You may have asked yourself: “Why are bowling balls scented?” If so, this article will answer all of those questions, as well as those that may be on your mind. We’ll also explore how scented balls are sanitized, whether bowling alleys actually clean the ball holes, and how long they last. Ultimately, you’ll be able to make the best decision for yourself when it comes to purchasing bowling balls.
why are bowling balls scented?
Scented bowling balls are becoming popular, with nearly half of all PBA bowlers using them. The odor of the balls is designed to confuse opponents, but they actually do not affect performance. The smell is a result of a chemical blend that is added to the urethane container. This increased the surface area of the ball, creating an extra hook. Despite the fact that scented balls don’t affect performance, some bowlers find the scents relaxing and enjoy the experience.
The first scented bowling ball came from a Utah company called Storm Products. The company began manufacturing high-performance bowling balls in the early 1990s. Founder Keith Orton came up with the idea. In 2000, he decided to expand his business by manufacturing scented cleaning products. He began with citrus and green apple fragrances and then introduced other scents as well. The trend was quickly embraced. Now, bowling alleys are full of aromas.
Scented bowling balls were not a popular idea prior to the early 2000s. The concept seems counterintuitive since the smell wears off instantly after bowling, and you need to reapply it every time you play a game. But Bill Chrisman, the founder, and CEO of Storm Bowling Products, saw this potential in scented balls. The smell helps customers associate the bowling alley with a pleasant scent.
The first scented bowling ball came out in 2006. Its creator, Storm, noticed a problem with the product and made an effort to solve it. The company’s CEO commissioned an experiment to test scented balls. The staff member’s wife visited the manufacturing facility to see what was going on. Her wife complained about the smell. That was enough for Storm to order scented balls. The company now has more than one scent, with an assortment of different fragrances to choose from.
How do you sanitize bowling balls?
If you’ve ever wondered how to sanitize bowling balls, you aren’t alone. Many bowlers don’t even realize that they can disinfect their bowling balls! Disinfecting them is a great way to slow the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Plus, it’s a good idea to practice preventative care during cold and flu season. If you want to learn more about this process, read on!
Some people use isopropyl alcohol as a disinfectant. However, this doesn’t work well for bowling balls. It dries out the ball’s surface, which makes it susceptible to cracking and brittleness. Additionally, it’s harmful to performance. Fortunately, there are a variety of commercially-licensed bowling ball disinfectants that can be used safely.
If you don’t want to use biodegradable cleaners, you can also opt for a more natural solution. You can use Monster Tac, which is a universal cleaner that works well on most bowling ball surfaces and is approved by the USBC. It comes in a recyclable plastic spray bottle and only requires a few spritzes. Wipe down with a microfiber towel afterward.
Scented bowling balls are often prone to the smells of bowling alleys. Many bowlers find the smell of their ball offensive. Some even experience physical reactions. This is not surprising considering they tend to position their balls close to their nose while playing. If you’re one of those individuals, you can’t afford to have your ball smell like that! If you’re wondering how to sanitize bowling balls scented, you’ve come to the right place. The experts at Storm Products have compiled a helpful guide to get started.
Do bowling alleys clean the ball holes?
If you are wondering “Do bowling alleys clean the ball holes?” you are not alone. Most alleys are prone to oil and scuff marks. Additionally, the wax on the lanes can affect the performance of your ball. A solution of rubbing alcohol and water can remove these contaminants. Simply wipe down the ball’s surface after each game to remove any traces of dirt. Avoid soaking the ball in alcohol for long periods of time as it can damage the surface of the ball.
Oiling the ball holes regularly is important for all lanes. Oils from the lane cleaner can damage the ball. If you step past the foul line while bowling, you can risk damaging the lane. A quality bowling alley will clean the lanes every day. If you have a question like “Do bowling alleys clean the ball holes?”, here is the answer to your question:
Aside from maintaining a clean environment, bowling alleys also require their players to wear bowling shoes. Bowling shoes are necessary for safety reasons. The rubber on the bottoms of the shoes prevents players from sliding. Bowling alleys will have plenty of shoes for players of all ages and skill levels. A lot of avid bowlers also bring their own shoes to the alley to ensure they are comfortable and fit properly.
how long do scented bowling balls last?
Bowling balls are usually purchased for a variety of reasons. Most are determined by a bowler’s axis rotation, level of experience, or lane conditions. But Bill Chrisman, CEO of Storm Products, has found that adding a scent to a ball helps it carry further in the market. After four years, scented balls have become one of the most popular types of balls on the market.
While some companies claim scented bowling balls improve performance, Storm Bowling Products has not done a formal study of these claims. It has been discovered that scents have an impact on brain activity. They may soothe the mood or be distracting depending on the individual’s reaction to the scent. However, it is difficult to say whether or not scents actually affect performance. As long as a bowling ball is properly maintained and cleaned, it will stay smelling great for years.
The main difference between scented and unscented balls is the odor. Most scented balls cannot be smelled until two to three inches away from your nose. Others may have more intense smells. If you are a regular bowler, the smell may not be noticeable. The company is also looking into introducing scented bowling balls to increase sales. However, in the meantime, if you want to have a ball that’s scented, you may want to purchase a different one.
The scents that come in scented bowling balls are produced by the Storm corporation. In 1991, Storm bowling balls were used by TeamUSA in the Pan-American Games in Cuba. TeamUSA won a gold medal in the bowling competition. The scent of the Storm balls also freshens up cars and locker rooms. And while this product is not as popular as the scented ones, it’s still a popular option for many bowlers.
Do bowling alleys sanitize the balls?
Most bowling alleys sanitize their balls is to eliminate the chance of germs spreading throughout the facility. All alley employees wear masks and latex gloves. Staff also cleans all bowling alley surfaces and areas after every group of bowlers. In addition, the staff is required to wash house balls and finger holes. Temperature checks are performed twice per shift, and staff has plastic shields at every point of contact with bowling balls.
New bowling centers, built after 1993, have a 5-step sanitization process built into the facility. The process begins with the ball’s collection in the pit and continues throughout its travel. In addition to cleaning the ball, bowling alleys use dual fingerhole brushes coated with 91% isopropyl alcohol. However, fancy centers use 99% isopropyl alcohol.
Oil and wax from lanes may affect the performance of your ball. Using rubbing alcohol to remove oil and dirt from the surface of your ball will effectively remove these contaminants. Simply wet a microfiber cloth or towel with alcohol and wipe down the entire surface of the ball. Don’t soak your ball in alcohol for long periods of time. The alcohol may cause your ball to scratch the floor.
