Image

Cleaning headlights is a process that many people find confusing. There are many products and methods available for cleaning headlights, but not all of them work well. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to clean headlights using both commercial and homemade products. Which one is more efficient? Read on and you will know.

How to clean headlights at home?

The reasons why your headlights need restoration are many. Sunlight, road debris, and car washes can all take their toll on your headlight’s clarity. But, with a little time and the right supplies, you can bring them back to like-new condition.

To clean your headlights, mix baking soda and vinegar together in a small dish. Rub the mixture on your headlights in circular motions until they are clean. You can also use just baking soda and a damp cloth for hazy windshields. This process can take up to 30 minutes. The truth is that baking soda and vinegar work in such a way that they can loosen up the dirt and make it easy to wipe away. Once you are done, rinse your headlights with water and dry them with a clean cloth. You can also use a hairdryer on the low setting to help dry them off.

Will vinegar damage headlights?

Vinegar, when used alone, is a powerful cleaning agent. When combined with baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction strong enough to remove difficult-to-remove headlight oxidation and grime build-up. However, because vinegar is acidic, it can damage some surfaces. That’s why you should always rinse your headlights with water after cleaning them with vinegar.

Will Dawn dish soap clean headlights?

One of the most popular home goods that individuals may utilize to get the dirt off their foggy headlights is dish soap. Anyone can accomplish it with minimal work. All you need for this headlight cleaning technique is readily available at home.

So, start with getting some Dawn dish soap, which is quite effective in removing grease. You will also need a bucket, water, and of course, a microfiber towel. If you don’t have one at home, any other soft cloth will do the job as well. Now that you have everything you need for this quick headlight restoration project, it’s time to start cleaning.

Fill the bucket with lukewarm water and mix in a few drops of Dawn dish soap. The amount doesn’t have to be precise – a little goes a long way with this cleaner. Now soak your microfiber towel in the bucket and wring it out until it’s only slightly damp. You don’t want too much water because it can cause streaking.

Wipe down each headlight, using circular motions, until the soap is gone and you can’t see any more grime. If you have any stubborn spots, use a different towel or your fingers to apply a little more pressure. Once you’re done cleaning, rinse each headlight with clean water to remove any leftover soap residue. Then dry them off with a clean microfiber towel or paper towels. You can also use a hairdryer on the low setting if you need to speed up the drying process.

How to clean headlights on your car without soda?

If you have never heard of such a commercial product as WD-40, it`s time to get acquainted with it. So, does WD-40 clean foggy headlights? In fact, yes, it is one of the most efficient ways to clean your headlight. This product consists of many useful chemicals, which help to remove dirt and make the surface shine.

First of all, you should park your car in the garage or in the shade, so that the headlight is not too hot. Then take a can of WD-40 and spray it on the headlight. After that, take a clean rag and wipe the headlight until it becomes clear.

If you want to achieve better results, you can use a toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in WD-40. Rub the headlight with them in a circular motion until the dirt and grime are gone. Then wipe the headlight with a clean rag. And one more thing – if your headlights are really dirty and foggy, you can repeat this procedure several times.

Does toothpaste work on headlights?

To clean a dirty headlight, toothpaste is effective, but in some cases, sandpaper and a professional polishing compound will be required. But if you still want o try this method of cleaning headlights on your car, there is a question – what toothpaste cleans headlights? The answer is – any toothpaste will work, but it is better to use a white one because it doesn`t have color pigments that can damage the headlight. Moreover, when you use gel toothpaste, there is a risk of scratches.

First of all, park your car in the garage or in the shade to avoid working with a hot headlight. Then take a toothbrush (or a cotton swab) and apply some toothpaste to it. Rub the headlight in a circular motion until the dirt and grime are gone. Finally, wipe the headlight with a clean rag.

If you want to achieve better results, you can use sandpaper and a professional polishing compound. But if you still want to try cleaning headlights with toothpaste, any type will work – just be sure to avoid gel formulas to prevent scratching.

What do car detailers use to clean headlights?

All traces of oxidation and flaws are removed with varying grades of specialty fine grit sandpaper. To aid in the process, the detailer first moistens the headlights with water. The next stage is to sand down the headlights using pints of water as lubricants. You'll need to use a variety of grits, starting with 400 and working your way up to 2000.

