Even when used only by one person, a bowling ball can accumulate dirt, grease, and lane conditioner after just one turn. Soon enough, the grease from your hand and the buildup of lane conditioner will clog the balls porous surface, impairing its ability to grip the lane and slowing it down considerably.
Regular maintenance is the key to keep your bowling balls in top performance for much longer. As much as possible, wipe down oil tracks as soon as you notice them on your balls surface and wipe the ball after each turn.