I don't think my wife would be very happy if I tried to put my bowling ball inside her while she was standing in front of the sink!! LOL - Sorry, I know it's bad, but I couldn't resist!
Seriously though, be careful of how much heat you expose the ball to. I've heard of people having them split from "baking" them in the oven, and recently have seen the disastrous results of a ball that was set beside a wood stove. I have soaked a ball in hot water (just hot from the tap, not boiled or anything) with reasonable success.
--------------------
9-
Why, WHY won't the last one just fall?? It's WIGGLING for cryin' out loud!!