Bowling Ball Cleaners, Legal & Otherwise

[BubbaRay]

Commercial Ball Cleaners/Polishes

Approved Anytime
2EZ2 Strike Bowling Ball Cleaner - 2EZ2 Clean Products
2EZ2 Strike Bowling Ball Clean-N-Shine - 2EZ2 Clean Products
Ace Ball Cleaner - Netmark Industries, Inc.
Alley Catz - GT Graphics
Alley Catz - Saber Tooth
Atomic Ball Cleaner - Atomic Enterprises
Awesome Ball Cleaner
Ball Bite - Pro Packaging Inc.
Ball Buff - Pro Packaging Inc.
Ball Conditioner - Andrejs Sturis
Ball Pre-Cleaner & Stripper - Grecian Attack
Bean's Ball Oil Off Cleaner
Bean's Pro Shop Instant Length ball cleaner
Bean's Pro Shop Magic Dust Premium Bowling ball polish
Beans' Pro Shop Secret Sauce Premium Bowling ball polish
Best Shot - Earth Clean Systems
Best Shot – Future Clean Inc.
Blast – Mark Baker
Bowl Plus SP101 Bowling ball cleaner
Bowling Ball Cleaner - Forrest Enterprises, Inc.
Bowlers Bowling Ball Wipe - Ivancik
Bowler’s Choice – Bowler’s Choice of Michigan, Inc.
Bowler's Edge Ball Cleaner - BTC
Bowler's Edge Reactive Resin Cleaner - BTC
Bowling Ball Spray Cleaner – Strata Products, Inc.
Bowling Ball Speed Shine – Strata Products, Inc.
Brand X - Brand X Distributor
Captain Bob's X-12 Bowling Ball Cleaner
Cherry Cleaner - Ballshield
Clean Shot - Earth Clean Systems
Clean Shot Reactive Ball Cleaner - Earth Clean Systems
Cleaner/Rejuvenate - B.D.S.
Control No. 24 – Neo Technologies
Dan-Mor "Wipe 'n Strike" Bowling Ball cleaner wipes
Dri-Wash 'n Guard - Enviro Tech Intrn'l
Dry Wash Speed Shine - TWS Industries, Inc.
Ebonite Clean N' Dull
Ebonite Energizer
Ebonite Power Wash
Elite-Hydro Cleanser
Extreme Clean - Lane Concepts
Fiber Cleen - Fibers of Kalamazoo, Inc.
High Performance Ball Cleaner #311 – Master Industries
Hook-It - Neo Technologies
Hook-It Plus (Liquid Sandpaper) - Neo Technologies
Hy Hudson Ball Cleaner
Hylite - David Greco
Hy-Tek Reactive Ball Cleaner - Hy-Tek Products
INX Products Reaction
Jiffy I, Jiffy II, - J.F. Forsman
Kegel Repel
Knock Out - Rapid Tac Inc.
Lance Ice Ball Polish/Cleaner - Rip the Rack Pro Shop
Liquid Nitro - Neo Technologies
Magiclean - TCB Products
Mark's Home Brew - Marc Pope
Mega Bite - Storm Products
Moon Shine - Storm Products
Mox – E&L Distributing Inc.
Maz's Ball Klean - David Mahaz
MX Bio Cleaner - Raymond Chemical Co.
Ole Roy's Front 9 Ball Cleaner - Roy Lay
Ole Roy's Second Shift Ball Cleaner - Roy Lay
Oil B Gone - Pro-Tech Ind. Chem.
Oil Magnet - Ballshield
One Grand Products - Liquid Spray Ball Cleaner
Orange Clean Multipurpose Degreaser - Orange Glo International
Perfect Grip - Bowling Concepts
Power Gel Clean - Tech Line
Power House Energizer Cleaner - Ebonite
Print Point Systems - Magic Bowling Wipes
Proacta ShineTM and Proacta CleanTM - Storm Products, Inc.
Pro-Action Ball Cleaner – Gary Rasanen
Pro Bite Ball Cleaner - Pro Bite
Pro Clean - Pro Bowling Products Inc.
Pro-Cleaner - Distribution 2000 Inc.
Pro Edge Products - Wipe-n-Strike
Pro-Grip Reaction Ball Cleaner - Columbia
Pro-Shot - Pro Bowling Products Inc.
Protrac 19 - Proline Sports Products
Quick Clean - LBL Enterprises LLC
Qwik Strike Citrus Gel Bowling Ball Cleaner - BKP
RD3 Formula II – Parklane Research Corp.
Reacta Clean - Storm Products
React-A-Foam - Perfection Products
Reacta Shine - Storm Products
Reactive Cleaner "R" - Innovative Bowling Products
Redd Hott Ball Cleaner – Ronald Gales
Reese Brothers Ball Clean
Reflections – E&L Distributing Inc.
Ren Boll - Scandinavian Sport Supply
Renew-It - Neotac/New Technologies
Rev-It Cleaner - Today's Solutions
Revive - Kegel
RIP's Motion Potion Ball Cleaner - Rip the Rack Pro Shop
Row-Del Grime Solver
Snap Back – Baldy Products
Spray Master - Master Industries
Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Squeaky Clean Spray Cleaner - The Wax Shop
Sta-Clean - The Pro Stop
Storm Super Shine Polish
Storm Super Concentrate Cleaner
Strike Gold – A.J. Discount Proshop, Rip the Rack Pro Shop
Strike Green – A.J. Discount Proshop, Rip the Rack Pro Shop
Strike It Clean - Bowl Products, Inc.
Strike King - Jim Roberts
Strike-Mor Ball Cleaner - Strike-Mor Pro Shop

