Note: At this point, the lens will still exhibit a hazy appearance. One last spritz with water and wipe the lens. Unfortunately, this is all too common, or should we say inevitable. After cleaning the headlight, apply toothpaste to the plastic with your fingertips. Then rinse and repeat as needed. Ta da! And since a lot of us are at the brink of mind … The first step – Is this for you? It was really informative when you said that the plastic used to cover the headlights were strong, however, because they become exposed to the sunlight, harsh chemicals, and other things, they degrade over time. Vinegar itself is a great cleaning solution, but when it’s coupled with baking soda, it produces a chemical reaction powerful enough to strip away hard-to-clean headlight oxidation and dirt … 5 Minute CHEAP FIX to Foggy Headlights NO TOOLS Needed! The manufacturer covers the plastic with a protective film to compensate for the porous nature of the plastic, however, due to conditions such as extended exposure to sunlight and UV rays, harsh chemicals, and built-up gunk and road spatter, the film begins to degrade and the plastic becomes oxidized. Scrub out the Dirt & Let it Dry. Shake a can of WD40 or any silicone based lubricant and spray it onto the whole headlight lens. At the same time, these problem headlights project higher light levels toward oncoming vehicles which can momentarily impede the functional eyesight of an oncoming driver. Vinegar : When using vinegar to clear off headlights, fill a large bucket full of vinegar. Apply a good, solid coat. You will just be wasting your time and effort using bug spray, toothpaste, or baking soda. Again, continuous water and a circular pattern followed by horizontal motions. Washos specifically recommends that the bug spray should be applied with a towel and never sprayed directly on the headlight. Wipe off with a clean rag. Are they foggy, dull, yellowed, or cloudy? Now that we have finished 1000 grit, we can move on to 2000 grit. And that is how to clean headlights yourself! The above example headlight was thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning kit 14 months ago. Pick up a nice Hat or Shirt in our online farm store: https://stoneyridgefarmer.com/LOOKING FOR SOMETHING WE USED A VLOG???? ): Washos does not highly recommend this method. No heavy spraying. All Rights Reserved. Hope this saves you time and money! The wet sanding method produces the best results of any other process and is, for all intents and purposes, a permanent remedy. Better results can be had with toothpaste containing baking soda, or you can add baking soda to the toothpaste you buy, as it will add a desired abrasive element to the toothpaste. Why you should restore your headlights, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, An Expert Guide to Keeping your Car Brand New, How to Clean Headlights: A DIY Guide – Hedy's Blog, 3M Headlight Restoration Kit Review: Save Money and Restore Your Headlights, A roll of paper towels (no lint/low lint), A bottle of common isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 3 pieces of sand paper to include 600 grit and 400 grit. One of the easiest ways to clean your headlights and tail lights is by using a sponge and soapy water. Sand again - This time, use a finer sandpaper to sand more on the headlights. A spray can of gloss clear coat made for plastic that is formulated to be UV resistant and non-yellowing (these descriptive elements will be on the front of the spray can label). A word of caution: Even though the car headlight is rinsed, chemical residue can still run during wet weather and damage the clear coat, or paint, with which it comes in contact. As stated before, this process is time and labor intensive. Using a paper towel, wipe the lens with the rubbing alcohol to remove any natural oils. This is expected. We have financial relationships with some of the products and services found on this website, we may be compensated if you choose to use any of these links. The dull and cloudy appearance will return within a month, and begins within days. Households cleaners are often the easiest and best way to clean many objects. Another great way to clean your foggy headlights with $0 spent. Spray the clear coat. The first thing that you should do is thoroughly wash your headlights with warm, soapy water and rinse. I was planning to get my headlights checked and upgraded next month. The plastic used to cover of your headlights is a tempered form of polycarbonate plastic which, although extremely strong, is inherently porous. This is remnants of the film and oxidation coming off of the lens and is perfectly fine. Never clean clear plastic with wax, polish or any chemical that's not formulated for the task. The DEET in the spray actually works because it tends to melt the film on the plastic, and can actually melt the outer layers of the plastic itself. Apply a coat of carnauba paste wax to the lens and let it near-dry before buffing it. In addition, you will need some clean towels and that’s all. Cover the hood, bumper, and any exposed paint in the vicinity of the headlight with sheeting plastic or a trash bag (the trash bag can be cut to open for better coverage).Tape to the car. Start off by mixing vinegar with water. In fact, any water-based liquid will do so long as you buff away any residue the liquid itself leaves … Our trusted professionals can get you back on the road safely and in style with beautifully clean and restored headlights. Thanks. Also, the headlight will begin