I've come across a few bowling forums and message boards stating that rubbing alcohol shouldn't be used on bowling balls as a cleaning agent. The reasons stated have ranged from PSO's saying it'll damage the reactive resin balls oil absorption, to it's a solvent that'll dry out a bowling ball and may cause cracking due to the fact a bowling ball never stops curing or something. Any truth or science to these claims?

Honestly I don't see it as a detriment since rubbing alcohol dries so quickly, and the one time I had a bottle of rubbing alcohol spill in my bag and soaked my bowling balls for at least a day until I noticed. The ball didn't react any differently though there was a whitish spot/stain on the ball that later disappeared. It was on the side of the ball sitting over the ball cup where I guess some of the alcohol settled and soaked the ball.

In all the years alcohol has been used to clean bowling balls, there has never been any documented evidence presented that showed alcohol harmed the coverstock in anyway.

Nuff said. No further replies essential.

Quote from: Aloarjr810 on October 07, 2017, 05:57:42 PM

In all the years alcohol has been used to clean bowling balls, there has never been any documented evidence presented that showed alcohol harmed the coverstock in anyway.

Cool. Figured it couldn't do any harm and all the talk was just marketing to sell you an expensive ball cleaner. Thanks!

Nothing beats 91% alcohol at the lanes and diluted simple green (5 parts water to 1 SG) at home or on the spinner at least for me on the conditions I see.  Especially since one after another (but don't mix them in same solution as makes both less effective) they are as effective as the $2 an oz stuff and you can get a gallon of 91 for less than $10 and can get six gallons of SG diluted for $10.  Of course technically its illegal to dilute SG with water (but original full strength is legal at any time, go figure) according to the USBC because well they are stupid bureaucrats so why you use only at home.  The only ball I don't use alcohol on is my epoxy cover stock ball (might even be ok but don't want to risk it as ball is irreplaceable) but that is a one off.

Two guys that I bowl with uses finger nail polish Won't that mess up your ball?

Nail Polish remover which is typically Acetone, is illegal for use at anytime.

And yes over time it will affect the balls coverstock.