Contents
- 1. Storm Bowling Products Reacta Foam Bowling Ball Cleaner – 8oz
- 2. Pyramid bowlingball.com Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner
- 3. Bowlingballfactory.com Ultra Tac Remove All Bowling Ball Cleaner – 8 fl oz
- 4. Bowlingball.com Bowling Basics Kit
- 5. MOTIV Power Gel Clean
- 6. Bowlingball.com Washable Giant Microfiber Bowling Ball Polisher Cleaner See Saw
- 7. Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner- 8 Ounce
- 8. Ebonite Power Wash Ball Cleaner, 5 Oz.
- 9. Storm Reacta Wipe Ball Cleaner Wipes
- 10. Motiv Bowling Response Bowling Ball Cleaning Wipes
- Bowling Ball Cleaner Selection Tips
- Bowling Ball Cleaner Price
- Top Bowling Ball Cleaner Brands
- Questions and Answers
Shopping for a bowling ball cleaner might not seem like the most important thing in the world, but it is definitely not something to overlook. Many casual bowlers do not understand just how much a good cleaner can make a difference. Not only is it going to provide more consistency, but it is also going to increase the durability and lifespan of a ball in general.
There are a number of solutions out there for people who are looking for the perfect type of cleaner. With that being said, a few options online stand out above the rest. Here is a look at the top bowling ball cleaners right now available for purchase.
1. Storm Bowling Products Reacta Foam Bowling Ball Cleaner – 8oz
Reacta Foam is a good starting point for a lot of people looking to keep their bowling ball clean. It consistently ranks as one of the best selling options online, and Storm has perfected their solution after years of tinkering.
The foam does a very good job of actually sticking to the ball, allowing for a quick and easy clean. It is designed with reactive balls in mind, but it can really be used as a general ball cleaner if a person wants to.
The dispenser works well, allowing a person to directly put the foam on the ball. This saves a person from wasting too much of the product. The downfall is that the dispenser, if stuck inside a bag, can be prone to leaking or setting off by mistake. So people need to be careful when handling the bottle and throwing it around in a bag.
Pros:
– Excellent for deep cleaning
– Works quickly and effectively
– Foam works better compared to similar liquid options
Cons:
– Bottle leaks a little too easily
– Isn’t the best on belt marks
2. Pyramid bowlingball.com Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner
Belt marks don’t stand much of a chance with the Monster Tac from Pyramid. The liquid comes in a spray bottle, and a person can use it every single day if they want to keep their balls looking great.
The USBC approved cleaner is safe for all bowling balls as a general cleaner. It might not deliver a truly deep clean, but if a person stays on top of minor cleans on a regular basis, a deep clean won’t be needed as much.
Getting the 4 ounce option won’t last all that long, but they also sell a 32 ounce bottle. Some people have complained about the durability of the bottle, but other than that the cleaner pretty much works as expected.
Pros:
– Works on all types of balls
– Good value when purchased in bulk
– Approved by the USBC
Cons:
– Bottle is not that durable for continued use
– Does not have the ability to deliver a deep clean
3. Bowlingballfactory.com Ultra Tac Remove All Bowling Ball Cleaner – 8 fl oz
This cleaner shares a lot of similarities with the previous one, and the pricing is pretty much the same as well. People should be able to get a lot of uses out of this, and the ball looks as it should after using a little bit each time.
There is a little bit more tack using this cleaner compared to Monster Tac. It isn’t that noticeable, but it is something to consider if a person is complaining about that. Balls can get dirty in a hurry, so having tack on some of the dirtier lanes will definitely make a difference.
Pros:
– Provides solid amount of tack
– Lasts for a long time
– Minimal leakage
Cons:
– Smell can be a little harsh
– Does not have the ability to deliver a deep clean
4. Bowlingball.com Bowling Basics Kit
Instead of just a cleaner, some people might be looking for an entire kit. A kit will be able to handle a bunch of different things that will make a bowling ball act as it should.
This kit in particular includes hey ball cleaner, a pad for cleaner application and a grip ball. All three of these things can combine to provide quite a bit of value for a good price.
