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Steps on How to Clean Headlights

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 18, 2024

Well-functioning headlights are essential for ensuring road safety, particularly in low-light conditions. But over time, they can become foggy or yellow due to exposure to the sun, air pollutants and dirt. This guide will teach you how to clean headlights effectively, ensuring your car remains safe.

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • ​Toothbrush

Materials

Steps on How to Clean Headlights

Before you begin the process of headlight cleaning, here is why you need to clean them. The accumulation of grime and the foggy, yellow appearance that develops over time can severely diminish the effectiveness of your headlights. Follow the steps below:

Different Ways to Clean Headlights.

Here are some additional DIY methods to clean headlights that you can try:

Clean Headlights with Toothpaste

  • Use water to remove dirt, grime and loose debris from the headlight lenses.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber towel.
  • Squeeze a generous amount of non-gel toothpaste onto a soft cloth or directly onto the headlight lens.
  • Gently rub the toothpaste with a soft toothbrush into the lens using circular motions.
  • Focus on the cloudy or yellowed areas.
  • Rinse the headlight thoroughly with clean water to remove all toothpaste residue.
  • Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe the lens dry.
Caution
Avoid using gel toothpaste as it may not be coarse enough.

Clean the Headlights with Vinegar and Baking Soda

  • Wash the headlights with car wash soap and water to remove dirt and grime.
  • Mix 2 parts white vinegar with 1 part baking soda in a small bowl.
  • Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste.
  • Dip a microfiber towel into the paste.
  • Gently rub the paste onto the cloudy or yellowed areas of the headlight lens, using circular motions.
  • Rinse the headlight thoroughly with clean water to remove all the paste residue.
  • Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe the lens dry.

Clean the Headlights with a Window Cleaner

  • Spray the window cleaner on the headlight lens.
  • Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the window cleaner in a circular motion until the headlight is clean.
  • For stubborn dirt or grime, you may need to repeat the process a few times.

Knowing how to master headlight cleaning is a valuable skill for any car owner, not only for enhancing the vehicle’s appearance but for safety reasons as well. By following these simple steps on how to clean headlights, you can restore their brightness and prolong their life, ensuring a safer driving experience.

FAQ’s

1) How to clean foggy headlights?

To clean foggy headlights, start by washing the affected area with a mild soap and water solution. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a headlight polishing kit to gently scrub away the haze. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth. For stubborn fog, you might need to use a headlight restoration kit.

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