(Disclaimer: I have no idea if this is the right section to post this thread, so mods feel free to move it.)

I have a Philips SOX lamp, and unfortunately the lamp has some sort of residue on the outer glass from being in storage. It looks like something that could be cleaned easily with rag with water but I don't want to risk doing any damage to the lamp. Any ideas (preferably from experience) that I could use to clean the lamp safely is welcomed.

Thanks.

 I typically just use windex . (BE VERY CAREFUL AROUND THE ETCH !!!)

I was thinking exactly that. How well does it work?

 It will usually remove most contaminents from the glass (I have also wiped off an etch or 2 !)  I've also used 0000 steel wool to remove heavier contaminents but I don't know if that will damage any coatings on a SOX lamp .

10-4.

On more delicate lamps, I start with a slightly damp paper towel. If that doesn't work, I get some 70% isopropyl alcohol from the pharmacy, put that on a paper towel and wipe the lamp off with that.

Be careful around the etch, or avoid it if it's not too dirty.

Ahh, I see.

So here’s what I ended up doing, I took a rag with a little bit of water and it cleaned the lamp perfectly. I did avoid the etch so that’s fine.

Just avoid cleaning the bulb on the inside as there the reflective coating resides. 

The outside surface may be cleaned like a normal bulb or fluorescent tube ex. the etch.