Strike Zone - Felix Erickson Company
Striking Ball Cleaner – Louis Cervin, NewKirk, OK
Super Clean - Castrol
Super Cleaner – Don Carter
Sure-Shot Spray Cleaner - Future Clean Inc.
Tacky & Clean - Andrejs Sturis
The Good Stuff - BSE, Inc.
Track Magic Clean N’ Dull - Advanced Polishing Products
Track Magic Reaction Plus - Advanced Polishing Products
Track-Power Wash
U-Clean U-Score - Storm Products
Ultimate Clean - McDonogh Co.
Ultra Ball Cleaner - Ultimate Bowling Products Inc.
U-Turn Reactive Ball Cleaner - Don Breeden
Ultimate Clean Reactive Ball Cleaner - McDonogh Co.
Urethane Cleaner "U" - Innovative Bowling Products
Valentino Bowling Remedy RX
Velocity Wipes Bowling Ball Quick Clean Wipes
X-Power - David Greco
Xtra Clean - Storm Products
Xtra Shine - Storm Products
Xtreme Kleen - GT Innovations
Zapp It - Zapp It Bowling Products
Zapp-It Insta-Grip
Zapp-It Distance
Zap-It Polish & Spray Remover

Not Approved at any time
David Greco Cleaner
Dull It - INX Corp.
Master Ball Cleaner - Master Industries
Strike Power - Veterans Products
SS-25
Ultra Clean - Tenth Frame
Varsol


Solvents and Other Chemicals
Approved Anytime
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl)
CV-88
Jolt Detergent
"Simple Green"
"Windex" window cleaner
Ammonia

Not Approved at any time
Other Alcohols (i.e. Denatured Ethyl Alcohol, etc.)
Acetone (nail polish remover)
"Armor-All"
"Cutex" non-acetone (nail polish remover)
WD-40
Ethers, Esters and Ketone (MEK)
Kerosene, Gasoline, other fuels
Most commercial solvents (Xylol, lacquer thinner, mineral spirits, chloro-form, Methyl Hydrate)


Products Containing Solids or Abrasives
NOTE: APPROVED BEFORE OR AFTER CERTIFIED COMPETITION. ALTHOUGH THEY MAY NOT ALTER THE SURFACE HARDNESS OF A BOWLING BALL, THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CANNOT BE USED DURING USBC CERTIFIED COMPETITION BECAUSE IT WOULD BE IN VIOLATION OF RULE 18. HOWEVER, THESE PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED BEFORE OR AFTER LEAGUE AND/OR TOURNAMENT SESSIONS.