The cleaner does a good job dealing with general Lane debris and Bell Marks. The pad is pretty good quality, allowing for easy application so that the cleaner does not come in contact with a person’s skin. The grip ball definitely works for those people who might have sweating issues when they are playing.
For under $15, it is hard to argue with this kit in particular. It is a great way to pretty much figure out what works and what doesn’t work for an individual. It’s an excellent option for people just making their first purchase to clean a ball.
Pros:
– Provides three different items for the price of one
– Pad and ball are very durable
– No messy clean up
Cons:
– Cleaner doesn’t last as long
– Some people might not need all three things when purchasing
5. MOTIV Power Gel Clean
A gel can actually differ quite a bit from what is offered by a lot of other companies. With just a little bit of extra bulk, this gel is easier to keep on the ball before it is rubbed and he used completely.
The gel is going to provide a little bit of a deeper clean if the person needs it. It also works as a very valuable cleaner before every single play. It is a big reason why it is one of the most highly regarded cleaning options for people to consider.
Unlike a lot of the other options, many people find the smell to actually be pretty tolerable. It smells a little bit like oranges, which is much better than smelling chemicals on the ball at all times.
Pros:
– Gel holds form better
– Can be used as a deep cleaner or a standard cleaner
– Has a pleasant orange smell
Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than other options
– Somewhat easy to be wasteful by using too much
6. Bowlingball.com Washable Giant Microfiber Bowling Ball Polisher Cleaner See Saw
A ball is only going to stay clean with the right type of cleaning materials. While a lot of people focus on the actual cleaner itself, it actually takes a very good microfiber cloth to keep things smooth as well. This is where this seesaw option from Bowlingball.com comes into play.
It looks somewhat like a hammock for a ball, but the giant size does come in handy for people who wants a complete coverage. It can actually hold even the heaviest bowling balls, and microfiber never really it Is compromised at all.
If the cloth gets dirty itself, it is 100% washable. For under $10, this is a true essential for people to have in their bag.
Pros:
– Holds up the 7x its weight
– Microfiber is high quality
– Washable
Cons:
– Needs regularly cleaned itself
– Wears out after heavy, continued use
7. Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner- 8 Ounce
Having a versatile cleaner can be very valuable for any type of bowler. Tac Up can basically do a little bit of everything for those people who want to take great care of their ball. Not only does it help with removal after every shot, but it can be used as a deep cleaner as well.
The biodegradable formula does a great job of keeping and even restoring the natural tack that a ball might have. Keeping a ball looking as good as new and playing very well is going to really be beneficial for players of any skill level.
It is even safe to use in a ball spinning system at a local alley. Just apply the right amount and wait a few seconds before letting it go.
Pros:
– Bio-degradable
– Can be used after every single ball
– Restores the finish of a ball
Cons:
– Smell can be off-putting for some
– Expensive
8. Ebonite Power Wash Ball Cleaner, 5 Oz.
There are pretty much two defining factors of the Ebonite Power Wash ball cleaner, and neither one has to do with the actual performance. Although it is a very dependable cleaner, so are many other options in this list.
The first thing is that it is made in the United States. For some people, that is a major selling point because they feel like they are supporting local businesses to the country. Another difference is that they try to do something about the chemical smell so many other cleaners have. The spray is something that smells like apples, and the pleasant smell makes it easier to use on a consistent basis.
The cleaner itself does everything right, and the formula even helps with backend motion. It’s a good overall spray that people will not be ashamed to use out in public.
Pros:
– Dependable cleaner for any issues
– Made in the USA
– Smells like apples
Cons:
– More cleaner is need any compared to competitors for same results
– Can cause skin irritation if not used properly
9. Storm Reacta Wipe Ball Cleaner Wipes
To round out this list, two different types of cleaning wipes are looked at. While they are not extremely popular for people to use, more and more like the convenience factor. This is the more expensive option, but these wipes have a good reputation of working very efficiently.
Not a lot of people are going to be fans of the smell, but they can be properly stored so that it does not spread to the rest of the bag. A wipe is generally going to last for about three or four different balls, but it needs to be used at the same time.
