The All-in-One Bowls Club Management System

A guide to keeping your lawn bowls in good condition

24/04/2023

If you’re anything like us, you're probably keen to keep your lawn bowls looking like new for as long as possible. A good set doesn’t come cheap, after all!

Luckily, most modern lawn bowls are made from high-density composite plastic and can last for several decades if well cared for.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share maintenance and care advice to help keep your lawn bowls in good condition, both on and off the green.

During Play

Starting with Bowl Care 101 - one of the simplest ways to look after your lawn bowls is to avoid unnecessary impact. Dropping lawn bowls can cause damage to the surface or even crack the bowl. Be careful when setting bowls down or placing them on the ground during play.

It’s a good idea to invest in a quality bag to transport your lawn bowls in, as this will limit the amount of impact they suffer from exterior forces or other lawn bowls. You should also be careful not to put other, potentially damaging, objects inside the transportation bag.

To prevent dirt and debris from building up on the surface of your lawn bowls, use a soft cloth to wipe them down periodically during both indoor and outdoor play.

Cleaning

After playing a game, it's important to clean your lawn bowls properly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during play.

Follow this step-by-step cleaning guide to keep your bowls in top condition:

1. Use a wooden pick to clean out the grips

Before washing your lawn bowls, remove any engrained dirt from the grips using a wooden toothpick. This is particularly important if you use your bowls outdoors. Avoid using metal tools, as they could damage the bowls.

2. Wash the bowls using warm water and mild detergent

Use a microfibre cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent (like washing up liquid) to clean the lawn bowls thoroughly.

3. Gently dry bowls with a microfibre cloth

After washing your bowls, dry them gently using a microfibre cloth or towel. You can also use a polishing cloth, but avoid traditional terry cloth towels as they may scratch the surface of the bowls.

4. Polish your lawn bowls

After cleaning and drying your bowls, you should polish them before storing them away. Use specialist bowls polish and apply it using a soft polishing cloth.

You can also purchase polishing sleeves that are specifically intended for polishing bowls.

Storage

When not in use, store your lawn bowls in a cool, dry place.

Be sure to dry off your lawn bowls before storing them, and avoid leaving bowls in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Extreme temperatures can cause the material to warp or crack.

To prevent scratches or other damage to the surface of your lawn bowls, avoid setting them on hard surfaces or abrasive materials.

It's recommended to store your lawn bowls in a protective case or bag to keep them safe during transport.

Repairs

Periodically inspect your lawn bowls for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. If you notice any issues, avoid using them until they can be repaired or replaced.

If you need to get your lawn bowls repaired, there are a few options to consider:

1. Contact the manufacturer

If your lawn bowls are still under warranty, the manufacturer may be able to repair or replace them for you. Check the warranty information that came with your bowls or contact the manufacturer directly to find out what options are available.

2. Search online

There are many companies that specialise in repairing and refurbishing lawn bowls. A simple online search should provide you with a list of options in your area. Be sure to read reviews and check references before choosing a company to ensure that you are getting quality service.

3. Check with a local sports equipment store

Some sports equipment stores may offer lawn bowl repair services or be able to recommend a reputable company that does.

When choosing a repair service, be sure to ask about the cost and the estimated turnaround time for the repairs so that you aren’t left without your lawn bowls for longer than necessary. It's also a good idea to ask about any guarantees or warranties that may be offered on the repair work.

Manage Your Bowls Club the Easy Way With Bowlr

Keeping your bowls in good nick is just one of the many things you need to juggle when running a bowls club. Why not make your life easier by joining the Bowlr community?

Bowlr is the UK’s first and only cloud-based management system for indoor and outdoor bowls clubs. Thanks to its intuitive design, it makes it easy to organise bookings, memberships, and leagues online. That’s why it’s used by over a hundred bowls clubs across the UK, and why it enjoys official support from Bowls England and the EIBA.

For more information about how the Bowlr system could benefit your bowls club, fill out our contact form or call us on 01202 684400 today!