Washing lightbulbs
 

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Washing lightbulbs
 

Washing lightbulbs
 

Have to send them out for dry cleanining. New expense, for people.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

wrote in message
...
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:35:39 -0500, wrote in
Re Washing lightbulbs:

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Why do they need cleaning? Are they in an unprotected location?
Doesn't having them in a fixture keep them clean?

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 10/18/2012 2:11 PM, Dan Espen wrote:
writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.


Physicians have often had to remove light bulbs from places you can
guess at. Maybe he had intentions other than using as a light bulb.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Oct 18, 1:36*pm, wrote:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. *Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. *Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. *This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. *On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. *So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. * This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. *What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. *We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. *At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You don't have to clean CF bulbs. Don't you know what CF stands for?

Clean Forever

Where did you think the energy savings came from?

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 10/18/2012 12:35 PM, wrote:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Try running them through a full wash and dry cycle in the dishwasher.
That should return them to factory-new condition.

Don't forget the Jet-Dri!

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 10/18/2012 12:35 PM, wrote:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?


I use a feather duster or equivalent and canned air does a good job too. ^_^

TDD

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 10/18/2012 1:35 PM, wrote:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?



Enter the search term "massaging footbath" into your favorite search
engine. For about $30 you can get 1 new. You may even find a used one
at a Goodwill or Salvation Army store. If you are working, the $30
should be worth it to save 3 days of effort. If you're retired, or
chronically unemployed, just pump up your favorite music and enjoy the
cleaning project while you listen.

If you are careful not to immerse the first inch or so of the CFL lamp
where it emerges from the base, this foot bath device might do the job.
You'd have to experiment to find the most effective cleaning agent to
put in the water but I'd start with a dish washing liquid that cuts
grease, such as Dawn or Palmolive. If it doesn't do the job, at least
you can treat yourself to some relaxing foot baths.

You probably won't find too many people who feel the need to use more
than a feather duster or a quick blow of air from your mouth (if
anything at all) on their CFLs so you're probably on your own here.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 18 Oct 2012, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote in alt.home.repair:

Have to send them out for dry cleanining. New expense, for people.

Creates jobs. Good for the economy.

Washing lightbulbs
 

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Oct 18, 3:50*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
wrote:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. *Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. *Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. *This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at
least require weeks or more to completely dry internally. *On top of
this, their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. *So far, it
appears that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a
half hour to clean each bulb. * This is time consuming and very
annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. *What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. *We're not impressed with these
new bulbs. *At least they could seal them so that water can not get
inside when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Get help for your ADD.

There may even be a 12-step program available in your town.

Question: Do you dust INSIDE the books on your shelves?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If they do, they should wear a dust jacket.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:11:06 -0400, Dan Espen wrote:

writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.

You leave dust pile up everywhere for years? What a pig.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On 10/18/2012 2:12 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Go to the Cessna Pilot Center at your local airport and get a can of
prop wash.

Washing lightbulbs
 

Mark Flint:

Incandescent light bulbs do become dimmer as they get older, but that is NOT due to dust accumulation on the light bulbs. It's entirely due to the tungsten metal atoms from the filament coating the inside of the bulb. So, this is something that cannot be removed by washing the outside of the bulb.

Here, prove it to yourself: When you replace light bulbs that have spent their lives in one position; such as vertical in the case of freestanding floor or desk lamps, or horizontal in the case of bathroom and bedroom light fixtures, or upside down as in the case of porch and hallway lights, inspect the bulb when you remove it from the fixture.

You will notice that the top of the bulb always has the most darkening on the inside of the glass. That's because incandescent light bulbs are filled with an inert gas (most often argon), and convection of hot argon gas off the hot tungsten filiment carries the tungsten atoms upwards, thereby causing the topmost part of the bulb to darken the most.

Washing your light bulbs won't eliminate that darkening that happens inside the bulb.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:16:08 +0000 (UTC), Red Green
wrote:

wrote in news:rqe088tt5p836ioagc6nuogoebvu2akckg@
4ax.com:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?




