A cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar is a great DIY option for cleaning foggy headlights. Household vinegar is effective in dissolving dirt, grease and debris. Vinegar as a cleaner is also environmentally friendly. This works best on oxidized or very cloudy headlights.
If the headlights are only slightly foggy, you can try and restore them using an abrasive, like toothpaste, and lots of scrubbing. First, clean the headlights with Windex or soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth, rub a fingertip amount of toothpaste onto the wet headlight. (Toothpaste with baking soda works best.)
A cleaning solution of baking soda and vinegar is a great DIY option for cleaning foggy headlights. Household vinegar is effective in dissolving dirt, grease and debris. Vinegar as a cleaner is also environmentally friendly. This works best on oxidized or very cloudy headlights.
Clean the headlight area with soap and water to wipe off surface-level dirt and debris. Windex or a household glass cleaner can also do the trick. Make sure the headlights are completely dry, and then move to Step 2.
No, hydrogen peroxide would not do a damn thing. If your headlight assemblies are yellowed or hazed you will need to use a light-grade rubbing compound to reduce the haze.
Toothpaste can make for effective headlight restoration because its formula contains tiny amounts of abrasive substances that will cut through stuck-on grime, road particulates, and the effects of oxidation.
Professionals restore headlights in much the same way you do it at home, using a headlight restore kit. First the surface of the lens is cleaned and sandpaper is worked into the lens to remove the deteriorated coating on the lens. The headlight is then washed again to remove any residue which might remain.
If you've got a particularly tough headlight lens that's caked with dirt, rubbing alcohol can be used to clean your headlights. Rubbing alcohol has the ability to remove dirt, grime, and stains from most surfaces. It can also loosen residue and loosen stubborn stains, making it useful for cleaning headlight lenses.
DEET is the quickest and most efficient way to clean oxidation from headlights, as it will melt the headlight plastic and its oxidation. Bug spray with DEET will clean your hazy, oxidated headlights when really needed, and it will keep them clean around a week.
However, Colgate with peroxide or baking soda works best. This is because whitening toothpaste has more grit than a non-whitening paste.
WD-40 is a universal lubricant that has proven its effectiveness on headlights, door jams, and rusty surfaces. While it's become a valued household item, it's definitely not the best option for headlight restoration. In fact, many car owners oppose using it.
Restore Auto Headlights with Dish Soap
Apply some hot water and dish soap, and leave it to sit for a few minutes. Wipe in circular, consistent motions, and rinse.
Our scrubbers are soft in your hands and perfectly shaped to clean hard to reach areas. Simply wet the pad, scrub and rinse. Your windshield and headlights will be clean and clear from bugs and debris in no time! Discover how to clean your windshield with ease using S.O.S® Non-Scratch Scrubbers!
Using Rubbing Compound and Buffer to Restore Lens
The detailer will also use a rubbing compound that is suitable for cleaning plastic automotive lenses.