Halogen bulb burnout smoke problems

[ejoe]

Have an unusual problem. Had a leaking headlight enclosure. Halogen bulb burned out every time splashed with the internally collected water. These bulbs when burning out give off a yellowish/white smoke that coats everything. Headlight enclosure now internally coated with this substance blocking the transmitted light. How can it be cleaned?

[deggers316]

well the car won't pass mot that's for sure with a headlight in that state,replace the unit

[ACtheTROLL]

I'm with deggers

[ejoe]

You answered a question that wasn't asked. What is this substance and how can it be cleaned that's all.

[Blackthorn]

I doubt if you could clean it, the shiny plating will be very thin. Don't rub it with anything or you'll go straight through to the backing.
I had a similar problem a few years ago and the car would not have passed its MOT. Attempts at cleaning just made the thing worse and I had to buy a new lamp, which for a 25 year old car wasn't easy or cheap.
I think your best course is to get a new lamp. Make sure any seals or gaskets are intact and check them periodically to prevent the same thing happening again.

[ACtheTROLL]

I think that was why we answered the question in the way we did .....

[ejoe]

I gave to much info. I'll rephase the question, What is the substance that coats the inside of a halogen bulb when it burns out. Forget it's car. headlight. I think this needs a chemist's answer.