#1 Low % of Abrasives – Don Carter
#2 Course – Don Carter
#3 Medium – Don Carter
#4 Fine – Don Carter
1-Step Reactive Resin Ball Cleaner - Ebonite Intrn'l
2-Step Reactive Resin Ball Cleaner - Ebonite Intrn'l
2001 Pro Roll Bowling Ball Polish - Hi-Temp Products Co.
3M Citrus Base Cleaner
Ball Buff - Pro Packaging
Ball Cleaner & Wax No.III - Grecian Attack
Ball Cleaner & Polish - Pro Shops of America
Ballshield 1000
Ballshield Base Cut & Shine
Bowling Ball Cream Cleaner – Strata Products, Inc.
Brunswick Ball Polish - Brunswick
Brunswick - Rough Buff
Captain Bob's X-12 Bowling Ball Wipes
Clean Right – Baldy Products
Clean Shot – Future Clean Inc.
Control-It - Neotac/Neo Technologies
Cream Cleaner - The Wax Shop
Degree - Columbia
Delayed Reaction Ball Polish - Advanced Polishing Products
Doc's Magic Bowling Ball Elixir
Ebonite Delayed Reaction
Ebonite Magic Shine
Ebonite Reaction Plus
Elite-Performance Polish
Factory Finish High Gloss Polish - Brunswick
Fast Work – Don Carter
Finesse-it II - 3M
Go Long – Don Carter
Kegel Repel Ball Polish (Matte Finish)
Kegel Repel Ball Polish (Medium Gloss)
Kegel Repel Ball Polish (High Gloss)
Khameleon - Neo Technologies
Lane Ice - A.J. Discount Proshop Inc.
Naturoll Finish Ball Polish – Life Time Solutions
NeoTechnologies - 100% Natural
One Grand Products, Inc. - Cream Ball Cleaner, Ball Polish
Orange Power Spray & Wipe - Steel Fingers Bowling Products
Perfect-it II - 3M
Power House Extender Polish - Ebonite
Power House Factory Finish Polish - Ebonite
Power House Quick Sand - Ebonite
Power House Particle Polish - Ebonite
Pro Finish Step 1 - Storm Products
Pro Finish Step 2 - Storm Products
Pro Finish Step 3 - Storm Products
Pro-Grip - DBA Products
Reaction Control System Cleaner - Ebonite
Reactivation - AMF
Reactive Resin Finish Polish - Ebonite Intrn'l
Repel Ball Polish - Kegel
Restore-It - Neo Technologies
Rev-It Polish - Today's Solutions
Scotch Brite Scouring Pad
Scrubbing Bubbles - Johnson & Johnson
SD-20 – Spartan Chemical Co.
Super Cherry - Ballshield
Sure-Shot Polish - Future Clean Inc.
Track-Clean-n-Tacky
Ultimate Plus Polish Cleaner - Ultimate Bowling Products Inc.
Zapp-It Soft Touch
Zapp-It Resinator


NOTE
"The manual application of any lane oil to a bowling ball by a bowler during certified competition is prohibited"

[5chmitty]

why is acetone on the list of not allowed. the only reason i ask is because my dad can get it for nothing at work and has used it a few times, so i need an explaination why i need to yell at him for it:D

[TenPinSniper]

Acetone is a strong solvent. The thought behind not using acetone is that it will alter or melt the pores of the cover, which will cause the ball to lose hook.

However, I would like to know if this is the reason the USBC has this product banned or if it's something else.

[BubbaRay]

some of the unaaproved such as acetone will soften the cover also which will make the ball illegal.

[Stampy79]

Yes, Acetone is a great cleaner, but it will cause a chemical reaction on a reactive or even a urethane ball. This alone makes it illegal, but if I am not mistaken, the main reason they outlawed acetone is due to its highly flammable nature. It was at one time said that they were trying to ban it all together (make it illegal to even have in a bowling center) so as to not have a flammable source around or in the centers. I believe I am correct in this statement, maybe Bubba can verify it for me.

[BubbaRay]

Hi Stampy good to see you buddy. And yes you are correct that was the main reason.

whew! now I canb add to this. Stampy you are right . I know in some states you are not allowed to have highly flamable materials indoors and if you do you need special permits to house them. Although some of the porducts on the list are still flamable they are not as highly flamable as acetone.

[Rowdy]

Stampy is right. After some centers burned to the ground in the early 70's it was discovered that all the fires were fed by large amounts of acetone stored in the center.Start with an acetone fed fire and let it get to those laquered wood lanes and you'll get a really nice bonfire going. Insurance companies stepped in and wouldn't write policy's for the bowling centers unless they got rid of all of the acetone exept for a small amount needed in the pro shop. It's easier to put out a gallon of acetone than 10 fifty gallon drums of the stuff. I used to be a fireman back then and it wasn't unusual for a bowling alley to have 500 GALLONS of acetone laying around the place back then. They used it for a bunch of different things. I watched one house strip the oil off 36 lanes with acetone and there wasn't one no smoking sign to be seen! It's a wonder that place didn't burn down that night.

[slap]

Is that the current list? There are a few products missing...

[BubbaRay]

Is that the current list? There are a few products missing...

It's updated now slap.

[slap]

It's updated now slap.

Thanks. I know a few guys on this board use Bean's polish and they might have freaked out if it wasn't on the list.

[TenPinSniper]

I noticed that Beans, missing specifically. Figured it was a old list... no big deal. Anybody who freakish about there cleaning should already know how to find the list on bowl.com.

If you need to know how to find the list here you go.

