Car Headlight Cleaning Hacks | 15 Best Tips From Experts

If you own a car, you know how important it is to keep the headlights clean. Not only do they help you see better while driving, but they also contribute to the overall look of your vehicle. Unfortunately, car headlights can become cloudy and yellow over time, which not only looks unsightly but can also make it harder to see while driving at night. Here are 15 expert hacks for cleaning car headlights and keeping them in top condition.

Introduction

Car headlights are an essential part of any vehicle. Not only do they allow you to see while driving at night, but they also help other drivers see you. Over time, however, headlights can become cloudy and yellow, making it harder to see and decreasing the overall appearance of your car. Luckily, there are several expert hacks for cleaning car headlights that you can try at home.

What Causes Cloudy Headlights?

Before we dive into the hacks, let’s first discuss what causes cloudy headlights. Over time, headlights can become yellow and hazy due to exposure to the sun, pollution, and debris. In addition, the plastic covering on the headlights can also become scratched and pitted, making them look cloudy.

The Importance of Keeping Headlights Clean

Aside from the obvious safety concerns of driving with cloudy headlights, there are several other reasons why you should keep your headlights clean. Clean headlights improve your visibility while driving at night, allowing you to see obstacles in your path and potential hazards. Clean headlights also enhance the appearance of your vehicle, giving it a polished, well-maintained look.

15 Expert Hacks for Cleaning Car Headlights

Now that we’ve covered why it’s essential to keep your headlights clean let’s look at 15 expert hacks for cleaning car headlights.

1. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a common household item that can be used to clean car headlights. First, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Next, rinse the toothpaste with water and dry the headlights with a clean cloth.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another household item that can be used to clean car headlights. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste and apply it to the headlights. Rub the paste onto the headlights in a circular motion, then rinse it off with water.

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean car headlights. Mix vinegar with water in a 50/50 solution and apply it to the headlights. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another household item that can be used to clean car headlights. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. The alcohol will help to dissolve any buildup on the headlights. Once you’ve rubbed the alcohol onto the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

5. Glass Cleaner

Glass cleaner is a convenient product to use when cleaning car headlights. Spray the glass cleaner onto a clean cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

6. Bug Spray

Believe it or not, bug spray can also be used to clean car headlights. First, spray a small amount of bug spray onto a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

7. Sandpaper

For more stubborn buildup on your headlights, you can use sandpaper to clean them. Use fine-grit sandpaper and wet it with water. Next, apply light pressure to rub the sandpaper onto the headlights in a circular motion. Finally, rinse off the headlights with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

8. Steel Wool

Steel wool is another option for cleaning stubborn buildup on your headlights. Wet the steel wool with water and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you could scratch the headlights. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

9. Coca-Cola

Believe it or not, Coca-Cola can be used to clean car headlights. Pour a small amount of Coca-Cola onto a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

10. WD-40

WD-40 is another surprising product that can be used to clean car headlights. First, spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

11. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is another household item that can be used to clean car headlights. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

12. Car Wax

Car wax can also be used to clean car headlights. Apply a small amount of car wax to a cloth and rub it onto the headlights in a circular motion. Once you’ve cleaned the headlights, rinse them off with water and dry them with a clean cloth.

13. Headlight Restoration Kit

You can use a headlight restoration kit if none of the above hacks work. These kits contain all the products you need to restore your headlights to their original condition. Follow the instructions on the kit carefully to achieve the best results.

14. Professional Cleaning

If your headlights are extremely dirty or cloudy or you feel uncomfortable cleaning your headlights yourself, you can always take your car to a professional. Auto detailers and car washes offer specialized cleaning services for headlights, which can restore the clarity and brightness of the lights. They offer different pricing & packages that you can choose from..

15. Prevention

The best way to keep your headlights clean is to prevent them from becoming dirty in the first place. Park your car in a garage or under a carport to protect your headlights from the elements. You can also apply a protective film to your headlights to prevent them from becoming scratched or pitted.