The brand is a major reason why this is a little bit more expensive, but honestly, there is not a lot of difference between this and the one listed below. It really comes down to personal preference and what actually works for an individual.
Pros:
– Very convenient to use
– Comes in a resealable package
– One wipe can be used for three or four different balls
Cons:
– Smell is very strong
– Pricey compared to alternatives
10. Motiv Bowling Response Bowling Ball Cleaning Wipes
There is a lot alike with these wipes, as a total of 20 come in a package for around $10. The wipes do a very good job of keeping a ball clean and ready to be used.
The wipes are not going to provide any type of truly deep clean, but the maintenance of the ball on a consistent basis can just keep the ball movement very smooth.
Since this is a cheaper option, many people will throw these wipes in their bag as an alternative option to a more traditional cleaner. This is something that can work pretty quickly and efficiently if time is pretty limited. Just be aware that the smell will be strong once the package is opened.
Pros:
– Inexpensive solution
– Wipes can handle multiple balls
– Works in seconds
Cons:
– Smell is very strong
– Package doesn’t always seal up properly
Bowling Ball Cleaner Selection Tips
Many people might wonder why a bowling ball would even need a cleaning, outside of a casual wipe from time to time. Frequent and pro bowlers understand the need for a a good bowling ball cleaner as the ball absorbs a lot of the oil from the lanes, making dust and dirt particles cling to the ball easily. When you are selecting a bowling ball cleaner, you don’t need to break the bank, but you will want a good-quality one you can use during and after a game.
USBC Approved Cleaners
If you are bowling competitively, every product you use while participating in a game has to be approved by the United States Bowling Congress. Before you purchase any particular product, ensure it is USBC approved.
Size of the Cleaner Bottle
When it comes time to pack your bowling bag, you will be frustrated if your cleaner is to big or an awkward shape to fit into your bag with all your gear. So think before you buy and keep the bottle size in mind for easy packing and transport.
Cleaner Composition
Cleaners are composed of different ingredients and have different purposes in mind. Many cleaners fulfill the purpose of removing the oil ring from the ball, but still leaving the ball’s grippy texture in tact. These types of cleaners remove the dusty and oily layer from the ball, but they have to be applied regularly and mid-game so that any build-up doesn’t impact the ball’s hook potential.
Bowling Ball Cleaner Price
The aforementioned features will add up to the eventual product’s cost. Many bowling balls come at a fair price, and when you add the bowling bag, shoes, and glove, you can already be looking at a high total. There is no need to add to that expense with a custom-made cleaner for a high price.
When it comes to average cleaner pricing, they are fairly close to one another, and the best cleaners known in the industry are generally fairly priced. The average pricing is, of course, determined by the bottle size you are purchasing. Smaller bottles cost less, but like most things, buying in larger amounts will save you money; then you need to consider how easy the bottle is to fit into your bowling bag and transport it to and from the lanes. Larger bottles can always be purchased for their cost-saving benefits and then be transferred into a smaller bottle for portability.
For the smaller-size products of 4 ozs, these sizes generally are around $30, mid-size at 8 ozs running at $60, and the large size at 32 ozs are getting close to $110 to $130, depending on the brand.
Different Cleaners for Different Players
Now that you’ve done a little research and know some of the key features of the different mixtures, you are likely more prepared to select the ideal product to suit your ball and playing style. What is most important is that you select the one that best suits your ball and game; players using a ball with high hook potential will need a product that won’t strip the ball of its tac, as this will affect the grip. You don’t want any product that will affect the ball’s hook potential.
Top Bowling Ball Cleaner Brands
When it comes to the top cleaner products for your bowling ball, there are many brands to choose from, but that does not mean they are all created equal. Some are designed to keep the ball’s tac in tact, while others are more designed around producing a nice shine.
Brunswick
The Brunswick name will be well known to bowlers. They produce some of the best and most popular bowling balls on the market, so it makes sense that they would also feature a ball-cleaning product. The Brunswick cleaners help wipe excess oil from the ball’s surface and helps keep your ball in the best possible shape. Brunswick cleaners are known to be versatile enough to work on a variety of balls without compromising the tac and maintaining that impressive-looking shine that freshly-polished balls have.
