How to clean a lightbulb....

Yeah I know it sounds weird but I just bought some night heat lights for my cages and the only brand available had an open front to show the bulbs. Do you think alcohol would work?
I just don't want the life to be decreased by possible oils from people's fingers.

What do you mean by open front? What brand/type? Are yout talking about zoomed infrared heat bulbs?

I've cleaned regular light bulbs with plain water or windex and a paper towel.

Unless its a halogen bulb you shouldn't have any issues, just wipe it off with a damp rag.