You should understand that headlights, especially when they are plastic, are very gentle, and using sandpaper of 2000 grit may be not advisable. Drivers should use 400-grit and then 1000-grit sandpaper. To start the sandpaper cleaning process, take a sheet of sandpaper and wrap it around your finger. Make sure the entire surface of the headlight is covered with a thin layer of water. This will help to avoid deep scratches.

Now, start sanding in a circular motion with moderate pressure. Sand until you see the dull haze appear on the headlight. Be very careful not to press too hard while sanding or you may damage the headlight. Once you've gone over the entire surface with 400-grit sandpaper, move on to 1000-grit sandpaper. Use the same process as before, but be even more gentle with the 1000-grit paper.

You should now have a hazy, but smooth surface. If there are any stubborn areas, you can go over them again with 1000-grit sandpaper. Now it's time to polish the headlights. You can use a commercial headlight polishing kit or you can make your own polishing solution with items you probably already have around the house.

Will Magic Eraser clean headlights?

While the use of a Magic Eraser on a car's paint has become somewhat of an urban legend, cleaning hazy headlights is entirely safe. There's more good news? The cleaning tool also eliminates the foul yellow discoloration that forms over time.

To use this product, simply wet the Magic Eraser and rub it over the surface of the headlight. You may need to put a little elbow grease into it, but soon you'll see the years of grime disappearing before your eyes. Just be sure to rinse the headlight with water afterward and dry it off to prevent any streaks.

No matter which method you use, cleaning headlights is a quick and easy way to make your car look nicer. Not to mention, it'll help you see better when driving at night!

Does Coke clean foggy headlights?

When you wonder what can you use to clean headlights, you will never think about Coka-Cola. But in fact, it works perfectly for this! All you need to do is to soak a rag in some Coke and then wipe your headlights with it. The acidity of the Coca-Cola will help to remove the grime and make your headlights look shiny and new again.

To use Coke you have to:

  • Pour some Coca-Cola into a bowl.
  • Soak a clean rag in the Coca-Cola.
  • Rub the dirty headlights with the soaked rag.
  • Rinse the headlights with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

There are many other household items that can be used to clean your headlights, such as vinegar, toothpaste, or baking soda. But if you want to use something that is both effective and unusual, give Coca-Cola a try!

Will Turtle Wax rubbing compound clean headlights?

Finally, when thinking of what is good to clean headlights, most people will think of using a rubbing compound. Turtle Wax is a well-known brand that makes a rubbing compound that is specifically designed to clean headlights. This product is safe to use on all kinds of headlights, including those that are made of plastic.

The Turtle Wax is applied to the headlight with a cloth and then buffed off. It is important to note that this product should not be used on cracked or damaged headlights. Rubbing compounds are designed to remove surface-level dirt and grime. This means that they will not be able to clean headlights that are extremely dirty or have built-up gunk on them. In these cases, it is best to use a headlight cleaning kit that comes with a deeper cleanse solution.

Start with a small amount of the Turtle Wax rubbing compound on a clean cloth. Rub the cloth over the headlight in a circular motion. Continue rubbing until you have covered the entire headlight. Wipe off any excess wax with a clean, dry cloth. Buff the headlight with a soft, microfiber cloth until it shines.

That's it! In just a few simple steps, you can clean your headlights with Turtle Wax rubbing compound. This product is safe to use and will leave your headlights looking shiny and new.

Conclusion

Well, now your car's headlights are clean and clear! You can see the road ahead of you, even if it's dark outside. With both headlights restoration kits and home remedies, you have several options to choose from. But no matter which method you use, be sure to take your time and be careful not to damage your headlights. After all, you need them to see where you're going! Thanks for reading and happy cleaning!




Reviewed by Brent Ordway

Brent Ordway is an ASE-certified car technician. He has been working on cars since he was a teenager and loved helping people keep their vehicles running smoothly. Brent's skills as a mechanic are unrivaled. In 2022, he earned his place on the list of winners for the ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year award.

Follow me

By clicking the link you will be redirected to Amazon. The aftermarket bulbs & headlights below may improve the illumination of your vehicle and make it stand out from the crowd.

Lightninglab.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Join Us