Wipe your ball with a clean microfiber towel after every shot, and clean it with a ball cleaner after every session. Reactive balls absorb lane oil, so many manufacturers and pro shops suggest an oil extraction and resurface every 50 to 100 games. USBC rules allow only a dry towel on the ball during competition; cleaners and surface changes are for before or after you bowl.
Reactive coverstocks soak up lane oil. A ball that is not cleaned gradually loses friction and stops reacting the way it did new.
After every shot
Wipe the ball with a clean microfiber towel or shammy. This removes surface oil before it soaks in. During league and tournament play, a dry towel is all USBC rules allow.
After every session
Use a cleaner made for bowling balls, applied to a towel, and wipe the ball fully. Check that the cleaner is suitable for your coverstock; some are made for reactive balls only.
Every 50 to 100 games
| Job | What it does | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Oil extraction | Draws absorbed oil out of the cover | Pro shop machine, or careful home methods |
| Resurfacing | Restores the factory grit or a new finish | Pro shop, or pads at home |
| Full refresh | Extraction plus resurfacing | Pro shop |
Avoid excessive heat when extracting oil at home. Follow the ball manufacturer’s care instructions; heat can damage some covers.
Surface adjustment pads
Abrasive pads let you sand a ball to a duller grit for earlier hook or polish it for more length. Work evenly over the whole ball with the ball spinning on a machine for best results. This is also how you match a ball to lane conditions.
Storage
Keep balls out of car trunks in hot or cold weather. Extreme temperatures can crack coverstocks. Store them in a bag at room temperature.
See also RG and differential and coverstocks compared.
Browse ball care.
Common questions
Can I clean my bowling ball during league?
Only with a dry towel. USBC rules prohibit using liquid cleaners or altering the ball surface during competition.
How often should I resurface a bowling ball?
Many pro shops suggest every 50 to 100 games for reactive balls, or whenever the ball starts hooking early and losing its backend.
Can I use household cleaners on a bowling ball?
Use cleaners approved for bowling balls. Some household products can damage reactive coverstocks or leave residue.
Do plastic balls need cleaning?
They do not absorb oil the way reactive balls do, but wiping them keeps them consistent for spares.