Top Bowling Ball Cleaner
Bowling is a competitive indoor sport which requires a highly technical player with a highly-performing bowling ball. For the bowling ball to have a peak performance, it needs to be cleaned properly. No matter how good you are in bowling techniques, an ill-maintained ball can cost you victory. The ball’s surface is porous. As thus, it is likely to absorb lots of grime, lane oil and dirt which can adversely affect its hooking potential.
Enthusiast bowlers resort to ball cleaners. Of course, there are lots of cleaners out there but some of them do not really live up to the hype. If not cautious, you might end up falling prey to products of inferior quality. I have compiled a list of the top 5 bowling ball cleaners in the market. In addition, I have also compiled the buyer’s guide at the end to help you make an informed purchase.
Tac Up – Ball Cleaning Spray
Tac up bowling ball cleaner could be your go-to cleaner when you want to get rid of grime, oil, grease and any sort of dirt on your bowling ball surface.
What I like about this product is that there are no nasty smells from the bottle, so you can enjoy applying it as many times as possible.
It comes in a 32-ounce size, meaning it can be just enough for many bowling balls with this biodegradable formula.
While many bowling balls exist on the market, not all of them are actually USBC approved. This is the body responsible for bowling equipment monitoring in the United States.
As thus, any cleaner approved by them assures that it will be allowed to use before, during or after the game. Other substances are forbidden.
Spray and then use the Ebonite Abralon Bowling Pads to give it a good traction. Ideally, I recommend spraying them all for about 10 seconds and then wipe the solution.
It will effectively remove the dirt that has accumulated after rolling the ball on the lane.
The belt marks can also affect the performance of the ball. This biodegradable solution is also designed to tackle the belt marks.
It will restore the natural tack of the ball and then help you excel with consistent ball reaction.
- Biodegradable formula with no nasty smells
- Removes dirt, lane oils, and grime
- USBC approved
- Is quite expensive
- Doesn’t include a wiping cloth
Final Verdict
Tac up cleaner is impressive with its biodegradable formula for cleaning the bowling ball. Having used it a couple of times, I was convinced that the product really works in its claims of dirt and grime removal.
Although it is fairly expensive, I think that will be a good investment for an enthusiast bowler. On top of that, it comes in a 32-ounce bottle size, which makes it efficient for several bowling balls.
I do recommend the cleaner to everyone wanting to optimize the performance of the bowling ball.
Monster Tac – Great Ball Cleaner
Made in the USA, this is a product of the bowlingball.com company renowned for its efficacy in cleaning bowling balls of different cover stocks.
It’s yet another USBC-approved cleaner solution which you can use before, during or after the game.
Grime accumulation on the bowling balls does not occur only after the game but even during the game.
Surely you’ve watched some professional tournaments where bowlers have frequently used microfiber towels to wipe their balls after every shot. If left untreated, the balls dynamics might be affected by the oils and grease it collects on the lane.
The towel alone without the scientifically proven formula is not that effective. Neither is the warm water and soap.
The longer the oils stay on the ball; it can be the harder the treatment next time when you attempt to play. In fact, you might even need a deep cleaner.
Coming in two sizes, 4oz and 32oz, the product can be appealing to various players. Say you play bowling occasionally; the big bottle may turn out to be wasteful whereas you can opt for the small bottle.
Even if you want to test the efficacy of the product, you can buy the small 4oz bottle and see if it satisfies your needs. The 32oz bottle is suitable for enthusiast bowlers who play tournaments frequently because they will need to frequently maintain their equipment.
When applying it, put a small amount and then use a towel to wipe it. It will react instantly with the grime and oils, so removing it will be a cinch.
I also recommend the Brunswick Microfiber See Saw after applying the cleaner solution. This microfiber can clean the ball effectively as well.
- USBC approved
- Versatile cleaner solution
- Effective in removing oils, dirt, and grime
- Comes in two sizes, 4oz and 32oz
- The spray bottle is not strong. So you have to handle with care.
Final Verdict
Given its efficacy in removing all sorts of dirt on the bowling ball, I recommend this product. To save you costs if you are not sure about it, you can opt for the smallest bottle.
The big bottle would be ideal for numerous bowling balls. You can freely bring the solution to the game and clean during, before or after the game since it is USBC approved.
If there’s anything I reckon they improve, it is the spray. Many people have also complained about that. All you need is to handle the bottle with care.
Black Magic – Ball Cleaning Kit
The Black Magic Rejuvenator cleaner can be a great deal you are looking for to clean your bowling balls.
It comes in 3 sizes as displayed in the picture on Amazon’s product page.
There are a trigger and spray, which will work well in absorbing the dirt and oils that are cumbersome for lots of bowling balls.
The efficacy of bowling balls depends on the cleanliness of the surface. These balls are porous, so they absorb oil and dirt easily.
In turn, it will be easy to maneuver the ball in your bowling games.
For optimal results, I recommend the Brunswick Microfiber See Saw in addition to your purchase. This provides a better way to wipe the ball after applying this cleaner solution on it.
