A set of lawn bowls is more than just equipment; it's a trusted partner on the green. I’ve had my favourite set for years, and I can tell you, they’ve seen it all—scorching sun, unexpected downpours, and more than a few tense matches! And just like any good partner, they need a bit of care to perform at their best.
Taking care of your bowls isn't just about keeping them looking smart; it’s about ensuring they run true, feel right in your hand, and last for many seasons to come. A well-maintained bowl is a consistent bowl. Luckily, it’s not a difficult job! With just a few simple habits, you can protect your investment and keep your bowls in championship condition. Let’s walk through the essential steps.
Daily Care: The After-Play Ritual
This is the single most important habit you can develop. A quick clean after every single game, whether it's a friendly roll-up or a competitive match, will prevent dirt and grit from causing long-term damage.
Think of it this way: you wouldn't put your muddy football boots straight back in the bag, would you? Your bowls deserve the same respect!
Your 2-Minute Post-Game Checklist:
- Wipe Down: Use a soft, damp cloth or a dedicated bowl towel to wipe away any grass, mud, or sand from the surface of each bowl.
- Dry Thoroughly: Immediately dry the bowls with a separate dry cloth. This is crucial, as leaving them wet can affect the surface over time and make them slippery next time you play.
- Inspect for Damage: Give each bowl a quick once-over to check for any new, deep scratches or chips. Catching these early is always a good idea.
- Store Properly: Place them carefully back into your bowls bag or case. Don't just toss them in!
This simple routine takes almost no time but makes a world of difference to the lifespan and performance of your set.
The Deep Clean: Getting Your Bowls Gleaming
Every few weeks, or especially when transitioning between indoor and outdoor seasons, it’s a great idea to give your bowls a more thorough clean. This removes any stubborn marks and built-up residue that a quick wipe might miss.
Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Guide
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a bucket of warm (not hot!) soapy water, a soft cloth, and a dry towel. A mild washing-up liquid is perfectly fine.
- Wash and Rinse: Submerge your bowls in the soapy water and use the soft cloth to gently clean the entire surface, paying special attention to the grip channels where dirt loves to hide. An old, soft toothbrush is brilliant for getting into these grooves.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse each bowl under clean, cool water to remove all soap residue.
- Dry Completely: This step is vital! Dry them meticulously with a soft towel. I often leave mine to air-dry on a towel for an hour or so afterwards, just to be absolutely sure no moisture is left in the grip.
Removing Scuffs and Minor Marks
You’ll inevitably pick up scuff marks from contact with other bowls. For light marks, a gentle rub with your cleaning cloth is often enough. For more stubborn scuffs, a specialised bowl cleaner or polish can work wonders. Apply a small amount to a cloth and buff the affected area gently.
Finishing Touches: Polish and Grip
Once your bowls are clean and dry, you can add the finishing touches that enhance both their look and your feel for the game.
Polishing Your Bowls
A good quality bowl polish or cream does more than just make your bowls shine. It adds a protective layer that helps repel water and dirt, making future cleaning easier. It can also give the bowl a slightly "tacky" feel, which many players find improves their grip.
- Apply a small amount of polish with a clean, soft cloth.
- Buff the entire surface until it gleams.
- Make sure you buff off all the excess, as a sticky bowl can pick up more dirt.
Applying Grip Wax
If you need a bit of extra help holding onto the bowl, especially in wet or very cold conditions, a grip wax is an essential accessory. Products like Grippo are fantastic for this.
- Apply a small amount to your fingertips, not directly onto the bowl.
- This provides a tacky surface on your hands for a secure grip without making the bowl itself sticky.
Long-Term Health: Storage and Maintenance
How you store your bowls is just as important as how you clean them.
Proper Storage
- Cases and Bags: Always store your bowls in a purpose-made bowls carrier or case. The foam dividers prevent the bowls from knocking against each other, which is a primary cause of chips and deep scratches.
- Temperature Control: This is a big one! Never, ever leave your bowls in a car boot, either on a hot summer day or a freezing winter night. Extreme temperature changes can, in very rare cases, cause the composite material to crack. A garage, shed, or cupboard at a stable room temperature is the ideal storage spot.
- Moisture is the Enemy: Ensure your bowls are bone-dry before storing them for any length of time. Storing them while damp, especially in a closed bag, is a recipe for problems.
When to Get Your Bowls Re-Tested
For competitive play, your bowls need to carry a valid World Bowls stamp. This stamp has a date on it and is valid for 10 years from that date. If you plan to play in official tournaments, you must send your bowls to a licensed tester to have them checked and re-stamped before the expiry date.
What to Avoid: The "Don'ts" of Bowl Care
To keep your bowls in perfect condition, please avoid the following at all costs:
- NEVER use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or wire wool. These will permanently scratch and ruin the running surface of your bowl.
- NEVER use strong chemical solvents like acetone, white spirit, or industrial cleaners. They can damage the plastic composite material.
- NEVER leave your bowls exposed to direct, intense heat (e.g., on a radiator or in front of a fire).
- NEVER drop your bowls onto hard surfaces like concrete or paving slabs.
Your bowls are precision instruments. Treat them with a little mechanical sympathy, and they will reward you with years of consistent, reliable performance. Happy bowling!