Why a Little Care Goes a Long Way

Your bowls are precision instruments, not just heavy balls. A tiny chip on the running surface can alter the line of a delivery, and a cracked bowl can fail at the worst moment. In a community club, equipment is shared, loaned and passed between generations. Looking after your bowls and carry bag protects your own game and respects the next player who picks them up. The good news is that a few simple habits take minutes and save money, frustration and uneven results.

Cleaning Your Bowls After Every Session

Wipe your bowls with a soft microfibre cloth before they go back in the bag. This removes green dust, grit and moisture that can scratch the surface. For a deeper clean, use lukewarm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid and a soft sponge. Never use hot water, abrasive pads, bleach or solvents, as these can dull the finish or damage the grip.

• Clean the running surface and the bias side gently.
• Use a soft nail brush or dedicated bowl brush for dimples and grips.
• Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft towel.
• Inspect for chips, cracks, hairline marks or loose grip inserts.

If you spot damage, stop using the bowl and ask your club coach or a reputable bowls retailer for advice. Continuing to play with a damaged bowl can worsen the problem and affect your line.

Deep Cleaning and Restoring the Finish

Every few weeks, or more often on sandy or wet greens, give your bowls a thorough clean. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. Submerge each bowl for a minute or two, then wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid soaking for long periods, as moisture can creep into grips or small cracks.

For stubborn marks, use a purpose-made bowls cleaner or a non-abrasive cream. Do not use silicone polish or furniture wax on the running surface. These can leave a slippery residue that changes how the bowl behaves on the green. After cleaning, dry every bowl completely, including the grip and any dimples. A clean, dry bowl is less likely to pick up grit and more likely to roll true.

Choosing and Maintaining Your Carry Bag

A sturdy carry bag is the first line of defence against chips. Look for individual padded compartments, a reinforced base, water-resistant fabric and strong zips. The bag should hold your bowls snugly without letting them knock together. A shoulder strap and a grab handle make club nights and away matches much easier.

• Empty the bag after every session and shake out grit.
• Wipe the inside and outside with a damp cloth and mild soap.
• Dry the bag thoroughly before storing bowls, ideally away from direct sun.
• Check zips, seams and straps regularly, and repair small faults before they fail.

Never carry other heavy items in the same compartment as your bowls. Keys, tools and water bottles can scratch or chip the surface. If your bag has a separate accessory pocket, use it for cloths, chalk and small tools.

Storage at Home and in the Clubhouse

Store your bowls in a cool, dry place with a stable temperature. Avoid car boots, lofts, sheds and conservatories, where heat and damp can affect the resin and grip. Prolonged high temperatures can soften or warp a bowl, while damp encourages mould and deterioration.

Keep bowls in their carry bag, each in its own compartment, and do not stack heavy objects on top. In the clubhouse, use a ventilated locker rather than a damp corner. If you store bowls for months, clean and dry them first, then check them periodically. A quick inspection each season catches problems early.

Travel, Weather and Match-Day Habits

On match days, pack a small towel, a bowl cloth and a soft brush. Wet or muddy greens transfer grit to your bowls, so wipe them after every few ends. In cold weather, let bowls reach room temperature before play if they have been stored in a cold car. In hot weather, never leave them in direct sunlight or a locked car for long.

When travelling, place the carry bag flat or upright so bowls cannot roll around. Secure it with a seatbelt or wedge it between seats. After the match, clean your bowls before they go back in the bag, even if you are tired. Loan bowls deserve the same care: check them in, wipe them down and report any damage. These habits keep your equipment ready, your club tidy and your game consistent, season after season.