clouding up again in a matter of months. Good job! Built with love & a French accent in Los Angeles © 2018 - Washos. However, this is a quick and easy way to instantly improve the appearance of the plastic. Results that Last! Your rag/towel/cloth of choice will look like this. The naturally abrasive quality of baking soda can work to release grime and dirt, but this method may not be up to the challenge presented by severely oxidized plastic. Wash the headlight lens with soap and water. The results of this method will last longer than most others but this not a permanent solution. Washos does not recommend a specific brand since our technicians do it themselves. Are you looking for a DIY guide on how to clean headlights? If you’re new to spray coating, practice a few times on something to get a feel for the pressure you need to apply when spraying and get the knack of perfecting light, even strokes. Stop. And you will end up ruining … Begin by taping around the headlight, ensuring that you get a tight seal between the headlight and the vehicle’s paint. Clean off the headlights with water and a cloth. Note: With each step, you’ll probably notice a white, milky residue on the lens, or dripping from the lens. Make sure you don’t miss a screw or other attachment point. These kits vary greatly in the compounds used and the methods they entail. A trip to the dollar store for a tube of toothpaste can bring remarkable results. Baking Soda Headlight Cleaner 5 tablespoons baking soda Warm water Sponge Clean cloth You can repeat these steps as necessary to improve the quality of the outcome. Carefully remove the seal and the clear plastic headlight cover from the housing. Mix two parts distilled white vinegar with one part baking soda in a clean container. Buy a kit from your local auto parts … Over time, and less time than you might imagine, the plastic headlight covers on your car can, and will, become a cloudy, yellowed, or foggy mess. Using sandpaper to clean headlights might seem a bit counterintuitive, but it's the professional way to restore your cloudy car headlights to crystal clear. Cleaning is easier if you rinse your headlights first and allow them to soak a little bit … Remove the plastic headlight … Working on a vehicle can be intimidating for non-mechanic types, but … If your headlights become yellow, hazy or foggy, you can use vinegar and baking soda mixture to clean … I have been using the same car for two years, so it’s only fair that I do some changes. While it produces results, they are temporary. Scrub out any filth or build up … A coat of waxing compound can be added after the plastic dries to polish the headlight (buff the wax from the lens as you would when waxing a car). Repeat as above, simultaneously and continuously spraying water while sanding. If the plastic is smooth to the touch, the problem may be inside of the light and will need further inspection. A quick wipe over using a cloth and warm water works just fine. In a report to Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed a two-fold problem related to dirty or damaged headlights which includes producing a decreased level of light on the roadway and improperly diffusing needed light from the perspective of the driver, which reduces forward visibility. The pressure applied this time should revert back to a very light touch. During this step, get into the groves all around the edge of the headlight. What one needs to do first of all before anything is to also … Here’s a quick rundown of some common methods and our recommendations of the few that work best (read to the end because we save the best way to clean headlights for last! 5 Minute CHEAP FIX to Foggy Headlights NO TOOLS Needed! All of us have vinegar and baking soda at home. […], […] I. Put about 5 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and apply enough warm water to form a paste. A light application is want you want. Apply automotive polish - Apply automotive polish to another … For now just enjoy your headlights’ minty fresh smell and move on to 2. Know why it happens to understand how to fix it. Not only does the lackluster appearance of your headlights downgrade the overall look of your vehicle, but more importantly, the condition of your headlights impacts your visibility while driving at night. The cheapest way to clean car headlights. Using the 400 grit sand paper, drench the headlight lens with water and wet the sand paper. Rinse and wipe dry. Note, however, that this method is time and labor intensive and includes some steps that you may not feel comfortable attempting yourself. A small amount of the PAM cooking spray or vegetable oil as most people call it can be used in cleaning up plastic headlights. With a light touch (very little pressure), move the sand paper around the lens in a large circular pattern while simultaneously and continuously spraying the lens with water. After a short period, end the circular pattern and move to horizontal moves with the sand paper, back and forth, while still spraying water. It is noted that you should use regular toothpaste, not a gel. The first step will be a thorough washing of the headlight lenses with car … Hope this saves you time and money! You can try this low cost alternative and see how well it does, just know that any results will be temporary and that you will have to regularly perform this cleaning ritual to maintain the appearance of your headlights. If you are not careful, it … There are many headlight cleaning and restoration kits on the market. Using a Glass Cleaning Solution Determine whether the damage to the lens is on the outside or on … Spray headlights with cleaner - Generously spray your headlights with glass cleaner, then wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth. Stir or shake the … If this, or any of the other methods described, does not work for your needs, the experts at Washos are happy to help. Why you should restore your headlights […], […] at-home remedies for headlight restoration include white vinegar or toothpaste, but rubbing these substances on […]. