If you wonder why your bowling ball scores are not increasing despite your maximum efforts, the reason can be that the ball holes have turned greasy. It might sound like not much of a big issue. But, it can affect your game performance a lot.
It’s the right time to give your bowling ball finger holes the cleaning it deserves. But, you might want to inquire, how can you do it?
You can clean the bowling ball finger hole by wiping it thoroughly with a microfiber towel. Alcohol-based or bowling ball-specific wipes also help in removing all the gunk. If you play on oily lanes, a ball cleaner can prove handy in getting rid of all the oil buildup inside the finger holes. Avoid the usage of corrosive detergents and cleaners as they can cause more damage than good.
Now that it is clear that you can clean the bowling ball holes, you also should know about all the necessary safety precautions to take. Bowling balls are expensive, and you cannot risk ruining them.
Is It A Good Idea To Clean Bowling Ball Holes?
Bowling ball is an engaging sport to play in your spare time. Sometimes it can get challenging to keep the game going if you have a bowling ball with dirty finger holes. It is a struggle to maintain a firm grip over it due to the discomfort the dirt might be causing.
Cleaning bowling ball inserts can prove helpful as it gets super dirty over time. This buildup of gunk in the tiny holes is often difficult to notice, but they prevent the ball from rolling evenly. So, thorough cleaning of these holes improves your game performance and lessens the irritation sensation.
The Dos And Don’ts Of Cleaning Bowling Ball Finger Holes:
Most often, people neglect that bowling ball finger holes also require cleaning. It becomes even more necessary if they use a heavy coat of oil or dirt on the lane surface. With time, the holes accumulate more and more gunk, and your fingers can get stuck in them.
To overcome this uncomfortable situation, cleaning the bowling ball finger inserts is the way. There are a few do’s and don’ts that you should know for making the process much easier.
Avoid Soaking The Entire Bowling Ball:
When it comes to deep cleaning, you might feel the urge to give the whole bowling ball a thorough wash. It is not advisable because if water gets into the finger holes of your ball, it can harm its performance. So, if you plan to clean the entire ball, tape the finger holes to avoid any liquid seeping inside of it.
Apply the tape over the holes directly and smooth it out with the assistance of your fingers. Make it as flat as possible so that there are no gaps in the tape. You can also use an additional water-proof tape piece for the holes to ensure no water gets in. This step is necessary to prevent damage to the bowling ball finger inserts.
Use A Dry Microfiber Towel:
The best way to give a quick clean to the bowling ball finger holes is with the help of a dry, lint-free microfiber towel. You can use your finger to insert the towel inside the holes with solid force. Slowly swirl the towel around the depth of the insert and wipe all the sides. Continue doing the same process with each hole, do not forget to wipe the rim as well.
While picking a microfiber towel, it is crucial to inspect it for any traces of oil from previous ball cleaning. If the towel contains a buildup of old oils or cleaning substances, it is better to wash it off before using it for bowling ball hole cleaning.
Ball Cleaners:
If you play regularly on oily lanes, cleaning the bowling ball finger inserts only with a microfiber towel would not be enough. There is much more oil and dirt accumulation inside the holes, and you may require a ball cleaner for better results.
You can easily find many types of ball cleaners in the market designed for the exact purpose. Just squirt a slight amount of the cleaner on the corner of the towel and twist it around the holes. Once you take out the maximum dirt, use the dry corner to ensure all the cleaner is out.
Some people also use rubbing alcohol if they don’t get their hands on a ball cleaner. It also works well in cleaning out the holes. After removing all the gunk, fully dry them for future gameplay. Also, you can try adding the baby powder to your hands before the game, and it will give you a better grip on the ball.
Harsh Detergents Are A Big No:
Dishwasher or dish soap detergents do a decent job of removing dirt from the bowling ball surface. However, it is never advisable to use them for cleaning the finger holes. They are composed of harsh chemicals that can prove harmful to the ball finger inserts.
Similarly, never clean a urethane bowling ball with chemical solvents like acetone. It is better to avoid the usage of corrosive or abrasive cleaner for these holes as they are not specifically for bowling balls.
How often should you clean bowling ball finger holes?
It is an undeniable fact the bowlers have to keep the bowling ball clean and polished. However, how often you should perform the cleaning task depends upon various factors. If you play the sport regularly, there are more chances of dirt building up inside the ball holes. In such a case, you need to wipe them now and then to keep the holes oil and gunk free.
Secondly, if you play on oily lanes, you need to clean the bowling ball inserts before playing. If you skip it, you may hurt your fingers as the gunk inside it can cause severe irritation. Ideally, you can clean the ball at least after every other game, but it is not a necessity. You can still play the game if you are comfortable holding the ball.
My Conclusion:
To increase your game score, the simple step of cleaning the bowling ball holes can prove very beneficial. When all the excess dirt and oil get removed from the inside, you can slide in the fingers easily and get a better grip. The better the hold on the ball, the excellent the performance as both go hand in hand.
