BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: MTbowler on February 04, 2014, 12:46:17 PM

Title: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: MTbowler on February 04, 2014, 12:46:17 PM
Does anyone have any recommendations as to the best ball cleaner? Looking for something to wipe my equipment down with after league to help preserve the life of the ball. Ideally, I would like something that is good on all brands of equipment.

All advice is appreciated!
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: MTFD24 on February 04, 2014, 01:09:42 PM
I have used Neo-Tac's Hook-It for a long time now...even when it had a short stint under Big B's label. Excellent and will clean deeper than any other I have tried. There are a couple new "foaming" cleaners that some like, but I haven't tried those yet.

I have proven to many bowlers that either 90% Isopropel Alcohol, and/or their mixtures with Simple Green does not do neatly as good a job as Hoiok-It. I had them clean their equipment with their cleaners, then took new paper towels and cleaned it wit Hook-It and they were amazed at how much more cleaned.

IMHO if you are spending good hard money on bowling balls then spend a few dollars and get a GOOD cleaner FOR the equipment.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: charlest on February 04, 2014, 01:21:49 PM
I have used Neo-Tac's Hook-It for a long time now...even when it had a short stint under Big B's label. Excellent and will clean deeper than any other I have tried. There are a couple new "foaming" cleaners that some like, but I haven't tried those yet.

I have proven to many bowlers that either 90% Isopropel Alcohol, and/or their mixtures with Simple Green does not do neatly as good a job as Hoiok-It. I had them clean their equipment with their cleaners, then took new paper towels and cleaned it wit Hook-It and they were amazed at how much more cleaned.

IMHO if you are spending good hard money on bowling balls then spend a few dollars and get a GOOD cleaner FOR the equipment.

For use at the alleys after bowling, Hook-It is one of the best. Although it has a very strong smell, I'd have to rank Lanemasters cleaners right up there with Hook-It. Hook-It is easier to get; Buddies does carry Lanemasters.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: SVstar34 on February 04, 2014, 01:43:17 PM
I've had good success using Neo-Tac's Liquid Nitro and Ultimate' s Black Magic Rejuvinator
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: don coyote on February 04, 2014, 02:11:34 PM
Remedy RX is a good one, and CAN be used during competitive matches.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: St. Croix on February 04, 2014, 02:42:05 PM
Clean 'n' Dull by Powerhouse Bowling is a good deep cleaner. I use it on polished balls as well as balls with a dull finish. Clean 'n' Dull really does not affect the finish.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Cornfed82 on February 04, 2014, 02:54:22 PM
Lane Masters had I good one (Light Blue color) but Clean N Dull works very well too.. that is what I have been using for a while now...
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: JPbowling151 on February 04, 2014, 04:47:30 PM
As far as deep cleaners go, Powerhouse Clean & Dull, and Neo-tac/Brunswick Hook-it are at the top of the list. Clean & Dull comes as a gel and Hook-it comes as a liquid, the latter has a strong grape like scent but both are very good. I've tried Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner, Power Wash, Lane Masters (strong chemical scent), Black Magic Rejuvenator, Tac Up, and currently Storm Reacta Clean. All very good cleaners that will get the job done but as far as deep cleaning goes, none are more widely accepted than Clean & Dull and Hook-it. Just remember after 60 games or so depending on how much you bowl, the ball will need a resurfacing to maintain the OOB reaction as close as possible.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Metal_rules on February 04, 2014, 06:50:46 PM
I will second and third the Clean and Dull. I have been using it for years. It does the job.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: tommyboy74 on February 04, 2014, 06:57:23 PM
My vote also goes for RemedyRX and Clean and Dull.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: JOE FALCO on February 04, 2014, 07:38:12 PM
I haven't tried all (or even many) but of the few I've used I think BDS sold through bdsbowlingballcareproducts.com is exceptional!
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: suhoney24 on February 05, 2014, 12:18:42 AM
I haven't tried all (or even many) but of the few I've used I think BDS sold through bdsbowlingballcareproducts.com is exceptional!
"We sell only to Pro Shops. Email us and we will tell you where you can purchase our Products"

kinda hard for the average guy to get some...
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: MJH on February 05, 2014, 02:02:52 AM
Ion-S Foam or Spray type best by far chemically and functionality... it's a company out of Japan now in the states, distributed by ABS for overseas and now Offthesheetproshop.com (stateside).
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: bigshaunjohn on February 05, 2014, 09:05:37 AM
My vote is Remedy Rx and Storm's Reacta Skuff.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: lifted rillo on February 05, 2014, 09:19:20 AM
Best everyday bowling ball cleaner is anything from a manufacturer. Storm, Brunswick, Powerhouse, etc. They all work great as a cleaner for after your set. Deep clean HAS to be Clean n Dull. I finally bought into the hype and that stuff is legit.

