one of the most cost-effective cleaning and reactive polishing the market today.
3. Pyramid Neo Tac Hook It Bowling Ball Cleaner
If you need a portable go-to cleaner that removes oil, dust, dirt, and other particles from all areas of your ball, then consider purchasing the Pyramid Neo Tac Hook It Cleaner.
The USBC approved Pyramid Neo Tac Hook It Cleaner, as the name implies, is a good cleaning solution for reactive resin balls, which are used for hook shots or angular movement patterns.
It is more advanced at polishing the ball, however, so expect to have a shiny finish once the cleaning session is done.
The bottle design is also very intriguing, as it observes a pin shape and comes in a 6 oz package. At a reasonable price point and great value, this cleaner is the one to get.
4. Pyramid Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner
If you want a no-frills offering from the Pyramid brand that would get your balls performing at the best possible level, then the Pyramid Monster Tac is the most suitable option in this list.
Designed for universal use (plastic coverstock, urethane coverstock, and reactive resin coverstock), this cleaner makes the cleaning session really worth the time and effort.
It brings back the performance levels of bowling balls and makes sure that the consistency is there, which is a much needed factor to ensure great high-scoring performances.
The nozzle and spray trigger of the Pyramid Monster Tac Cleaner are also very well-designed. You simply have to apply the solution all over the surface of the ball and wipe it clean, with no excess liquid whatsoever.
The Pyramid Monster Tac Cleaner is something you should definitely consider if you just want to get things done.
5. Creating the Difference That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Cleaner
As different as it sounds, expect the Creating the Difference That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Cleaner to perform just as well as the industry-leading products.
This easy-to-use Creating the Difference That Purple Stuff Cleaner was designed by Creating the Difference, a company that has been in the research, design, and development stage for the entirety of its existence, which is why the brand always provides great products.
The results of the Creating the Difference That Purple Stuff Bowling Ball Cleaner speak for itself. It offers a deep cleaning solution, allowing for amazing grip and release mechanics, as well as good traction as the ball travels down the lane.
If you need consistency in every performance, competitive or otherwise, then check out the USBC approved Purple Stuff offered by Creating the Difference.
How to Clean Bowling Balls
There are numerous ways to clean a bowling ball and even more ways to clean a ball with a ball cleaner. This quick guide should give you a rough outline of what the ball cleaning activity should look like.
Prepare the Needed Items
For personal ball cleaning, you would need the bowling ball cleaner, a bowling towel (or any clean cloth or towel), a bowling ball cup/holder, water-proof tape (to cover the finger holes), and of course, the bowling ball itself.
Make sure to do the cleaning in a clean environment as well, to avoid any further dirt or contaminants.
Read the Recommended Amount of Ball Cleaner Solution to be Used and Other Instructions
Take a good look at the instructions indicated on your bowling ball cleaner. Most modern cleaners allow direct application of the cleaning solution onto the ball. However, there are still a few cleaners that do not advise direct application. There are also some cleaners that require dilution with water, so it is best to check what your particular bowling ball cleaner needs for the best cleaning experience.
Apply the Cleaning Solution on the Bowling Towel or Bowling Ball
Once you have read and fully understood the accompanying instructions of the bowling ball cleaner, you can now apply the solution to the bowling towel or bowling ball. Once applied, gently but firmly rub all sections of your bowling ball evenly (with a bit of extra force on spots of the ball with stubborn dirt and oil residue).
Check to See if the Cleaning Solution is Applied Evenly
Once you are done with the cleaning session, make sure to check if all the portions of the ball are covered. An uneven application may lead to performance woes on the bowling lanes, so this is a very important step to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up with our conclusion (and our personal favorite bowling ball cleaner), let us talk about a couple of the most commonly asked questions regarding bowling ball cleaning and maintenance.
1. Do bowling alleys clean the balls?
Most bowling alleys clean each bowling ball at the end of every operating day but do not expect the cleaning done to be the most thorough. Bowling alleys have several bowling balls, and it is very difficult to thoroughly and efficiently clean each bowling ball to be ready for use the next day. This is one of the many reasons why you should invest in a personal bowling ball or two to ensure that proper maintenance and cleaning procedures are done.
2. How often should I clean my bowling ball?
Clean your bowling ball immediately after each bowling session. The only way to ensure proper performance and longevity for each bowling ball in your possession is to clean each one on a regular basis, particularly after every bowling session. Bowling balls are subjected to a lot of oil and dirt, and if oil and dirt stick and accumulate over a prolonged period of time, then expect your bowling ball to perform poorly in future bowling sessions.
Conclusion (Plus Our Personal Favorite)
Choosing a cleaner for bowling may be seen as boring or unnecessary to some, but we are here to let you know that this is an essential maintenance tool to have to keep your balls performing great and lasting longer than the average bowling alley balls.
As for our favorite cleaner, we have to go with none other than the product from the innovative company, Creating the Difference - Purple Stuff Cleaner.
The Purple Stuff Cleaner is simple, effective, and eye-catching. If you visit your local pro shop or bowling store, this cleaner would undoubtedly catch your attention.
On top of that, Purple Stuff is USBC approved. So if you plan to turn pro or enter the competitive scene, you can still keep this cleaner with you, and use it before and after every competition or bowling session.
The Purple Stuff Cleaner has been with us for a few months already, and with every cleaning session, we can confidently say that it walks the walk, doing what was advertised.
So just remember, if you need guidance or a refresher on finding the best bowling ball cleaners in the market, then re-visit this guide. Bookmark our website for more bowling-related news and information.