You’re heading to your car, planning to go on a fun drive, when you suddenly notice those cloudy, dingy headlights staring back at you. It’s like they’re begging for a makeover. Achieving crystal-clear headlights doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are 15 ways to clean your headlights like a pro.
Toothpaste Scrub
Grab your non-gel toothpaste and an old toothbrush. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush and gently scrub the headlights in circular motions. Rinse with water and marvel at the results. This method is widely available and inexpensive but can be time-consuming.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar’s acidic properties help break down debris and oxidation effectively. Mix vinegar with water, spray the solution onto the headlights, and let it sit. Scrub the headlights with a microfiber cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly with water.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda’s mild abrasive nature helps remove dirt and is safe for most headlight materials. Prepare a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the headlights using a cloth, then scrub in circular motions and rinse.
Lemon Slices
Lemon juice can effectively remove stubborn stains and oxidation, leaving behind a refreshing citrus scent. Slice a lemon in half and rub the cut side directly onto the headlights. After scrubbing, rinse the headlights thoroughly with water.
Dryer Sheets
Dampen a dryer sheet with water and use it to scrub the headlights. The abrasive texture of the dryer sheet helps loosen dirt while leaving a smooth finish. The gentle abrasive action helps remove surface contaminants but requires some elbow grease for stubborn stains.
Using WD-40
Spray some WD-40 directly onto the headlights, then wipe them in circular motions, allowing the WD-40 to penetrate and dissolve grime. After cleaning, rinse the headlights with water. WD-40’s lubricating properties help break down tough stains and protect against future damage.
Rubbing Alcohol
If your headlights look greasy, rubbing alcohol is an excellent solution. It removes grease, oil, and other contaminants without damaging the surface. Soak a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the headlights. The alcohol helps dissolve dirt and grime while evaporating quickly, leaving a clean finish.
Sandpaper Smoothing
Some debris can become too tough to remove after years of neglect. For extreme cases of headlight oxidation, sandpaper can be used to sand away the outer layer of the headlight. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually work your way to finer grits until the desired clarity is achieved.
Hydrogen Peroxide Potion
Prepare a 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the solution and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the headlights with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly with water. This compound is relatively inexpensive, but you must protect your skin and eyes when handling it.
Coca-Cola Cleanse
Coca-Cola is surprisingly effective for removing tough stains and oxidation and leaves behind a shiny finish. Pour Coca-Cola onto a sponge and use it to scrub the headlights. After scrubbing, rinse the headlights thoroughly with water to remove all the residue.
Glass Cleaner
Spray a generous amount of glass cleaner onto the headlights and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt and grime. Wipe the headlights clean with a microfiber cloth or sponge, then rinse with water. This compound is specifically formulated to clean glass surfaces, making it safe for most headlights.
Baby Shampoo
Mix a small amount of baby shampoo with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Apply the solution to the headlights using a cloth or sponge, then scrub gently. This is a mild and gentle cleaning option, suitable for sensitive surfaces. However, it may require several applications for heavily soiled headlights.
Using Newspapers
The newspaper’s textured surface effectively removes dirt and grime, while the ink acts as a mild abrasive for additional cleaning power. Use a damp newspaper to scrub the headlights, focusing on areas with stubborn grime or oxidation. This method is also eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Commercial Cleaners
Purchase a commercial headlight cleaning kit from your local auto store. Follow the instructions, which typically involve applying a cleaning solution or polish to the headlights and buffing them with a cloth or pad. These cleaners are specifically formulated to tackle headlight oxidation and include UV protectants to prevent future damage.
Professional Polishing
If your headlights are in bad condition, take your car to a professional detailing service for the ultimate headlight restoration. They’ll use specialized equipment and techniques to polish and restore your headlights to like-new condition. Nevertheless, this method comes with a higher cost compared to DIY options.
