How to Store and Care for Your Bowls Properly

Simple habits that protect performance, balance and longevity

For many bowlers, a set of bowls isn’t just equipment — it’s an investment. Whether you play socially at club level or compete regularly, how you store and care for your bowls directly impacts their performance and lifespan.

The good news? Proper bowls maintenance is straightforward. With a few simple habits, you can protect your running surface, preserve grip, and ensure your bowls feel consistent every time you step onto the green.

Why Bowls Storage Matters

Bowls are precision-engineered. The running surface, balance, and grip all play a role in how your bowl performs. Improper storage, especially exposure to extreme temperatures or impact damage, can gradually affect performance over time.

Consistent care doesn’t just maintain appearance. It helps protect:

• The integrity of the running surface

• The durability of the grip

• The balance and feel of the bowl

• Long-term performance consistency

1. Clean Your Bowls After Every Session (no pun intended!)

After each game or practice session, it’s important to remove dirt, grass, and rink debris.

Best practice:

• Wipe bowls with a soft, dry cloth immediately after play

• Use a slightly damp cloth if needed to remove stubborn residue

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials

Regular cleaning prevents surface build-up that can affect delivery and feel over time. 

2. Dry Them Properly

Moisture can gradually affect the finish and grip, particularly in colder months.

After cleaning:

• Ensure bowls are fully dry before storing

• Avoid placing damp bowls directly into enclosed bags

• Store in a dry environment away from excessive humidity

Small habits here make a noticeable difference over a season. See the Drakes Pride Microfibre Towel/Cloth

3. Store in a Protective Bowls Bag

One of the most important storage decisions is your bag.

A proper bowls bag:

• Protects the running surface from knocks and scratches

• Prevents impact damage during transport

• Keeps bowls separated and secure

Hard-sided and reinforced bowls bags offer additional protection, particularly for regular travel or competitive players. Check out the Aero CX Ultraglide Trolley Bag

4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Temperature fluctuations can affect materials over time.

Avoid storing bowls:

• In car boots during extreme heat or frost

• In sheds or garages without insulation

• Near radiators or direct heat sources

A stable, room-temperature environment is ideal.

5. Protect the Grip

If your bowls feature specialist grips, keeping them clean and free from debris preserves feel and control.

Consider:

• Using grip-friendly cleaning cloths

• Avoiding rough handling during transport

• Regular visual checks for wear

Small preventative measures help maintain confidence during delivery. Aero Monkey Bowls Grip is a 5* recommended bowls grip that does just that!

6. Prepare for the Off-Season

If you won’t be playing for a few weeks:

• Clean and dry bowls thoroughly

• Store in a padded bag

• Keep them in a cool, dry place

This ensures they’re match-ready when you return.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your bowls isn’t complicated, but it is important. Consistent cleaning, protective storage, and sensible handling all contribute to long-term performance and reliability.

The result? Greater consistency on the green, fewer unexpected issues, and confidence in every delivery.

If you’re unsure about the best storage options or maintenance accessories for your setup, our team is always happy to help. Please contact us here.