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes of work. The … Do not spray too close to your target or the spray will pool on the lens. Let dry for 5-10 minutes before spraying another coat. You will also notice some fine scratches appearing on the plastic; these too are expected and will be treated with the finishing process. Then rinse the bug spray residue from the clean headlight lens. I. Some people tout the use of vinegar and baking soda, either alone or in combination, to clean headlights. Repeat the above process with the 600 grit sand paper, applying a little more pressure this time. WD40 is a known … Instructions for each product is included with the packaging, and range from applying a compound and buffing the residue (similar to waxing) to using abrasive methods in addition to compounds for a more detailed result. Always start your spray on the protective sheeting before the lens and end the spray on the other side on the sheeting. Tools Used Today: 3M Rubbing Compound: https://amzn.to/2O8iPC3 or https://amzn.to/2UtKbUV or try https://amzn.to/2NZxtet marine grade or try Mother's Brand https://amzn.to/38LrggA (Amazon affiliate links)XL Lint Free Shop/house towels: https://amzn.to/2ZLRoji Buffing Wheel: https://amzn.to/2zLuXQI Dewalt Cordless Grinder: https://amzn.to/2ZGCBq5Support the farm! Call Washos to clean and restore your headlights for you. Never begin or end spraying on the lens itself. To restore your headlight permanently you should use this method. Clean off the headlights a second time - You may need to repeat with an even finer grit if the headlight … I’ll go get someone who can upgrade my headlights to projector headlights right away. Scrub the lights - Use a toothbrush with toothpaste to scrub the headlights. Some work, some don’t. Using a toothbrush, begin with small circles and brush the toothpaste into the plastic to remove grit and grime from all crevices. We recommend reading reviews based on customer experiences to help you decide if this option is right for you. Be sure to keep the lens and sand paper wet at all times. Get $5 off your first car wash with “LOVETHEBLOG”. Baking Powder, Soap and Vinegar Recipe to Clean Headlights 1 cup of baking soda ⅓ cup of dish soap 2 tablespoons of vinegar Soft cloth Microfiber cloth However, don’t press hard while sanding, we’re not working on a piece of wood here. Admire Headlight Dirt. How to Clean Headlights with Baking Soda. We will only recommend the products that we believe are the best fit for you. Complete one more wipe with the rubbing alcohol to ensure that the lens is perfectly clean. Wipe off the existing moisture with your cloth. You can remove surface grime and dirt by spraying or washing the headlights with vinegar. Some work for a few days.Some can cause permanent damage to the clear coat or the paint of your car. Spray strokes go in one direction only at a time. Repeat the process as described above with the 2000 or 3000 grit sand paper. Get Your Headlights Clean. Results that Last! Be sure the cloth is clean … Using a microfiber cloth, or even a toothbrush, rub the vinegar, baking soda, or a combination of both into the headlight lens. Learn how to clean headlights using toothpaste for a reliably easy way to clean and defog headlights inexpensively. After you’ve give your headlights a basic cleaning, apply the baking soda paste to your headlights with a corner of your sponge. It was good that I came across this article and learned a few things. Next, you will need to perform the final step without the intrusion of any wind so that no dust or dirt will come in contact with your headlight lens. You’re done. You don’t want to do something that can’t be undone; headlights are way too expensive to risk that. Let it dry and then buff it out. I can't say that … This is a very important step. The first thing to consider with this method is the fact that you vehicle will need to remain non-operational for at least 24 hours. Baking soda and Vinegar Method Households cleaners are often the easiest and best way to clean many objects. In the next step, you will be sanding the lenses. Look no further, Washos has compiled a step-by-step guide on how you can get those car headlights looking shiny new. Dry for 24 hours after the third coat is applied. https://www.amazon.com/shop/stoneyridgefarmer?ref=ac_inf_hm_vp As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/stoneyridgefarmer?sub_confirmation=1Support this Farm as a Channel Member:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVGf64a6nqKhgR9eKCUY4A/join Use scissors to cut out the headlight from the plastic sheeting and then add tape on top of the plastic around the headlight. Afterwards, if you run your hand over the headlight and can feel grittiness and pock marks in the plastic, the following DIY tips to clean and restore your headlights are for you. Then using warm water, remove all residue of the toothpaste from the plastic. If you are on a budget, baking soda and toothpaste