If you want, mix up your own with simple green, water, and rubbing alcohol. Very cheap and it works great for an everyday cleaner.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: JOE FALCO on February 05, 2014, 10:50:42 AM
I haven't tried all (or even many) but of the few I've used I think BDS sold through bdsbowlingballcareproducts.com is exceptional!
"We sell only to Pro Shops. Email us and we will tell you where you can purchase our Products"

kinda hard for the average guy to get some...
Thanks for that info .. I've been buying from them for years .. I was originally hooked up with them through a Pro Shop .. guess they continue to honor that position .. too bad the ball cleaner is GREAT!
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: freak761 on February 05, 2014, 06:41:39 PM
Hook-It. Clean N Dull close second. Can't go wrong with either one.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Steven on February 05, 2014, 09:56:05 PM
Hook-It. Clean N Dull close second. Can't go wrong with either one.


Nailed it…..
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Long Gone Daddy on February 06, 2014, 05:50:39 PM
Best everyday bowling ball cleaner is anything from a manufacturer. Storm, Brunswick, Powerhouse, etc. They all work great as a cleaner for after your set. Deep clean HAS to be Clean n Dull. I finally bought into the hype and that stuff is legit.

If you want, mix up your own with simple green, water, and rubbing alcohol. Very cheap and it works great for an everyday cleaner.

Smart.  Very smart.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Steven on February 07, 2014, 10:08:28 AM
Best everyday bowling ball cleaner is anything from a manufacturer. Storm, Brunswick, Powerhouse, etc. They all work great as a cleaner for after your set. Deep clean HAS to be Clean n Dull. I finally bought into the hype and that stuff is legit.

If you want, mix up your own with simple green, water, and rubbing alcohol. Very cheap and it works great for an everyday cleaner.

Smart.  Very smart.


As a quick 'everyday cleaner' to freshen up the very top of the cover? Maybe. As a long term solution for minimizing oil saturation? Not so much.


Years ago, my primary cleaners were different F409 and Simple Green solutions. I experimented with different mixes to find an optimal result. No matter what I tried, the Rejuvinator in the pro shop always found oil to extract.


Several years ago, I transitioned to Hook-It and C&D. I've focused far more on Hook-It just because it's easier to use at the alley. These are much stronger formulations that are approved for use only before and after competition. Since switching over, I've found almost no oil extracted in the Rejuvinator or my personal NuBall unit. I now only use my NuBall to help out friends who are too lazy to clean properly. ::)


For anyone who doubts, do your own experimentation.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Long Gone Daddy on February 07, 2014, 07:09:33 PM
Best everyday bowling ball cleaner is anything from a manufacturer. Storm, Brunswick, Powerhouse, etc. They all work great as a cleaner for after your set. Deep clean HAS to be Clean n Dull. I finally bought into the hype and that stuff is legit.

If you want, mix up your own with simple green, water, and rubbing alcohol. Very cheap and it works great for an everyday cleaner.

Smart.  Very smart.

As I said, what is marked in red is smart.  Very smart.  You could spend more, but why?  Nothing works as good.  Control the strength of the cleaner depending on how dirty the lanes you bowl on are.  Don't be fooled by fancy packaging.  Until somebody offers factual evidence that there is a better cleaner continue being smart and making your own. 
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: brooksguru on February 09, 2014, 03:13:48 PM
     Not very smart suggesting a home made cleaner.

     Just drop a couple bucks and get the real stuff that is proven to work.

Best everyday bowling ball cleaner is anything from a manufacturer. Storm, Brunswick, Powerhouse, etc. They all work great as a cleaner for after your set. Deep clean HAS to be Clean n Dull. I finally bought into the hype and that stuff is legit.

If you want, mix up your own with simple green, water, and rubbing alcohol. Very cheap and it works great for an everyday cleaner.

Smart.  Very smart.

As I said, what is marked in red is smart.  Very smart.  You could spend more, but why?  Nothing works as good.  Control the strength of the cleaner depending on how dirty the lanes you bowl on are.  Don't be fooled by fancy packaging.  Until somebody offers factual evidence that there is a better cleaner continue being smart and making your own.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Strapper_Squared on February 09, 2014, 03:40:08 PM
I bought a Black Fri. special package from Valentino Bowling that had a bottle of Remedy cleaner and a polish.  With a little rubbing, this even takes off the belt marks.  I've been pretty happy with the performance.

I used to religiously use the simple green/alcohol/water mixture.  I even would make batches for others I would bowl with...  but always felt that after a period of using, it would leave a residue on the surface...  not sure whether this was true or not, but always felt that way...  Been using Remedy for a little over a year now and surface always feels clean and tacky.

S^2
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: brooksguru on February 09, 2014, 03:51:49 PM
     Excellent post. Too many times people cut corners to save a few nickels and dimes and isn't worth it in the end.

I bought a Black Fri. special package from Valentino Bowling that had a bottle of Remedy cleaner and a polish.  With a little rubbing, this even takes off the belt marks.  I've been pretty happy with the performance.