Simply put the ball and roll it.
The product is USBC approved, so you are free to bring it to your bowling games. Stay on the side of caution by always maintaining your bowling ball to retain its backend reaction.
The plus advantage with the Black Magic bowling ball clearer is the absence of nasty smells. This means you will enjoy using it at all the times.
Just don’t wait for a long time before cleaning the wall because the stains might be tough at a later stage. Immediately after playing, apply this solution to clean the ball.
- Comes in 3 sizes as shown in the picture
- Removes all sorts of stains
- It is affordable
- May not be effective on a ball that has been cleaned long time ago
Final Verdict
The Black Magic rejuvenator cleaner is also a good product that I would recommend to any bowler. The amount of the cleaner is just enough to clean lots of bowling balls.
If you plan a business, you can even clean for other bowlers at a charge. I endorse its efficacy in absorbing the oils, dirt, and grime and then cleaning the ball to improve its performance.
Cleaning is often overlooked, not knowing it can really affect the bowler’s performance. Despite coming in large quantities, the product remains affordable.
That’s cost-effective of cleaning your ball.
Storm – Top Cleaning Solution
Storm Reacta bowling cleaner is a popular brand on the market.
It’s been endorsed by scores of bowlers after having used it effectively.
It dispenses the foam quickly to help you clean the ball and remove its scuff and belt marks.
Only minimal efforts are required to wipe off the dirt unless the ball has accumulated immense grime and dirt.
You can apply the foam directly on the ball and then use the Storm Shammy Ball Cleaning Pad. The pad is effective in removing the toughest oil stains on any bowling ball.
You do not need an additional microfiber towel as this pad is versatile. It can revive the backend reaction and enhance the peak performance of your ball.
All it does is to react with dirt and make it simple to wipe it off with the recommended cleaning pad. It’s also easy to remove the solution from the ball surface without adding another layer.
If you are worried about using the product during the game, feel free because the USBC recognizes and endorses it to be used after every shot. It takes only a few minutes to accumulate oils after every throw of the bowling ball.
As I always reiterate, please do not store the ball after the game without cleaning it. This will make it easy to just wipe it before the next game.
It’s an affordable product, so no excuse for not having it, unless you are just a chance-taker and not interested in the performance of the bowling ball.
- Effective foam cleaner
- Affordable cleaner solution
- USBC approved
- Portable 8oz bottle
- May require more efforts to clean if you waited for too long
- 8oz size inadequate if you have numerous balls
Final Verdict
It’s almost impossible to see a compiled list of the top ball cleaners without Storm Reacta brand being mentioned. It’s a popular brand that has been dominating in many cases.
This product is a foam cleaner, so it dispenses quickly but in small amounts to save you money. It absorbs the dirt and oils to leave the surface smoother.
It is an affordable cleaning solution that will not break your bank. Every bowler can actually benefit from this formula.
I do recommend it if you have one bowling ball. If you plan to clean lots of bowling balls, it is inadequate.
Otherwise, you will have to spend a lot on buying multiple bottles.
Neo-Tac – Patented Formula
Here’s my last selected product that is also USBC approved.
Although bowling is an indoor game, it is regulated to ensure that illegal formulas are not used to clean the balls.
This formula is fortunately approved by the USBC (United States Bowling Congress).
While we can exert so much effort in acing the bowling game, the clogged ball’s surface can put a stop to our peak performance. The surface is porous in nature because breathability of the ball helps in its dynamics.
With this solution, you can put an end to the belt marks, dirt, grime and oils that accumulate continuously each time you play the game. The solution was designed to retain the quality of the ball because the dirt can deteriorate the quality in no time.
It will also improve your hook’s potential. Ideally, it is one of the indispensable and inexpensive products you can’t afford to not have when heading to your bowling games.
Since it is USBC approved, you can clean the ball even during the games just to minimize the dirt it collects on the lane after every shot.
- Inexpensive bowling ball cleaner
- USBC approved
- Portable bottle
- Effective dirt and oil removal
- Bottle too small to clean multiple balls
- Not ideal for too much-stained balls. It is advisable to clean often.
Final Verdict
Neo-Tac Hook It is also a great product to help improve your ball’s performance. If you have multiple balls, this is not an ideal bottle size to consider as it is just 6 ounces.
But you can multiple bottles as they are cheap. For any dirt and oils that your bowling ball suffers from, Neo-Tac can be a good solution to them.
I do recommend the product. I do not doubt the basis I used in selecting these products. I made sure that the products are USBC approved and are performing well.
Bowling Ball Cleaners – Buyer’s Guide
Let’s now delve into the buyer’s guide and let me help you choose the right products. I will also advise you about the cleaning process so that you do everything justly and properly.
Contents:
How To Clean The Bowling Ball?