You need to pull a permit to clean CFL's you know.

Nah, I've already got a concealed firearms license.

Washing lightbulbs
 

"Dan Espen" wrote in message
...
writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.
Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

Yes.

Washing CFLs periodically is a good idea especially if the CFL is in a dusty
or dirty environment such as a wood shop, barn or in an open fixture
outside. Dirt can easily drop the light output of a spiral CFL by 20-30
percent.

Here's how to clean the CFL without damaging the elecronics.
- Take the CFL out of the socket and hold it base up.
- Spray the spiral glass part with a spray cleaner (Windex works well).
Let the cleaner work for a few seconds disolving the dirt.
- Still holding the CFL base up, rinse the spiral glass part in clean water
taking care that the water doesn't get into the plastic base.
- Gently dry the spiral glass with a soft cloth or paper towel. Wipe off
the plastic base and socket at the same time.
- Lay the CFL down in a warm, dry area so the surfaces of the spiral that
can't be reached with the drying cloth can air dry for a half hour or so.
- Reinstall the CFL in the socket.

Tomsic

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:11:06 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.
Dust accumulation reduces output - sometimes significantly.

Washing lightbulbs
 

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Oct 18, 9:17*pm, PeterD wrote:
You have to run the brand new bulbs thru a dishwasher cycle before the
first use. *If you don't then your attempts to wash them later, will fail.

Don't say that, some folks may believe you. The Darwin principle will
take care of them.

Washing lightbulbs
 

"PeterD" wrote in message 2...
You have to run the brand new bulbs thru a dishwasher cycle before the
first use. If you don't then your attempts to wash them later, will fail.


I coat them with WD-40 and the dust slides right off.

Washing lightbulbs
 

Twice a year is too anal for me. Once in a while, a bulb may be wiped with
a damp cloth if it is really dusty.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:07:45 -0400, Dan Espen wrote:

writes:

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:11:06 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.
Dust accumulation reduces output - sometimes significantly.

So, you wash all the bulbs in your house twice a year?

Usually once, when I clean the fans.

Here in New Jersey, we don't get that kind of dust accumulation.
Not in one year, not even in five. I've got some bulbs in my attic
fixtures that have been there over 35 years.

I'm really not concerned if the attic fixtures get a little dusty.

Just checked, a little dusty, but bright enough that I think I'll wait
until they burn out.

Some people don't clean anything. shrug

Washing lightbulbs
 

" wrote:
On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:07:45 -0400, Dan Espen wrote:

writes:

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:11:06 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.
Dust accumulation reduces output - sometimes significantly.

So, you wash all the bulbs in your house twice a year?

Usually once, when I clean the fans.

Here in New Jersey, we don't get that kind of dust accumulation.
Not in one year, not even in five. I've got some bulbs in my attic
fixtures that have been there over 35 years.

I'm really not concerned if the attic fixtures get a little dusty.

Just checked, a little dusty, but bright enough that I think I'll wait
until they burn out.

Some people don't clean anything. shrug

The only bulbs I have are in the fridge, and running for a long time.

I remember cleaning ceiling flame bulbs once. Made a clear difference.

Greg

Washing lightbulbs
 

"nestork" wrote in message
...

Mark Flint:

Incandescent light bulbs do become dimmer as they get older, but that is
NOT due to dust accumulation on the light bulbs. It's entirely due to
the tungsten metal atoms from the filament coating the inside of the
bulb. So, this is something that cannot be removed by washing the
outside of the bulb.

Here, prove it to yourself: When you replace light bulbs that have
spent their lives in one position; such as vertical in the case of
freestanding floor or desk lamps, or horizontal in the case of bathroom
and bedroom light fixtures, or upside down as in the case of porch and
hallway lights, inspect the bulb when you remove it from the fixture.

