Dead Ball, got out the Heat Lamp...

[ArtVandelay]

You got it! It has to be a top loader, obviously. On some models there is a cone on top of the agitator that holds fabric softener. That is usually easily removed simply by pulling on it. This might leave a larger hole that the ball can sit on. Now you need to jimmy the lid switch so the washer will run on the spin cycle with the lid open. In the case of my Speed Queen (best top loader you can buy, by the way) it requires a bungee cord from a lever to the bottom of the machine in the back. My last machine just needed a screwdriver jammed into the switch. No I didn't ruin the last one by spinning balls on it. A full wet load of laundry weighs more than 15 lbs.

Now, my Speed Queen has a pretty small hole to set the ball on. It WILL sometimes fall off, but the ball doesn't take off like a rocket or anything. It just gets stuck on the top and I can shut off the machine and remove it. To keep it balanced, I put the PSA either straight up or straight down. The PSA is usually close to the thumb hole, so thumb hole up or thumb hole down. The ball will jiggle a bit until it balances itself. Once up to full RPM the ball is surprising stable.

Then I take a hairdryer and just keep it moving. When the ball is shiny with oil, I spray degreaser on it and let centrifugal force throw it off. Then I use a cloth to wipe it off. Then repeat. Then do the other side.

Try it at your own risk. I am not responsible for your results. Obviously a machine turning at 1000 RPM has the potential for physical danger.

I don't see this ending well for me...

I just put it in the drier on high for about 30 minutes. Works like a charm!

[aussiedave]

We are remodelling one of our bathrooms. I filled the tub, used Dawn and soaked five balls at a time. Was very time efficient and was OK seeing as the tub was dirty from the reno.

Does it matter if the holes get filled with water? I'm thinking that the ball might expand from water absorption?
ad.

[Perrin]

I run mine through a light wash cycle of the dishwasher. comes out great.

[TCJ]

How does this work with finger and thumb inserts in the bowling ball? Can you just dunk the whole thing in, grips and all?

[J Anderson]

How does this work with finger and thumb inserts in the bowling ball? Can you just dunk the whole thing in, grips and all?

The glue used on the grips is not affected by water, and even if it were, the grips could easily be re-glued if they came out. I think that heat might break the bond , but the temperature at which that happens is so high you'd have much worse problems than loose finger grips.

[GoodGravy]

I am quickly finding that the hot water soak with a little bit of de-greaser soap works great. I get out 5 gal bucket, fill it with hot water (about 110-115 according to my temp guage), drop the ball in there, let it soak for about 20-30 mins, pull it out, rinse it off, get fresh hot water and dunk it again for another few minutes (20 or so), pull it out, rinse it off and let it dry overnight.

Quick, easy, cheap and I don't have to worry about the ball cracking under direct heat.