- Get a reputable cleaner – make sure that your cleaner is reputable in its performance. It doesn’t help to waste so much money on a product that will struggle to remove strains on the ball. Also, ensure that the product is approved by the USBC. The package of the bottle should show that. The body, USBC, endeavors to regulate the formulas used to clean the bowling balls because others are bringing inappropriate or bad formulas.
- Inspect the ball’s condition – it helps to see the condition of the ball first in order to ascertain if your cleaner can manage that. For a ball that has been cleaned a long time ago, it may be hard to clean it by simply using these cleaners. At times it might need machine cleaning first if it is too stained.
- If the condition is moderate, make use of cleaners – you can apply the cleaners if the ball’s condition is moderate. But. Some cleaners are composed of strong chemicals can tackle even the toughest stains. And when applying the cleaner, put only a small amount and use the microfiber cloth to wipe it. I have recommended several pads/towels in the products so that you can wipe the balls with ease.
- After cleaning, monitor any remaining stains – it is important to still asses the quality of cleaning so that you can repeat the process. Other cleaners may need repeating applications before they can remove the toughest stains.
Why Is It Important To Clean The Bowling Ball?
Playing bowling ball requires a high performance for one to roll the ball excellently. When it rolls properly, you can up your hook potential and win games.
Unfortunately, as time goes by, the accumulation of debris, grime, and oils affects the performance of the ball. It may not be maneuvered the way it was in its original state.
The belt and scuff mark also affect the performance of the ball adversely. If left uncleaned for a long time, some oil rings may develop.
The bowling ball has a porous surface, which is important to improve breathability. The accumulation of dirt clogs the pores. That will be difficult to control the ball smoothly on the lane.
As long as the product is USBC approved, you can bring it to the game and then clean before, during or after the game. That will reduce the concentration of dirt and oils on the ball.
Other bowlers have resorted to using towels to wipe the ball after every shot. But I can assure you that the cleaner formula is more effective, depending on the brand you’ve chosen.
Things To Look For When Buying Bowling Ball Cleaner
Like any other product, not all bowling ball cleaners are made the same. There are important aspects that you need to take into account before making a purchase.
Among others, I recommend checking the USBC approval, formula composition, bottle size, and the price.
USBC approval – The USBC approval is of paramount importance in selecting the bowling ball cleaners. The USBC plays an important role in standardizing the bowling ball cleaners.
It ascertains that there are no harmful formulas used in cleaning these balls. As thus, any bottle approved by the body can be brought to the game.
The ball collects the dirt during the game so it is important to constantly clean it.
If you have watched professional games you would have noticed bowlers wiping the balls after every shot. They are attempting to clear the oil stains and belt marks that have accumulated on the balls.
With the cleaner formula, the process can be much easier.
Chemical Composition – the composition is also important as it determines the strength of the cleaner in removing the toughest stains. Some cleaners contain the cheaper acetone and other alcohol-based.
The problem with the cheap acetone is that it can affect the surface of the ball eventually.
Bottle size – these bottles come in different sizes. The choice of a bottle size can be influenced by the number of balls that you need to clean.
Amongst my products, I have one product that comes with 4oz and 32oz. For a one, ball you can select the 4oz and for multiple balls, you can select the 32oz. If you want to try the product, the 4oz is the best choice.
One other consideration is selecting the bottle is portability. The small bottles are easy to carry to your bowling games.
Price – Bowling balls are generally expensive and so are bowling ball cleaners. It is a matter of looking for quality over the price.
The price in itself does not necessarily reflect a good quality. But if given a choice, I would say avoid the cheap products that merely contain acetone.
Look for quality composition that is proven to tackle the toughest stains on your bowling ball.
You can still find a solid ball cleaner for under $20. The expensive ones are over $20.
Regardless of the price, having a cleaner is a good investment if you are an enthusiast bowler because it optimizes the performance of the ball.
Versatility – The versatility of the cleaner is also important to ensure that it is compatible with lots of cover stocks. Some cleaners are restrictive of the type of the ball to clean.
When Should You Clean The Bowling Ball?
Cleaning the bowling ball should be a routine that you undertake in each game. Because the ball can collect dirt, grime or oils after every shot, I recommend cleaning it every chance that you get.
In fact, cleaning the ball frequently can save you a great portion of the cleaning solution because the toughest stains may need too much solution. It can also save you money as some toughest stains may need a specialized cleaning from local dealers where they use machines.
Wrapping Up!
Cleaning the bowling ball is a task for every bowler, whether occasional or a frequent bowler. The benefits of cleaning the ball are tremendous as they impact the performance.
Many players tend to overlook the duty to clean their balls and then get surprised when the behavior deteriorates.
There are many cleaners on the market but I have chosen the 5 superior ones. The bases of my choice are the performance, USBC approval, and the affordability.
I realized that bowling balls are expensive, so one needs to look for cost-effective cleaners without compromising the quality thereof. What matters is the quality chemical composition of the cleaner.
To aid you in your purchases, I have also discussed the buyer’s guide, especially the important things to consider when purchasing the cleaners. After this guide, I am convinced that you will be in a better position to choose the right ball cleaner.
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