How to clean UV glass for MH

[kkutac001]

Quick dumb question. Do you use ammonia water? Alcohol and water? Windex?... what do you use to clean the UV glass for MH pendants? I want to keep the (very small amount) of salt off them. But, I wondered if certain chemicals will damage or otherwise hurt the UV glass.
Thanks, Karl

[caferacermike]

In the mornings before the lights come on, I have removed them and placed them ina 5g bucket with water and vinegar. I add just enough vinegar to smell it in the water. Generally about 1-2 cups to 1 gallon. Let them soal for abotu an hour. Remove and wipe down with soft cloth. Then before they are completely dry I rinse them under RO/DI water for a spot free shine. Dry with soft cloth and refit.

[Bill S]

I just rinse wth fresh water rub a single edge razor blade over it. Then rinse with RO/DI

[brewercm]

I just lay them flat on a towel coat them with vinegar and then wipe them after they've had a couple minutes for the vinegar to break it all down. Wipe them off with paper towel and good to go. If the stuff gets too crusted I do like Bill said and scrape them down a little before the vinegar treatment. Keeps them nice and clean.

PS Don't take them off while they are still hot, it burns. Hmmmm, maybe I have a lawsuit thing going since there was no warning label.

[kkutac001]

Hey, thanks everyone for the replies. My chief concern was that chemicals might harm the UV protection somehow -- couldn't imagine how it would, but I didn't want to find out the hard way! Sounds like vinegar and water, and a soft cloth, will be all I need.
Many thanks for sharing. ..Karl

[Mr_Cool]

How often does everyone need to clean them? I've just noticed this happens recently. (I guess since I can't see it, I don't think about it.) It's amazing how the salt can cut down on the amount of light that gets through! Mine is about 4 inches off the water. Is that too close?

(I just dip a corner of a rag in some vinegar, and wipe off the salt. Then, a quick rinse with tap water and dry it off.)

[kkutac001]

My MH are about 8 inches above the water, so salt buildup is minimal though not non-existant. However, dust is always accumulating. I certainly won't need to clean them weekly, but I wanted to do a thorough job, and I wanted to not harm the UV glass. With the advice those here gave, I am confident I'll have clean glass.