I used to religiously use the simple green/alcohol/water mixture.  I even would make batches for others I would bowl with...  but always felt that after a period of using, it would leave a residue on the surface...  not sure whether this was true or not, but always felt that way...  Been using Remedy for a little over a year now and surface always feels clean and tacky.

S^2
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: gradilonec on February 12, 2014, 09:41:54 AM
Clean n Dull is great.  Ive also just tried DV8's "damn good hook"  & out of all the ball cleaners i have (around 9) it takes burn marks, etc off the easiest.  Trying to figure out what is in it though.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: lifted rillo on February 12, 2014, 10:42:27 AM
Never said Simple Green/Rubbing Alcohol was all I used. I DO use a deep cleaner about once a month since I'm only bowling one night a week. All I said was it's a good everyday cleaner that will help keep the oil off the cover. There is NO cleaner that will keep ALL of the oil out of the coverstock. I am advocating the use of something during and after you bowl, not what's the best deep  cleaner.

Most of the deep cleaners change the surface more than you want anyway, so do you freshen your surface every time you bowl?

Or do you not clean it at all until you need a deep clean?

Is that what the normal guy would do?

Sounds like some elitist guys don't want to admit that there's two ways to think about this one.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Perfect Approach Pro Shop on February 12, 2014, 11:00:51 AM
I have stocked numerous cleaners in my shop over the years. I personally use remedy RX from Valentino's and is what I use in my shop for clean and polishing. It is my number 1 selling cleaner by far. I also like Ultimate Black Magic Rejuvinator, Storm Reacta Clean and Ebonite Powerwash. Most if my customers preferred the Powerwash until they tried Remedy.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: xrayjay on February 12, 2014, 12:00:28 PM
I've tried almost every brand and I think all of them are good cleaners. It's really up to you what you prefer IMO. I like hook-it, but it stinks. In fact, cleaners that stink I don't use anymore. Plus, hook-it and cleaners like it, you better be using gloves. Or, wash your hands right after you have cleaned out your ball(s)... Trust me, protect your skin..... ;)

Anyway, I use only two cleaners. Remedy RX that's in all my bags, and Clean and Dull at home that use with a vortex (spinner) after "x" number of games.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: milorafferty on February 12, 2014, 12:32:36 PM
At home, I have tried most everything. LMB works the best, but it seems to be harsh on the coverstock(Not to mention it smells pretty bad).

I keep Powerhouse Adrenaline Wipes in my bag. Cleans as well as anything else, very convenient to use and it never spills or leaks in your bag.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Monster Pike on February 12, 2014, 01:36:16 PM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: milorafferty on February 12, 2014, 01:41:12 PM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.

Bleach AND ammonia, that's my fav! The ammonia balances out the harshness of the bleach.  :o :o :o ;D ;D
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: lifted rillo on February 12, 2014, 02:03:17 PM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.

Bleach AND ammonia, that's my fav! The ammonia balances out the harshness of the bleach.  :o :o :o ;D ;D

Cleaning power of ammonia with the whitening power of bleach!
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: JamminJD on February 12, 2014, 02:46:46 PM
Remedy RX and Clean and Dull both good products slight edge to Remedy.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: charlest on February 12, 2014, 04:57:44 PM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.

Bleach AND ammonia, that's my fav! The ammonia balances out the harshness of the bleach.  :o :o :o ;D ;D

I prefer lighter fluid and a Brillo pad .....
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Monster Pike on February 12, 2014, 07:22:02 PM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.

Bleach AND ammonia, that's my fav! The ammonia balances out the harshness of the bleach.  :o :o :o ;D ;D

I prefer lighter fluid and a Brillo pad .....

Yes!  For the Out of Box Mfrs. surface...
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: Hogsharley on February 12, 2014, 08:55:45 PM
I've been using Tac Up lately. I don't know if it's the best out there but it does get the ball clean.
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: jls on February 13, 2014, 10:35:40 AM
LA Awesome...sold by the quart at the Dollar Store... :D

Tac Up...sold in Pro Shops...

Motiv Scuff Gel...sold in Pro Shops...
Title: Re: Best Ball Cleaner?
Post by: St. Croix on February 13, 2014, 11:18:11 AM
I use Clorox bleach... Sometimes mixed with Simple 409 Fantastic... Sometimes just straight... Do it in a closed tight unventilated room... Don't wear gloves either.  Smells not bad yet cleans deep down.  People some times ask me why my nose is curled up & 1 eye is shut... But I just tell them I'm super focused. 

Thanks for reading... Hope this works for your ball.

Bleach AND ammonia, that's my fav! The ammonia balances out the harshness of the bleach.  :o :o :o ;D ;D

I prefer lighter fluid and a Brillo pad .....


LOL; I am trying kerosene and a blowtorch. I will do an impersonation of Mayhem from the Allstate commercials.