Safe household alternative to Ball Cleanser?

[billf]

A new ball is a major financial investment for me these days so the last thing I wanted to see was you possibly ruining the reaction of a new ball. If my posts came off as offensive, rude or mean then I apologize. I saw the count down to lauch and didn't want to waste time going into too much detail.

One thing I have read to use that I know does ruin the cover is acetone. First the cover gets hard (great for pin carry) but then a couple of months later gets brittle. I learned that the hard way. The first time I thought it was a bad cover, the second ball made a light bulb go off. At that time I was just divorced and raising my daughter by myself. I couldn't afford a new ball for her nevermind myself. Given she was on the HS bowling team and planned to bowl in college, I went back to my conventional grip ball until I could afford a new one seeing as equipment for her was obviously more important.

Now remarried and having three step-daughters and ten grandchildren, money for bowling supplies is usually scarce. I only use money from tournaments, coaching, etc. to buy new stuff. My hobby pays for itself and my job pays the household bills (usually lol).

[unclemantis]

A new ball is a major financial investment for me these days so the last thing I wanted to see was you possibly ruining the reaction of a new ball. If my posts came off as offensive, rude or mean then I apologize. I saw the count down to lauch and didn't want to waste time going into too much detail.

One thing I have read to use that I know does ruin the cover is acetone. First the cover gets hard (great for pin carry) but then a couple of months later gets brittle. I learned that the hard way. The first time I thought it was a bad cover, the second ball made a light bulb go off. At that time I was just divorced and raising my daughter by myself. I couldn't afford a new ball for her nevermind myself. Given she was on the HS bowling team and planned to bowl in college, I went back to my conventional grip ball until I could afford a new one seeing as equipment for her was obviously more important.

Now remarried and having three step-daughters and ten grandchildren, money for bowling supplies is usually scarce. I only use money from tournaments, coaching, etc. to buy new stuff. My hobby pays for itself and my job pays the household bills (usually lol).

You did not come off as rude or harsh. You came off as caring and I appreciate that!

At 9:05 PM the inaugural launch took place. I stood with my right foot on the far left dot and threw the ball over the 3rd and middle arrow on the right side. The ball rotated about 4 to five times and slid most of the way and then hit the back end and rolled hard into the pocket.

STRIKE!!!!!!

OMG it was explosive! it was the most amazing thing I have seen in a LONG time!

I will post videos later. Going to bed now. Just finished a movie with my father.

Thanks again for your help!

I wiped the ball after each shot and at the end wiped it down very well. I didn't use any solution this time. I did notice that the vending machine was selling the ball cleaner for $10. I am still waiting for a check in the mail so until then I will just wipe it down very well.

[scottymoney]

I have used a ball cleaner that my pro shop sells as well as simple green. I haven't noticed much of a difference between the 2. Both have been good at removing the garbage off the ball as soon as I was done. The cleaner I bought from the pro shop was their own brand they have made for them. I guess you could say he gave it to me for free as I got my new ball drilled and asked him what he recommended, he didn't charge me for it. Since then I have seen many of the guys on my league night using the same stuff, so he either pushes it hard or it works.

[Zothen]

I use a mix of 50%-50% 90% rubbing alcohol/simple green or i'll use Tac up.

Zothen

[v33dubfox]

I use Simple Green as engine degreaser...

[unclemantis]

Well I busted out the alcohol and Put some on a clean microfiber towel and ran it across the track on my ball and some diet did come off.

I am still big sure why my pro told me not to use this stuff and told me to just wipe with a towel after each shot and each session and then have it deoiled once a year. I have the care and feeding instructions from hammer and they say something completely different..

I am very confused

[unclemantis]

Found something else

http://www.morichbowling.com/Education/Cleaning.aspx

I just don't want to ruin my ball over a long term

[unclemantis]

This one mentions not to use alcohol!

shop.bowlersparadise.com/bowling-ball-maintenance-tips.aspx

[unclemantis]

I am lost. I just emailed hammer.

[unclemantis]

I just got an email back from Jesse James, a technical advisor at Hammer and he told me to clean the ball as directed on their website. I told him about my pro saying not to use Alcohol. He said this was correct.

I also got an email from pro who is on vacation and he said not to use alcohol but he said nothing about NOT using any other approved Hammer methods.

I guess I just didn't understand the whole story.