Hello,
I've read on another forum that everybody says Track Clean and dull is the best cleaner available for dull bowling balls. I have Ebonite clean and dull, and it does a good job, but not the GREAT job that I'm hearing about the Track Clean and Dull.

The question? Is the Ebonite Clean and Dull different from the Track Clean and Dull??

Thanks,
B

I believe they're the same thing. I've heard it's best when applied with a spinner. Also, as long as it's keeping the surface clean and you aren't noticing any decrease in hook or performance, it's doing its job.

Go to the grocery store and buy a bottle of "Simple Green". It's going to be cheaper and last a lot longer than Clean 'n Dull. Try that and see if you think it's better or at least as good (for a fraction of the price)

Since Ebonite bought out Track, ITS THE SAME PRODUCT

I have a hard time bringing myself to try simple green just because its not made for bowling balls. Myself and many others spend alot of money on equipment and it would be a shame if it alters the coverstock or damages the ball in any way.

As someone who's run a Pro Shop, I can tell you that Simple Green, Formula 409, Greased Lightening, Dawn, Palmolive, or anything similar with grease-cutting agents in it won't harm your bowling ball. If you think the chemicals contained in those products are any more harsh than what you buy in a Pro Shop, you're wrong. I used to use diluted lane stripper when that was available to me, and that did not affect the chemical composition of the cover.

I will agree, though, that the products made specifically for bowling balls have been extensively tested, but in reality, they're no better than what you can get at the grocery store because, well, us bowlers have tested them.

Having run a Pro Shop, what household cleaner would you personally recommend the most?

I'll throw my hat into the ring, backing the use of "Simple Green" and " Greased Lightning". I have used them both and they do a great job, and they are easier on the wallet.

I recommend whatever works for you. The key is to dilute them a bit and use warm water. But really they're all the same - they're all degreasing agents. I will say that Purple Power, Greased Lightning and Simple Green seem to work the best, though.

So its best not to spray directly on the ball and then wipe it off?

It really doesn't matter. I don't dillute it and spray it right on the ball and wipe it off. You can even use simple green during competition.

The stuff that will hurt a ball are solvents like acetone, kerosene, lacquer thinner, etc and it's actually against USBC regulations to use them at any time.

simple green it is!!!

You may want to dilute the "Simple Green" with water since it is a concentrated solution (the container I bought was).

My recipe is ~ 1/3 simple green, 1/3 water, and 1/3 rubbing alcohol. It works better than any cleaner I've ever used especially on a spinner.

What about 1/2 water and 1/2 simple green? When I run out of my current cleaner I intend to use that bottle to pour the simple green and water in?

Something a little more concentrated than 50/50 would be better in the case of Simple Green. I advocate using hot tap water (but not too hot - something around 120 degrees) which helps lower the viscosity of the oil that's in the ball's pores which helps draw out the old oil. It's not a huge difference, but certainly better than a solution at room temperature.

I like the fact that Clean N Dull comes in a gel...Like it says it dries slower, and won't just evaporate while you clean it.

Clean N Dull seems to be equally effective on my dull and polished equipment. Made my Odyssey look almost new.

I was stuck on Lane Master's cleaner but I may switch to clean n dull permanently. It has a more pleasing smell, also.