Uncertain about how to clean headlights? We will help you with a step-by-step process of cleaning headlights. We will also write about a few DIY methods for cleaning your headlights, so keep reading.
Why do we need to clean headlights?
If you drive throughout the year, you will know the importance of a good car wash.
Cleaning the body and the windows is necessary, but along with that, you also need to clean your headlights. With time headlights can become foggy, and this can affect the shining of the lights and visibility.
So cleaning your headlights is as necessary as changing the bulbs of your headlights when you see them flicker or dim out.
You need to keep the headlight cover clean so that there is no hindrance in the shine of the headlights.
Why do headlights get foggy?
In the past, headlights were made of glass, but now headlights are made of plastic. This plastic needs to be coated with a UV protectant not to dry out or get ruined.
This UV protectant gets ruined over time. It gets brittle, cloudy, and oxidized as time goes by, making the headlights opaque.
To remove the opacity and make your headlights shine again, you need to scrape off the yellow, flaking, and cloudy UV protectant.
Tools that can be used for cleaning car headlights
There are various options available in the market for cleaning headlights. Of course, you can always opt for professional cleaning or a headlight restoration kit.
Other than that, there are various DIY options available that can provide professional results at a minimal cost.
Also, products like toothpaste, baking soda, and vinegar can be used to clean up foggy headlights depending on how foggy your headlight is and which cleaning method you will use.
How to clean headlights with toothpaste?
In the case of foggy headlights, how to clean using toothpaste? Do toothpaste really clean headlights? Yes, toothpaste (abrasive) can be used for clean headlights but only when the headlights are slightly foggy.
You can combine baking soda with toothpaste for better results. The steps are given below-
- First, clean the headlights with soap, water, or shampoo.
- Then take a clean cloth with a sufficient amount of toothpaste on it and lather it on the headlight. Make sure to apply on each corner.
- Scrub each headlight for at least 5 mins
- After scrubbing, wash off the toothpaste with clean water since the protective layer is scrubbed off. You need to apply car wax to protect the headlights from becoming foggy again.
Note – When restoring your headlights, the toothpaste DIY only works when your headlight is slightly foggy. If your headlight has become opaque and yellow, this method will be of no use.
How do I clean my headlights using a DIY Restoration Kit?
Mostly while cleaning a headlight, you will have to buy a lot of items separately. If you do not want to buy these things separately, you can purchase a Restoration kit online.
These kits contain every necessary item along with an instruction guide where every step is mentioned in detail.
Buying a DIY kit is way more convenient compared to buying stuff separately. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer for the best results.
How to clean mildly foggy headlights?
In case of mildly foggy headlights, household items like toothpaste or baking soda won’t work out. These items will not be enough to clear out the yellow oxidized layer of UV protectant. To fix a foggy headlight, you will need something more significant.
The process is simple. You just have to remove the yellow layer, polish the headlights and then apply a protective coating to avoid future fogging. Items necessary for the process are-
- four low lint wiping cloths
- Masking tape
- Fine-grit car polish
- Soap water with a sprayer
- Vinyl/plastic gloves
Step by step process on how to clean your headlights if they are mildly foggy-
- Spray soapy water on the headlights and wipe them to remove dirt and stains
- Apply car polish on the headlights and then rub it into the headlights for more than 5 mins using a wiping cloth
- Spray soap water and wipe to remove extra polish
- Lastly, apply car wax on the headlights to protect from future fogging
If this method does not work out on your headlights, then you can try the method mentioned below, which can be used for extremely hazy headlights.
How to clean extremely foggy/ opaque headlights?
Suppose your car headlight has a yellow and white coating even after using the previous method. In that case, this particular method will solve it. This method might look like a lot, but it is a simple process. You just have to remove the yellow layer and seal the headlights to stop future damage.
Before 
After
Items necessary for the process
- spraying bottle containing soap water
- 3-4 low lint wiping cloth
- Sandpapers, 400, 1000, and 3000 grit
- Car wax
Step by step process on how to clean your headlights if they are incredibly foggy or opaque
- Spray soapy water on the headlights to clean all the dirt and stains
- To remove the oxidized layer, sand the headlight with 400 grit sandpaper. Make sure to use lots of soapy water while sanding the lights.
- Then use finer sandpapers, first 1000 and then 3000 grit. Sand the headlights until they are smooth when you touch
- At this point, the headlights will look scratched, rough, and a lot hazier. Don’t worry. This is part of the process.
- Apply car polish on the headlights and rub them for 5-10 mins. This will make the headlights shiny again.
- In the end, apply car wax or thin film of clear coat on the headlights to protect from future fogging and discoloration.
What are the best headlights if I want to just replace them?
The Best headlights are from Alpharex or Morimoto. The offer quality and budget solutions if you choose not to clean your headlights. Check out our full breakdown of the Best F150 headlights to get more info.
Conclusion
Which is the best process to clean headlights?
Having your headlights cleaned by a professional headlight cleaner is, of course, the best option when you are unsure about the process and not confident enough.
If you do not want to spend money on professional cleaning, you can obviously opt for Headlight Restoration Kits. In the case of a restoration kit, you would not have to worry about buying the products separately. There are various restoration kits available in the market. You can choose anyone you prefer.
