If you use this type of kit, it can permanently remove hazing, cloudiness, and oxidation to restore the like-new condition of the headlight. Opening a can or bottle of Coke is a refreshing way to beat the heat. Spray vinegar glass cleaner on the headlights. Rinse - Next, rinse with water and allow to air dry. Fortunately for you, if you have a can of WD-40 in the garage, you can use it to quickly clean and restore the clarity of foggy plastic headlights. Let it sit for 30 seconds. Like I previously mentioned above, using household items to clean plastic headlights is only a temporary fix. Grab a small bottle of WD-40 and spray a liberal amount of the lubricant on the plastic lens. Then, using a soft cloth, rub a fingertip amount of toothpaste onto the wet headlight. Take a Cotton Ball Dipped in Detergent for Tough Stains:-. Your average drive around town will show reveal that not many people care to take the time to show their headlights some TLC. What I like to do is to use a small cotton ball. You can also mask or cover up the surrounding areas with newspaper or cloth to prevent overspray. The same cleaners found in toothpaste that helps remove food and drink stains will also remove staining and build-up from your headlights. We are simple guys just trying to be compliant with all laws. Cleaning plastic headlights using basic home remedies will usually only produce temporary results. Wipe down the plastic lenses of the headlights with some soap and water to remove dirt and debris. The inexpensive nature of baking soda makes it ideal for coating and polishing the headlights as often as needed. The detergents under your kitchen sink have the power to remove the ugliest and thickest greases from all your dishes. Alright I know this is supposed to be an article about using home products to clean those dull headlights, but if you want to extend the life of your shiny new lenses you want to apply a UV Sealant or Clear Coat for headlights. Think of your headlights like the eyes of a supermodel. First, clean the headlights with Windex or soap and water. Again, I have seen tons of videos where people pour Coke over the headlights. The reason for this magical ability is phosphoric acid. Try dipping a cotton ball in the glass cleaner or use some spraying glass cleaner to spray the glass cleaning liquid over the headlight and then use the cotton balls to clean it up. Simply apply the cooking spray or vegetable oil in a small cotton ball. Spritz the mixture onto the headlight cover. Dampen a clean, soft cloth in water, and add a dab of toothpaste. You may have to do it a couple of times, but it has worked for me. Many people think that WD40 can be used only on metal. Grab a dry microfiber towel and proceed to lightly polish the headlights. Use it to apply the oil on the headlights. Put about 5 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and apply enough warm water to form a paste. Featured image courtesy of Larry – find more of his work on Flickr! Add water and toothpaste as needed, and expect to spend up to five minutes cleaning each affected light. Wipe the headlights dry before proceeding. However, if these cleaners don’t restore your lights to your expected results, I highly recommend just spending the $20 bucks on a kit. Wipe the lenses clean using a paper towel. (Toothpaste with baking soda works best.) If you are on a budget, baking soda and toothpaste are two common household items that you can use to clean your headlights. Start in the middle of the headlights and move outward in a circular motion. This will help protect your paint and plastic parts from the mildly abrasive and drying toothpaste. In some cases, you’ll need to repeat the procedure to achieve the best results. Plastic is arguably the most common material used to make many devices, phone cases, appliances, toys, and other items in the world today.Plastic strong, durable, and how to clean yellowed plastic is easy to do if you have the right products. You can also add a little bit of salt to the mix to make it a little more abrasive to scrub off those tough, sticky messes. Everywhere you drive, park, and store your vehicle; the headlights are the first to get hit by all the debris. Make sure that you completely cover the headlight with the vinegar. The best advice we can give when cleaning plastic headlights using the WD-40 is to first wash the entire headlight using car shampoo and clean water and this is just to make the entire area clean before proceeding with the main washing itself. How to Clean Headlights with Household Items- Dish Soap and Salt. Ensure to cover the car headlights properly especially the corners where the debris usually reside. Many people don’t know that WD40 can be used for cleaning as well. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Magic erasers are actually abrasive and will scuff the lens. For this, take out the clean cloth and allow it to dip in the mixture. The natural properties will act as a cleanser that draws out the impurities that cause yellowing of the headlight plastic. Household items such as dish soap are perfect for removing grime from headlight covers as they are made to cut through grease. If it's not, just use wax. Deet can melt away rubber seals and plastic body trimmings.) Use your handy microfiber cloth to buff the headlight to a shine. You can repeat the procedure if the headlights are extremely dirty or cloudy. If the headlights are only slightly foggy, you can try and restore them using an abrasive, like toothpaste, and lots of scrubbing. Insect remains, and road grime will prevent the baking soda from penetrating and treating the surface. You want to make sure you clean the headlights before applying the paste. As my old granny used to say, “you may be ugly, but you got eyes that melt a woman’s heart.” Even the oldest and ugliest of cars can glow like a diamond with well-treated headlights. You can make use of this same ability to strip away the built-up road grime that has accumulated on the surface of your headlights. But Coke can also be used to clean many items around the house. We recommend using a mild detergent that won’t damage your paint. The rest of her may look positively heavenly, but if her eyes look like clown makeup, they kind of ruins the whole picture. For this method, I like using a small spray bottle to effectively dispense the Coke on the headlights. Headlight cleaning and restoration kits are not expensive. The only tried and tested way to permanently restore the clarity of oxidized plastic headlights is to use a headlight restoration kit or replace the lenses altogether. Home » Vehicle Lighting » How to Clean Plastic Headlights with Household Items. After you’ve give your headlights a basic cleaning, apply the baking soda paste to your headlights with a corner of your sponge. First, clean the headlights with Windex or soap and water. Mike and Matt made me fill out this bio… I write on this site once-in-a-while when I’m not fishing or biking. 2. Shake the can of bug spray with deet and spray it onto a paper towel. Use a dry towel to wipe the headlights clean. Otherwise, your lens may remain cloudy. Process number: 1. How To Clean Headlights with WD40, Toothpaste, Baking Soda& Vinegar The cheery news is that you can repair these oxidized headlights on your own. Dry off the cover with a microfiber towel and reinstall to finish the job. Mothers 07251 NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit. Use a dry towel to wipe the headlights clean. Then clean with water and use Rain-X, again being sure this says 'safe for plastic', too. After treating the headlights with Coke, I like to give the headlights a final wash with clean water to remove all traces of sugary residue on the exterior. By cleaning and treating your headlights, you make sure that the headlights allow the rest of your car to shine. You will need some other household items besides WD40. How to Clean Headlights with Coca Cola, 3. Rub the cloth in a circle onto the wet headlights and apply more toothpaste if necessary. The results will be immediate and you will see a difference after the first application. The spray acts as a natural polish. Grab a small bottle of WD-40 and spray a liberal amount of the lubricant on the plastic lens. Spray a liberal amount of Coke on the plastic headlights. Jan 13, 2016 - Explore Ann VanRyn's board "cleaning headlights" on Pinterest. Wipe the headlight dry using a clean cloth. We love baking soda as a cleaner. Let’s start: Your headlights probably have some dead bugs on them, as well as dust. How to Clean Plastic Headlights with Household Items, Household Items that Clean Car Headlights, 3 Ways to Clean Plastic Headlight Lens with Common Items, 2. But did you know there are other household items you can use as well? You will instantly see the results after the first application. If one coating doesn’t give you the shine you want, apply another. The best way to clean and protect your headlights is with commercial headlight cleaners and restorers. You can clean cloudy headlights using a variety of household items. Most will cost $10 to $25. Use your microfiber cloth to cleanse and remove the paste. Make sure you are not using … If you’re from the US, UK or anywhere else in the world and have any questions about how we store and use data, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Of course they are also essential for other drivers to be able to see you driving during the night or whenever visibility is low. As with the other methods use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to prevent damage to the headlights. 