How To Clean Your Own Headlights

gloved hand cleaning a car's headlight
Are your headlights not shining as brightly as they used to? They might be a little cloudy, so try these headlight cleaning methods to restore that shine.

Window Cleaner

For this process, you’ll need to clean and shine your headlight housing, and you can use window cleaner or glass cleaner. First, protect the trim around your headlights by applying masking tape around their edges. Next, apply the window cleaner to the headlight and let it set for just a few moments before wiping it clean with a microfiber cloth. With a separate cloth or car buffer, apply car polish to the headlights, then rinse. Finally, apply car wax to the headlights to protect them for clouding again soon.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

It seems like there are a thousand uses for vinegar and baking soda. They’re not just a tried and true cleaning combo in the kitchen, because this convenient solution can be just as handy when you need to clear the fog from your headlights. First, prep your headlights by washing them with car wash soap and water. That’ll help clean away any debris or grime so that the vinegar and baking soda can do their job. Next, stir two parts vinegar to one part baking soda until combined in a clean container. Rub the mix into each headlight with a microfiber cloth, then rinse them clear. If you have to repeat the process, remember to rinse between each application.

Toothpaste

Yes, the same toothpaste you use to brighten your smile can also brighten your view of the road. To get started, wash the headlights with car soap and water, then let them dry. Next, apply masking tape to the surfaces surrounding your headlights to protect the paint and trim, then squeeze some toothpaste onto a damp cloth. Firmly apply the toothpaste to the headlights, working on each one for about five minutes. Let them dry, then buff them clear. Next, rinse the headlights and consider protecting them with a layer of car wax.

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Tarr Hyundai

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