You will notice that the top of the bulb always has the most darkening
on the inside of the glass. That's because incandescent light bulbs are
filled with an inert gas (most often argon), and convection of hot argon
gas off the hot tungsten filiment carries the tungsten atoms upwards,
thereby causing the topmost part of the bulb to darken the most.

Washing your light bulbs won't eliminate that darkening that happens
inside the bulb.
--
nestork

Yes, darkening due to tungsten evaporation is one of those little-known
effects that used to drive lamp engineers crazy in the early days of
incandescent lighting. Carbon filament lamps were worse since they were
vacuum lamps (no gas inside) and so blackened uniformly. Several types of
large, high-wattage stage/studio lamps used to be made with a half teaspoon
or so of loose grains of tungsten inside so that when they darkened, the
lamp could be removed and then shaken to swirl the tungsten around to scour
the inside of the glass.

Tomsic

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Fri, 19 Oct 2012 03:47:26 +0000 (UTC), gregz wrote:

" wrote:
On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 22:07:45 -0400, Dan Espen wrote:

writes:

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:11:06 -0400, Dan Espen
wrote:

writes:

With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was pretty simple.
Just remove them from the fixture, then dip them in the sink and wash
them. Wipe them dry with a dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water results in
their base filling up with water. This is where their electronics are
located, so once they are dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least
require weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of this,
their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean. So far, it appears
that the only way to clean them is to use Q-tips and spend a half hour
to clean each bulb. This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take two or three
hours, now takes two or three days. We're not impressed with these new
bulbs. At least they could seal them so that water can not get inside
when they are washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

You're kidding right?

You're not supposed to eat off your light bulbs, screw them in, then
leave them alone.
Dust accumulation reduces output - sometimes significantly.

So, you wash all the bulbs in your house twice a year?

Usually once, when I clean the fans.

Here in New Jersey, we don't get that kind of dust accumulation.
Not in one year, not even in five. I've got some bulbs in my attic
fixtures that have been there over 35 years.

I'm really not concerned if the attic fixtures get a little dusty.

Just checked, a little dusty, but bright enough that I think I'll wait
until they burn out.

Some people don't clean anything. shrug

The only bulbs I have are in the fridge, and running for a long time.

I have about 40 in the "old" house. All of them, with the exception of the
four in the back porch fan, are at least five years old and all have been
cleaned in the last couple of months. The "new" place has probably half that
number (and half that again) CFLs. I haven't done anything to them, yet,
including replace the CFLs for incandescents. ;-)

I remember cleaning ceiling flame bulbs once. Made a clear difference.

Clear bulbs clearly need cleaning. ;-)

Washing lightbulbs
 

In ,
typed:
With the old incandescent bulbs, washing lightbulbs was
pretty simple. Just remove them from the fixture, then
dip them in the sink and wash them. Wipe them dry with a
dish towel, and replace them.

These new CF bulbs are different. Dipping them in water
results in their base filling up with water. This is
where their electronics are located, so once they are
dipped in water, they are ruined, or at least require
weeks or more to completely dry internally. On top of
this, their swirlly glass top is much harder to clean.
So far, it appears that the only way to clean them is to
use Q-tips and spend a half hour to clean each bulb.
This is time consuming and very annoying.

We wash our bulbs about twice a year. What used to take
two or three hours, now takes two or three days. We're
not impressed with these new bulbs. At least they could
seal them so that water can not get inside when they are
washed.

Has anyone found a better way to clean these CF bulbs?

409 and a soft cloth.

Washing lightbulbs
 

On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:24:43 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski"
wrote:



Twice a year is too anal for me. Once in a while, a bulb may be wiped with
a damp cloth if it is really dusty.


I sandblast mine.

Washing lightbulbs
 

Mine go out for dry cleaning. They come back pressed, in a thin bag, and on
coat hanger.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Ashton Crusher" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 18 Oct 2012 23:24:43 -0400, "Ed Pawlowski"
wrote:



Twice a year is too anal for me. Once in a while, a bulb may be wiped with
a damp cloth if it is really dusty.


I sandblast mine.