A good throw depends on the bowler's skill, but also on the state of the kit. A ball with greasy finger holes slips from the hand, dirt on the surface changes its path, and a bag with a sticking zip lets you down at the worst moment.
Regular care extends the life of balls, bags and shoes, and it matters to players and bowling centre owners alike. Below is a simple routine that takes a few minutes after a series of games.
What you will need
Important: Never apply lubricants to the rolling surface of the ball and do not spray near the lanes: the film changes how the ball grips the lane and contaminates the lane surface. Clean the ball surface only with products recommended by the ball manufacturer.
Step 1
Clean the finger holes
Sweat, talc and leftover tape adhesive build up in the holes and make your grip inconsistent. Spray a little WD-40 Multi-Use onto a microfibre cloth, not onto the ball, and wipe the inside of the holes.
Follow straight away with a second dry cloth to remove any residue. The holes should end up clean and dry.
Step 2
Wipe the ball after every series
The longer a ball goes uncleaned, the more lane oil it absorbs and the harder that oil is to remove. After each series wipe the surface with a clean microfibre cloth, using ball cleaner when needed.
During play you can wipe the ball with a dry cloth between throws.
Step 3
Lubricate the bag zip
A bowling bag zip works under the weight of the balls and wears quickly. Treat a metal zip with WD-40 Multi-Use and a plastic one preferably with WD-40 Specialist Silicone, applying it along the teeth and on the slider.
Wipe off the excess with a dry cloth so it does not mark the fabric or the balls inside, then open and close the zip several times.
Step 4
Service the wheels and handle
Roller bags pick up dust and snow outdoors. Use the precision straw of WD-40 Smart Straw on the wheel axles and telescopic handle, then spin the wheels and extend the handle a few times.
It stops squeaks, drives out moisture after rain and protects metal parts from rust.
Step 5
Look after the centre's equipment
Bowling centre owners should regularly check locker locks, door hinges and metal ball racks. Treat squeaky hinges and stiff locks with WD-40 Smart Straw and wipe off the excess.
Do this outside opening hours and well away from the lanes.
Step 6
Store the balls properly
Do not leave balls in the car boot: winter frost and summer heat can cause cracks. Keep them in their bag at room temperature.
Make sure the balls are clean and dry before they go back into the bag.
Tip: Keep one cloth in the bag for the finger holes and a separate one for the ball surface. That way residue from the holes never reaches the rolling surface.
What next
Clean the holes and surface after every series, and service the bag zip and wheels every month or two. For other squeaky odds and ends at home, keep WD-40 Multi-Use within reach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».