-Go to www.bowl.com (http://www.bowl.com)
-go down to depatments, click on equipment and specifications, on the left hand side.
-on the right hand side of this page click on approved products.
-from the list click on Acceptable/Non-Acceptable Ball Cleaners (http://www.bowl.com/specs/ballCleaner.aspx).
http://www.bowl.com/specs/ballCleaner.aspx

[tjb0621]

How come I don't see "Rowdys secret sauce" cleaner listed?:D

[Rowdy]

Just use "non-acetone" nail polish remover or lacqeur thinner like some of the other guys. That'll take care of your ball.

[WGraphics]

I heard a couple guys are using "Mean Green Super Strength" to clean their Hammer equipment. Would this be safe?

[Chicarpenter84]

Not acceptable at any time

Ultra Clean - Tenth Frame


Hey Bubba are you sure about this. This is the only cleaner my Pro Shop carries. Right before my ball goes back into my bag It get cleaned with this stuff. I might have to start getting some else.

[TenPinSniper]

Hey Bubba are you sure about this. This is the only cleaner my Pro Shop carries. Right before my ball goes back into my bag It get cleaned with this stuff. I might have to start getting some else.

I'm positive it's not approved and illegal. See my links above to the USBC Website.

This cleaner is basically Acetone.

[Chicarpenter84]

I'm positive it's not approved and illegal. See my links above to the USBC Website.

This cleaner is basically Acetone.


Thanks I didn't see that and its on the there site. Bubba could you add that link to the 1st one.

I'm going to print that out and show my shop that. That will be the last time I use that cleaner. Will pick up some Energizer cleaner somewhere else. Thats for the help.

[BubbaRay]

Hey Bubba are you sure about this. This is the only cleaner my Pro Shop carries. Right before my ball goes back into my bag It get cleaned with this stuff. I might have to start getting some else.


100% positive that it is not approved for use at any time . It's in the first list on the right side under Not Approved at any time

http://www.bowl.com/specs/ballCleaner.aspx

[Chicarpenter84]

100% positive that it is not approved for use at any time . It's in the first list on the right side under Not Approved at any time

http://www.bowl.com/specs/ballCleaner.aspx


Yup I sent USBC a email and this was the reply

Thank you for your e-mail.

The following link is a list of acceptable cleaners that may be used at any
time and cleaners that may not be used at all. This list also contains
solvents and chemicals that have been submitted for approval as well.

Ultra Clean 10th frame is a non acceptable item at anytime. Typically the
reason for this is that it is a cleaner or chemical that has been found to
soften the surface of the ball. A bowling balls surface may not be altered
from its original state.

http://www.bowl.com/specs/ballCleaner.aspx


Feel free to contact us should you have additional questions regarding this
matter by replying to this e-mail.

Sincerely,

Tim Robben
Senior Rules Counselor
USBC Rules Dept.
Tim.Robben@bowl.com
Visit www.bowl.com
Bowl with US

Im shocked that my shop I should say old pro shop carries that product. I have a whole other issue with my ball drillings from him to that I just found out today from a new shop but thats another story.

Thanks

[BubbaRay]

Sounds like you have had problems with tht pro shop before. I am wondering why he would use something that may be harmful to the surface of the ball also. Although it is illegal to use, before or after competition, it isn't illegal to sell.

[Chicarpenter84]

Although it is illegal to use, before or after competition, it isn't illegal to sell.

Yea you would think a Shop would atleast do the homework on the products they sell.

[Da Hamma]

Why isn't Lane Masters Renegade on the usable list? I wrote about this cleaner on a thread last year sometime whereas I could not find in the state of Hawaii...I found a pro-shop here in Arizona, Impact bowling tha sells it...:confused:

[Gates]

I'm curious as to why I can't seem to find Brunswick's Remove-All Ball cleaner on this list. Is it banned as well?

[ky hammer]

:D just use powerhouse products and your lives will be much less stressful.

[pipes]

I forget his name but they use to use that stuf to make the ball they called if I remember right the SOAKER. Some guy won a few PBA titles with it and then because of the flamable thing it was banned. Thou my memmory is bad and it may of been a different chemical. But the idea was to soften the old rubber ball covers to gain traction .

[pba6285]

Don McCune used MEK for his soaker.

[steelr43]

I've been usig Ole' Roy's Front 9. Good stuff, leaves the ball tacky.

[Rowdy]

I forget his name but they use to use that stuf to make the ball they called if I remember right the SOAKER. Some guy won a few PBA titles with it and then because of the flamable thing it was banned. Thou my memmory is bad and it may of been a different chemical. But the idea was to soften the old rubber ball covers to gain traction .

It did,but you couldn't smoke anywhere near the ball for about an hour after it came out of the bucket. And for about 4 years "soaker" balls were all the rage. I can remember working in a pro shop as a teenager and we had 25 balls soaking at one time. The fumes alone would damn near kill you.