Conclusion

Keeping your car headlights clean is essential for safety and appearance. With these 15 expert hacks, you can clean your headlights using household items and products easily found at your local store. From toothpaste to bug spray, these hacks will surely make your headlights shine like new. Remember to always test any new product or hack on a small, inconspicuous area of your headlights before using it on the entire surface.

By following these hacks and preventing your headlights from becoming dirty in the first place, you can ensure that your car looks great and that you can see the road clearly at night.

Keeping your car’s headlights clean and shining is essential not just for the vehicle’s appearance but for safety on the road. For this reason, it is important that you get it done, either by yourself or from professional detailers. Car detailers provide expert cleaning services, not only for your headlights but for the whole car. Professional detailing can completely turn the way your car looks and make it brand new. If you want to give your car a complete makeover, consider reaching out to professional car detailing services such as Montana Auto Pros.

At Montana Auto Pros, we have years of experience providing professional car cleaning and enhancing the appearance of each and every car. With our mobile auto detailing services, we come to you and provide the best detailing of your vehicle at the convenience of your own home or workplace. You can reach out to us by giving us a call at 509-881-7576, or by sending an email. You can also simply schedule an online booking and we will come to you.

FAQs

Is it safe to use sandpaper or steel wool on my car headlights?

• Yes, as long as you use fine-grit sandpaper and wet it with water. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or scratch the headlights.

Can I use vinegar to clean my car headlights?

• Yes, vinegar can be used to clean car headlights. Mix equal parts of water and vinegar and apply them to the headlights with a cloth.

How often should I clean my car headlights?

• It’s a good idea to clean your car headlights every few months to ensure they stay in good condition and provide maximum visibility while driving.

Can I prevent my headlights from becoming dirty?

• Yes, you can park your car in a garage or under a carport to protect your headlights from the elements. You can also apply a protective film to your headlights to prevent them from becoming scratched or pitted.

Should I take my car to a professional to clean my headlights?

• If you feel uncomfortable cleaning your headlights, or if none of the above hacks work, you can always take your car to a professional to clean them safely and effectively.

Can I use baking soda to clean my car headlights?

• Yes, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and apply it to your headlights with a cloth. First, scrub the headlights gently, then rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.

How do I remove yellowing from my car headlights?

• To remove yellowing from your car headlights, try using toothpaste or baking soda, as mentioned in the article. You can also use a headlight restoration kit, which can be found at your local auto parts store.

Is it necessary to clean the inside of my car headlights?

• It’s unnecessary to clean the inside of your car headlights, as they are sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside. However, if you notice condensation inside your headlights, it may be a sign of a crack or leak and should be inspected by a professional.

Can I use Windex to clean my car headlights?

• While Windex can clean some surfaces, it’s not recommended for car headlights as it can damage the protective coating on the headlights’ surface.

How can I maintain the cleanliness of my car headlights?

• To maintain the cleanliness of your car headlights, avoid parking in direct sunlight for long periods, wash your car regularly, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your headlights. A protective coating or film can also help maintain cleanliness and prevent damage.

Can I use a magic eraser to clean my car headlights?

• Yes, a magic eraser can be used to clean car headlights. First, wet the magic eraser with water and scrub the headlights gently. Then, rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.

How can I prevent my car headlights from becoming foggy?

• To prevent your car headlights from becoming foggy, apply a protective coating or film to the headlights’ surface. You can also avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your headlights and park your car in a garage or under a carport.

Is it possible to restore severely damaged headlights?

• Yes, severely damaged headlights can be restored using a headlight restoration kit or by taking your car to a professional for repair. However, if the damage is too severe, you may need to replace the headlights altogether.

How can I clean the inside of my car headlights?

• It’s not recommended to clean the inside of your car headlights, as they are sealed to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside. However, if you notice condensation inside your headlights, it may be a sign of a crack or leak and should be inspected by a professional.

Can I use cooking oil to clean my car headlights?

• No, cooking oil should not be used to clean car headlights as it can leave a greasy residue and attract dirt and debris. Instead, use a cleaning product specifically designed for headlights, or try one of the hacks mentioned in this article.