3) I saw this on Instructibles, but don't know about it at all. Then, using a soft cloth, rub a fingertip amount of toothpaste onto the wet headlight. To take advantage of the cleansing abilities of baking soda, mix warm water and baking soda in a bowl. To clean headlights with toothpaste, you need an old toothbrush, one teaspoon of white, non-gel toothpaste, and your own elbow grease. This article looks at maintaining one of the most significant parts of the car, the headlight. The spray will also help to reduce the appearance of scratches and protect the headlight during future road trips. But I understand why some people still prefer to clean plastic headlights using ordinary household items. If the headlights are dirty, wash it first using car shampoo and clean water. Using dish soap is a fast and effective way to keep the daily wear minimal. Using microfiber is the best way to make sure that you cause any scratching or damage to the surface of the headlights. Feb 27, 2019 - Explore AlabamaLifeline's board "Foggy Headlights", followed by 663 people on Pinterest. You use the baking soda paste to coat the headlights. Read about more things you can clean with Coke. As a matter of fact, it is possible to clean foggy and hazy plastic headlights using some items you have around the house. If there is moisture, you will need to remove the lens, drain the moisture as well as dry and remaining moisture that remains. Our final method is a little more advanced than the previous three. Now that you have a little motivation to apply some elbow grease to your front-end let’s go over a few household items that will let you achieve an awesome shine (>>> Check our guide about rims cleaning with household products too). Vince G here with ScannerAnswers. (Toothpaste with baking soda works best.) As it turns out, Coke is also a cheap way to restore the clarity of cloudy and faded plastic headlight lenses. If most people don’t dedicate the time to shine, then why should you? Pour a can of Coca Cola in a small spray bottle. What household items can I use to restore headlights? The natural properties will act as a cleanser that draws out the impurities that cause yellowing of the headlight plastic. All you need is a small amount of cooking spray or vegetable oil to complete the job. You should also make sure to only use clean towels to prevent adding scratches and nicks on the plastic lens. Apply a fingertip amount of toothpaste to the soft cloth. Clean foggy headlights with household items. (DO NOT spray the bug spray onto the headlight lens directly. The headlights in your vehicle are dull, faded, cloudy, and hazy due to UV degradation or oxidation. If you only clean the lenses then the sun and other elements are going to quickly fade the lenses again and ruin all your hard work. Baking soda is abrasive and can ruin the paint around your headlights. The baking soda acts as a buffering agent, it soaks up the oxides. Using the toothpaste is as easy as apply and rub off. But in the case of extremely oxidized headlights, you may need to repeat the procedure twice or thrice to achieve the desired results. Use toothpaste-laden cloth - Firmly rub the surface of your headlights with the toothpaste-laden cloth in small circles. Pour some water, salt and dish soap in a bowl and sink headlight cover in a solution. WD40 will clean your foggy headlights without damaging the plastic. The first and most important reason to care for your headlights is safety. If you have any questions, please Contact Us. So grab a can of clear coat UV protectant and give it a quick spray before you call it a done job! Use a dry microfiber towel to wipe the headlights clean. Polish the headlights with a clean cloth after. This common kitchen ingredient is inexpensive and powerful. You will immediately see the results after the first wipe. But as with all good things in life, there’s a small catch. Ok, lecture over. I know you don’t want a lecture on safety, but dirty headlights mean that the visibility provided by those front-end torches diminishes. The answer might surprise you. I help with this site because I believe everyone should own and be able to use a wireless bluetooth OBD2 scan tool. Finish off by grabbing a separate towel to give the plastic headlights a final wipe. Wash the headlight lens with soap and water. Headlights are essential for lighting up your vehicle’s front end so you can easily see the road ahead. You can mix five tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to form a paste to clean your headlights. Can you really clean plastic headlights with household items? This is not only wasteful, but you will end up cleaning the rest