Wipe your ball with a clean microfiber towel after every shot, and clean it with an approved ball cleaner after each session. Deep oil extraction and abrasive surface changes are separate maintenance jobs with model-specific instructions. USBC says the ball's surface cannot be altered during competition, so handle sanding and polishing before or after play.
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.
When deeper maintenance is due
Cleaning after a session is not the same as drawing absorbed oil from a reactive coverstock or restoring a worn finish. Schedules differ by model, so use the ball maker’s care instructions. See our guides to oil extraction options and surface pad grit and rules before choosing either service.
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.
Sources
Common questions
Can I clean my bowling ball during league?
Use a dry towel during USBC-certified competition. If a substance cannot be removed with a dry towel, the current USBC equipment manual says to ask an event official before using an approved liquid cleaner.
How often should I resurface a bowling ball?
Follow the maintenance instructions for the exact ball and finish. Our [surface-pad guide](/guides/bowling-ball-surface-pads-grit-and-rules) explains why schedules and grit sequences vary by model.
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.