Every shot: wipe it
Keep a microfiber towel on hand and wipe the oil off your ball between shots. Oil buildup over a session dulls reaction; a quick wipe keeps it reading consistently. The cheapest, easiest habit with the biggest payoff. See accessories.
After every session: clean it
Use a proper ball cleaner after each outing to remove the oil that's collected on the surface before it soaks in. Spray, wipe, done. This single habit dramatically extends how long a ball keeps its grip.
Every few months: deep clean
Reactive coverstocks are porous and slowly absorb oil, which dulls grip over time. Periodically remove that absorbed oil — via a careful, manufacturer-approved hot-water bath or a pro-shop oil-extraction service. A ball that's 'lost its hook' is usually just oil-soaked, not worn out. See surface prep.
Periodically: resurface
Lane wear leaves tracks and scratches that change reaction. A pro-shop resurface restores a uniform, fresh surface; combined with oil removal, it can make an old ball react close to new — far cheaper than replacing it.
General care
- Store the ball away from temperature extremes (a hot car can warp or damage it).
- Keep it in a padded bag so it doesn't chip against other balls.
- Don't let it sit dirty between sessions.
A little routine care keeps a reactive ball performing for years.