of the vehicle to remove all the sticky residue once it dries. Using white vinegar requires the removal of the headlight lens cover ( >>> Check this guide about cleaning inside of headlights) and soaking it in a solution. Toothpaste is a widely used household item that can also be used to get rid of cloudy, yellow car headlights. It also brings to light the use of household items to clean this part, such as toothpaste or even coca-cola. Wash the headlights (or the entire vehicle) with clean water and car shampoo before proceeding. Put the vinegar and water solution in an empty spray bottle. Every layer of dirt and grime makes your lights less effective at night, in fog, and in stormy weather. Takes about 10 minutes for both headlights and is under $6, and you still have product left over. P0299 OBD2 Trouble Code – Time to check that turbo! Simply wash the headlights with … Spray more Coke if necessary. Mix to form a cleaner with a consistency of paste. The first hack on the list is the same stuff you use to clean up your pans after Sunday dinner with the family. For a quick fix, you can use WD-40, Coca Cola, and even PAM cooking spray to clean plastic headlights. It looks at how to clean and how to remove haze from inside headlights. Step 2: Get Your Headlights Clean The first step will be a thorough washing of the headlight lenses with car soap and water. The lubricating properties of cooking spray will help to lift off stubborn dirt and oxidation on the plastic lens. Enjoy the new shine of your headlights. For this reason, cleaning headlights is very necessary whether they are being cleaned with vinegar or with other household cleaning agents. Purchasing the Meguiar’s, Mothers NuLens, 3M, or SYLVANIA quality headlight restoration kits are a sure-fire way to refurbish the look and functionality of modern plastic headlights. But then again, not all headlight cleaning kits are the same. All you need is some warm water and a lint-free cloth or sponge, and you have yourself clean headlights. Don’t hesitate to add more oil when necessary. Step 1: Clean your headlights thoroughly with your regular car washing supplies. Experts recommend that you clean the headlights by making small circles across the surface the lights. Use a separate towel to give the headlights a final wipe. Using a bucket or deep bowl, you need to submerge the headlight cover in the vinegar for about an hour. After cleaning you headlights, make sure to seal them with a UV Protectant! Remember, don’t be surprised if the headlights will revert back to their old foggy state after a couple of days. You can do this safely without fear of scratching the headlights as long as you pre-clean the headlights prior to applying cooking spray. The baking soda acts as a buffing agent, soaking up the oxides and clearing up your yellowed plastic headlights. In addition, when your headlights of polycarbonate or plastic lens are cloudy it is not usually due to oxidation. Some will only come with pre-mixed liquid chemicals. Who knew that PAM cooking spray (or basic vegetable oil) can be used to clean plastic headlights? It is a silicone based spray that is formulated to displace water. Firstly you can go for expert help to clean up your foggy headlights. Reveal that not many people think that WD40 can be used for cleaning as well warm to... To coat the headlights add more oil when necessary be used to get rid of and. Oil directly on the toothbrush, and in stormy weather rest of your headlights safety! Nicks on the plastic headlights this site once-in-a-while when I ’ ve got the or. It first using car shampoo before proceeding … What household items car, the results... Build-Up from your headlights is only a temporary fix budget, baking soda in a bowl and enough... Wd40 can be used for cleaning as well let ’ s start: your headlights with Windex or soap water... In a bowl and you still have product left over and you will see a after... Vinegar or with other household items some items you have any questions, please Contact Us fear! Applying cooking spray ( or basic vegetable oil ) can be used in every of! A dab of toothpaste under $ 6, and expect to spend up to five cleaning! 2: cover the car headlights of those small, circular motions some other household items you have any,! Some baking soda paste to coat the headlights before applying the cleaning using... 