Storm
The Storm name is also well-known within the bowling industry and is the trusted brand of an extensive line of bowling products. Storm cleaners come in a handy and user-friendly foam dispenser. Their foam cleaners can be applied directly to the ball and are designed for efficacy with small amounts so their cleaners last longer, thus each clean is more affordable than other cleaners that accomplish the same results, but by using twice as much product. The Storm cleaners are designed as a one-step cleaner and ball rejuvenator and are ideal for reactive balls. These cleaners will restore the ball’s tacky feeling, allowing players to maintain that perfect hook and grip on their ball.
Monster
Yet but another trusted name in the bowling industry, Monster has an extensive line of cleaners in their arsenal. From tac, gel, foam and shine polish, the Monster products also are available in sizes ranging from 4-to-34 ozs. The larger the bottle, the more you save, and the Monster products are known to keep equipment in the best possible shape and ready for the lanes. Of course, one thing to keep in mind is the size of the bottle and how easily it will fit into your bag for transport to and from the lanes. They are easily applied and if too much is used, they are easy to remove. They come in convenient sizes to easily fit into a variety of bowling bag sizes and are USBC approved. Safe for all bowling balls, the Monster products are known as some of the most versatile and effective on the market.
Neo-Tac
The Neo-Tac cleaner is designed to maintain the ball’s natural hook potential. It safely and easily removes dirt, oil, and any belt marks left behind. It is ideal for a number of ball surfaces: reactive, urethane, plastic, and particle. It cleans away any layers on the ball while keeping its surface in tact. The Neo-Tac cleaner is ideal for balls using medium-to-oily lanes. The Neo-Tac cleaner comes in a one-quart bottle, so fitting it into your bag is a factor to consider.
Questions and Answers
What Can I Use to Clean My Bowling Ball?
Just as in any other sport, maintaining equipment is key to good consistent performance. There are a number of factors that can affect your game, and a bowling ball that is clogged with dirt and oil is one of them. The best way to clean your bowling ball is to invest in a high-quality cleaner and apply it regularly. With an oil-free cloth, you squeeze some of your cleaner onto the cloth, spread it around the ball, and wipe off the excess. Most serious players do this throughout a game so there is no build-up or accumulation of dirt or oil on the ball’s surface that can affect their game.
Can I Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean my Ball?
For those wanting to save some money but still maintain their ball, there is a commonly-used home recipe for ball cleaner using rubbing alcohol. Making your own degreaser involves combining Simple Green, rubbing alcohol, and water in equal parts. Regardless of how much you clean your ball, the coverstock will absorb oil over time. If you find your cleanings are not producing the same results, taking your ball in to a pro bowl shop for a deep clean is highly recommended.
How Do I Keep My Bowling Ball Shiny?
There is nothing like a brand spanking new bowling ball. They are shiny and sleek looking, and that is a look many owners will do their best to maintain throughout its use. One of the best ways to keep that new shiny look is to apply a bowling ball polisher to the ball’s surface. Just like waxing a car to get that ‘new’ look, buffing your ball with a high-quality polish can help keep your ball looking as close to new as possible.
Do Bowling Balls Wear Out?
When you invest good money into a bowling ball, you are likely wanting to know how long it will last. While there is no quick answer regarding a ball’s lifespan as it varies depending upon its brand, quality, and maintenance, there is a fluctuating guideline to consider.
Just like skin, bowling balls have pores. Their coverstock surface will absorb any dirt, particles, debris, or oil that they roll over in the lanes. Regardless of how much you clean your ball throughout and after your games, all balls eventually start to absorb too much into their coverstock, and this is the point where your game will start to be affected. Proper maintenance and deep cleans provided by your local pro bowl shop can greatly increase your ball’s lifespan, but most commonly, a good-quality bowling ball that is regularly maintained and stored at ambient temperatures to avoid core and coverstock cracking will last for around 5-to-10 years.
When it comes to caring for your bowling equipment, adding a good-quality and reputable ball-cleaning product should be an essential part of your arsenal.