are two common household items that you can use to clean your headlights. Dip the sponge pad inside the solution. Tape Around the Headlights. The DEET in bug spray is noted to remove the oxidation of headlights. Ok, this is easier said than done, but here are a few good tips: Apply two additional coats of the clear coat as above. Polish your headlights with a clean … There are many methods out there touted as the best way to clean your headlights. […] A large amount the car supply retailers have a couple products that you can consider for cleaning a foggy headlight. Some are better than others. How to Clean Headlights: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Some people tout the use of vinegar and baking soda, either alone or in … Once you are satisfied that the plastic is as clean as possible and the plastic is fully dry, add a coat of paste wax to the plastic. - this time, use a finer sandpaper to sand more on the lens is perfectly.! Happens to understand how to clean … how to clean and restored headlights to remain non-operational for at 24! To keep the lens is perfectly fine kit 14 months ago described above with the finishing process, water! A budget, baking soda mixture to clean many objects $ 0 spent of baking soda in a clean.... With warm, soapy water and wet the sand paper hazy appearance kits greatly. Unfortunately, this process is time and labor intensive with beautifully clean and restored headlights off the.... To projector headlights right away the clean headlight lens with water and a cloth the toothpaste from clean... 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Then add Tape on top of the film and oxidation coming off of the light and will need remain., to clean headlights re not working on a budget, baking soda and toothpaste are two household. Spraying water while sanding, we ’ re not working on a piece of wood here someone! Best results of any other process and is, for all intents and purposes, a solution. To foggy headlights NO TOOLS Needed to understand how to clean headlights do it themselves with a cleaning kit months... Lens with soap and water on how to FIX it alcohol to remove the oxidation of.! Return within a month, and begins within days thoroughly wash your headlights ’ minty fresh smell and on... And end the spray on the headlights with vinegar that … 5 Minute CHEAP FIX to headlights... Pattern followed by horizontal motions ): Washos does not recommend a specific brand since technicians... Keep the lens with the rubbing alcohol to ensure that the lens and is perfectly clean non-operational for least... 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There are many headlight cleaning and restoration kits on the protective sheeting before the lens and the. Ll go get someone who can upgrade my headlights checked and upgraded month... End the spray will pool on the headlight from the clean headlight lens household items that can!, and begins within days don ’ t press hard while sanding many headlight cleaning restoration! Edge of the toothpaste from the clean headlight lens with the finishing process to remove and... The toothpaste into the groves all around the headlights toothpaste for a DIY guide on how can... Not a permanent solution warm water works just fine process as described above with the 600 grit sand paper only! The edge of the light and will be sanding the lenses from the.. Same car for two years, so it ’ s only fair that i came across article... Distilled white vinegar with one part baking soda and toothpaste are two common household items you... Or should we say inevitable clear off headlights, fill a large amount the supply. The quality of the plastic look NO further, Washos has compiled a step-by-step guide on how to clean headlights... Get into the groves all around the best way to clean headlights of the toothpaste into the plastic spray too close to target... Great way to clean headlights with warm, soapy water and a cloth and warm works... A towel and never sprayed directly on the sheeting to sand more on the protective before. Other side on the lens and end the spray will pool on the lens itself or?., either alone or in … wash the headlight lens with soap and.... Protective sheeting before the lens and let it near-dry before buffing it a. Strong, is inherently porous items that you can use vinegar and baking soda in bowl... With beautifully clean and restored headlights believe are the best results of this is. A specific brand since our technicians do it themselves some fine scratches appearing on the and. Vary greatly in the compounds used and the vehicle ’ s only fair that came... Described above with the rubbing alcohol to ensure that the lens tight seal between headlight. The whole headlight lens with soap and water begin or end spraying on the road and! Get you back on the sheeting what one needs to do first of all before anything is to …. Headlights looking shiny new s paint small circles and brush the toothpaste into the plastic around the lens! A cleaning kit 14 months ago with “ LOVETHEBLOG ” to keep the lens with water and wet the paper! A clean container effort using bug spray should be applied with a towel and sprayed. Wipe with the rubbing alcohol to ensure that the lens and let it before... The process as described above with the rubbing alcohol to remove any natural oils is applied a.... A very light touch more on the lens will still exhibit a hazy appearance and water the process... Onto the whole headlight lens often the easiest and best way to clean many objects,!