How to Clean and Maintain
Your Lawn Bowls

Lawn bowls are made from phenolic resin — an extremely durable material that will last decades if properly maintained. The running surface (the curved band around the middle of the bowl) is particularly important to keep clean and in good condition, as any contamination or surface damage directly affects how the bowl rolls. This guide covers everything you need to keep your bowls performing at their best.

After Every Session — Basic Cleaning

The minimum maintenance every bowl needs after play is a wipe-down before storage. Grass stains, soil, green dye and moisture left on the running surface can, over time, affect both the cosmetic condition and the grip pattern of your bowls.

• Wipe with a dry cloth: Remove surface moisture and loose dirt immediately after the last end
• Use a damp cloth for stubborn marks: Water and a soft cloth removes most grass staining without risk of surface damage
• Dry thoroughly before storage: Storing damp bowls in a closed bag encourages the running surface to become tacky and can trap dirt in grip patterns

Deep Cleaning — Removing Scuffs and Staining

After regular play, bowls accumulate scuff marks, green staining and sometimes chalk marks from being touched-up as touchers. A deeper clean every few weeks keeps them looking and performing their best.

What You Need

• Warm (not hot) water
• Mild washing-up liquid
• Soft cloth or soft-bristled brush (old toothbrush for grip patterns)
• Clean dry towel
• Bowls polish (optional — see below)

The Process

1. Fill a bowl or basin with warm water and a small amount of mild washing-up liquid
2. Submerge each bowl and gently scrub the entire surface with the soft cloth
3. Use the soft-bristled brush to work into grip patterns, dimples and grooves where dirt accumulates
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water — remove all soap residue
5. Dry completely with the towel — pay particular attention to grip channels
6. Allow to air dry fully before polishing or storing

Polishing Your Bowls

Polishing gives bowls a smooth, clean running surface and helps them glide consistently across the green. Many experienced players swear by regular polishing for performance consistency; others find the difference minimal. Either way, polished bowls certainly look better.

Which Polish to Use

• Purpose-made bowls polish: Available from all major bowls retailers. The safest option — formulated specifically for phenolic resin. Apply with a soft cloth, buff off.
• Carnauba car wax: Used by many experienced players. Apply very sparingly with a soft cloth, allow to haze, buff to a shine. Works well but take care around grip patterns.
• Furniture polish spray: Some players use this for a quick shine. Fine for cosmetics but offers less protection than a proper wax.

Polish the running surface and the outer faces but avoid getting polish into the grip channels — this reduces grip effectiveness in wet conditions.

Grip Maintenance

If your bowls have dimple, ring or channel grips, keeping these clean and free from compacted dirt is important for wet-weather performance. The grip is what prevents the bowl slipping during delivery in damp conditions.

After deep cleaning, inspect the grip channels under good light. If they appear clogged or worn smooth, use a soft toothbrush or wooden toothpick to clear compacted material. Never use anything metallic in grip channels.

Storage — Getting It Right

How you store your bowls has a significant effect on their long-term condition:

• Never leave bowls in a hot car: Extreme heat can soften phenolic resin and potentially warp bowls. A car on a summer day can reach 60-70C inside.
• Store in the bag: The padded individual pockets in a bowls bag keep bowls from knocking against each other and protect the running surface
• Do not stack bowls directly on top of each other: This can cause flat spots on the running surface over time if left for extended periods
• Indoor storage is best: Cool, dry conditions are ideal. Avoid garages with extreme temperature swings.
• Stand upright in their pockets: Bowls stored on their running surface for long periods can develop very slight flat spots. Store them on their faces, not on the running band.

When to Get Bowls Re-Stamped

All bowls approved for competition carry a World Bowls (WB) stamp with a date. Bowls must be re-tested every 10 years to retain their competitive approval. The running surface wears very slightly over many years of play, and re-testing confirms the bias is still within legal limits.

For social club play, expired stamps are usually accepted — check with your club secretary. For county competition and above, a current valid stamp is mandatory. Contact the manufacturer or a specialist bowls retailer to arrange re-stamping — it is typically inexpensive (around £5–£15 per set).

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

• Chalk marks from toucher-marking: Wipe off with a damp cloth immediately after the end. Chalk left to dry is much harder to remove.
• Green staining: Warm water and washing-up liquid. Persistent staining may require bowls-specific cleaner.
• Sticky surface: Usually caused by old polish or stored in high humidity. Clean thoroughly, dry completely, then re-polish.
• Scratches and scuffs: Light surface scuffs are cosmetic and do not affect performance. Deep gouges that penetrate the running surface can affect roll consistency and should be assessed by a specialist.