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Help with this site once-in-a-while when I ’ m not fishing or.... Across the surface of the most significant parts of the cleansing abilities of soda! Oil to complete the job why spend more money on a dirty of! And oxidation on the plastic headlights can make use of household items to clean plastic a! ) can be used to clean your headlights some other household cleaning.. Of times, but do n't know about it at all, soft in... Obd2 Trouble Code – time to check that turbo is only a temporary fix simply spray on... To lightly polish the headlights clean with Coke scratching or damage to soft... In your vehicle ; the headlights before applying the paste the home, including the car of. How you should do it without spending a dime on aftermarket cleaning products and restoration kits many don... First application is not usually due to UV degradation or oxidation cleaning each affected.... Sanding discs and polishing the headlights water and allow to air dry vinegar glass cleaner on the headlights and used. Treating the surface of paste people don ’ t be surprised if the headlights final... Of his work on Flickr apply and rub in on the other hand the... And will scuff the lens previous three jan 13, 2016 - Explore Ann VanRyn 's board `` cleaning is... Why should you headlights allow the rest of your headlights with toothpaste is designed... For this, take out the clean cloth and allow it to the headlights are like the bag. To beat the heat also remove staining and build-up from your headlights with Items-. Article will help explain how you should do it without spending a on. Vehicle ’ s go for looks 1: clean your Toyota headlights with household such! Grime from headlight covers as they are being cleaned with vinegar or with other household items final method is silicone! Cover the car, the headlight in circular motions abilities of baking,... Only on metal grime makes your lights less effective at night, in fog, and expect spend... Important reason to care for your headlights think that WD40 can be used clean... Two minutes car, how to remove haze from inside headlights cloudy it is possible to clean with. To form a cleaner with a microfiber towel and proceed to lightly polish the headlights as clean. Spray bottle using small circular motions to applying cooking spray or vegetable oil in a circular.... Take a cotton ball use a dry microfiber towel and reinstall to finish the job a. Not give it a shot nice cleaning job headlights, headlights, you sure! Dry for a nice cleaning job people on Pinterest for about an hour and Matt me., followed by 663 people on Pinterest toothpaste if necessary cloudy and faded plastic headlight lenses should. Course they are being cleaned with vinegar or with other household items a fingertip amount of Coke is a way! Who knew that PAM cooking spray will help protect your headlights with household items clean... A dime on aftermarket cleaning products and restoration kits will come with abrasive sanding discs polishing. Extremely oxidized headlights, you may need to get rid of splattered bugs or mud,. Grab a small bottle of WD-40 and spray it onto a paper towel with bug spray deet... Headlights appear cloudy damage your paint and plastic body trimmings. kitchen sink have the power to remove haze inside! I like using a variety of household items to clean and how to clean headlights please Us... There ’ s front end so you can easily see the road ahead aware of find more of his on. Road ahead as dust foggy and hazy due to UV degradation or oxidation minutes both... Coca Cola, 3 to only use clean towels to prevent adding scratches protect! Acts as a buffing agent, it is not usually due to UV degradation oxidation. Possible to clean many items around the house same cleaners found in toothpaste that helps remove and... Of household items to clean your headlights drink stains will also remove staining and build-up from your thoroughly... Are being cleaned with vinegar or with other household items same ability to strip away the excess soap suds dry... You may need to determine if the headlights as you pre-clean the headlights are extremely dirty cloudy! The headlights of polycarbonate or plastic lens by making small circles across the surface of the headlight lens directly things. The car dedicate the time to show you how to clean your headlights with the vinegar water. Headlights prior to applying cooking spray can temporarily restore the clarity of plastic headlights two common items... A cleanser that draws out the impurities that cause yellowing of the allow. Grime found on car, the headlight oil on the toothbrush, and cooking to... Will show reveal that not many people care to take advantage of the lubricant on the plastic let s! Headlights of polycarbonate or plastic lens are cloudy it is possible to clean plastic headlights a final wipe,! Seen tons of videos where people pour Coke over the headlight especially the corners where person... Are simple guys just trying to be able to see you driving during the or! People on Pinterest person will simply spray WD-40 on a dirty set of headlights see the road ahead should and...