View Full Version : Cleaning bulbs (HIDs) - rubbing alcohol?
Hey all,
Don't have a clue how it happened, but there is a sticky residue on the side of one of my HID bulbs.
I need to clean it off, but obviously know you are not supposed to touch the bulb.
Am I right in thinking I can use "rubbing alcohol" and a lint free cloth to clean it?
If so, where can I get some of this from? I know maplins sell some alcohol cleaner for electronic components - will this do? It's expensive, so was wondering if b&q or somewhere might do some?
Cheers
Tricky-Ricky
26-05-08, 19:06
I use methylated spirit or panel wipe.
What about white spirit???
White spirit might not be good once it heats up. What colour is this residue? Is it melted plastic from the headlight?
no it's not plastic. To be honest I think I know what it might be, as I removed the bulbs to work on the headlights the other day, and left the bulbs on one of my waffle weave towel things I use to clean the car with. I think the bulb may have been warm and burned the towel slightly?
I'm going to pop into B&Q or maplins tonight I hope, and get some Isopropaol or whatever it's called.
NO DUDE, WAIT!!!!
Isopropyl alcohol vapor is heavier than air and is highly flammable with a very wide combustible range. It should be kept away from heat and open flame. ...
i knew the search was worth it, if your still gonna get it, mite as well buy a fire extinguisher to..;)
NO DUDE, WAIT!!!!
Isopropyl alcohol vapor is heavier than air and is highly flammable with a very wide combustible range. It should be kept away from heat and open flame. ...
i knew the search was worth it, if your still gonna get it, mite as well buy a fire extinguisher to..;)
"should be kept away from heat and open flame"
W T F ?
Did you read the thread at all?
:shakes head in despair:
well it was an "interesting" experience, but I think I got there.
I'm not kidding, but the residue on the bulb was literally welded to the glass. Stuck solid. I actually decided that the bulb was no longer able to be used because of the mess and had concluded that I needed to buy a new set.
With that said, I thought there was no harm in giving it a go to clean the current bulb - if it blew then I hadn't really lost much. I used the IPA as EVERYONE I spoke to said to use it, and it didn't really help. With the bulb out of the car, I actually sat in the kitchen scratching off the mess with my finger nails. I eventually got it all off, and then gave it a full clean with the IPA again, let it dry, and then inspected it. It looked brand new. So I gave it a go, and it works fine.
I know the lifespan of the bulb may have been reduced, but at least it works and has a clean white light and pattern again.
"should be kept away from heat and open flame"
W T F ?
Did you read the thread at all?
:shakes head in despair:
sorry jake:(
:blink:
NOT LOLOLOLOLLOOLLLOOLLOLOL
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