Keeping your car’s headlights clean is a simple yet essential way to make sure you get the best visibility while driving—and it also keeps your car looking sharp. Over time, headlights can start to look dull, cloudy, or have a yellowish tinge to them, which can dim their brightness and reduce how well you see (and are seen) when driving at night or in bad weather. Clean headlights aren’t just about looks—they’re about safety, too. Here’s an easy way to keep your lights in top shape.
Cleaning car headlights
Driving at night or in low-visibility conditions? One of the best safety steps you can take is making sure your headlights are in top shape. And that means more than just checking for burned-out bulbs. Foggy or cloudy headlight lenses can actually reduce your lights' effectiveness.
This means that you may want to add cleaning your headlights as part of your regular summer or winter car maintenance. The good news is you can probably clear up those foggy headlights with stuff you already have at home! Toothpaste, vinegar, baking soda, and even a little WD-40 can work wonders on hazy lenses. So, whether you choose the DIY route or opt to pick up a headlight restoration kit, you can try cleaning headlights with:
1. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is actually one of the best (and cheapest!) options for cleaning foggy headlights. It’s just abrasive enough to clear away the yellow haze without scratching the plastic. All you need to do is squeeze a little onto a soft cloth or sponge, then gently scrub the headlights in circular motions. Rinse with water, and if they still look a bit foggy, go over them again. For the best results, plan on giving them this quick refresh once a year—or even more often if needed.
2. Baking soda and vinegar
Toothpaste is great for cleaning up headlights, but the classic combo of white vinegar and baking soda works just as well! When you mix baking soda and vinegar, you get a strong cleaning solution that can cut through dirt, grime, and oxidation on your headlights. Just mix two parts baking soda with one part vinegar in a bowl, spread it over the headlights, and scrub gently with a soft cloth or sponge. Once you’re done, rinse with water and dry them off with a clean microfiber cloth.
3. WD-40
WD-40 is a handy, all-purpose cleaner that can help clear up dirt, grime, and oxidation on your hazy headlights. Instead of spraying it directly on the headlights, apply a little WD-40 to a cloth, then rub it in with circular motions to avoid streaks. In just a few seconds, you’ll see the headlights start to clear up. If there’s any leftover residue, just wipe it down with a damp cloth and a bit of car wash soap for a clean finish. WD-40 works as a quick fix, but it’s only temporary, so you might need to clean your headlight covers again after some time on the road.
4. Bug and tar remover
Bug and tar remover is a specialized cleaner made to tackle those tough bug splatters and tar spots on your car. Just spray it onto the headlights, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth or sponge. If any spots are still there, just repeat the process until they are gone.
5. Lemon juice
Rub some fresh lemon juice onto a clean cloth and work it over your headlight lenses to lift off any dirt. Once they’re clean, wipe away any leftover residue with a damp cloth. Another trick is to sprinkle some baking soda on a halved lemon, then use the lemon to scrub the headlight. Just be careful not to get lemon juice on the car’s paint, as the acidity can harm unprotected surfaces.
6. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another easy option for cleaning grime and dirt off headlights. Just dip a soft cloth in some rubbing alcohol, gently scrub the headlights, and then rinse with water.
7. Dryer sheets
You can use dryer sheets to clean and brighten up your headlights! Just dampen a dryer sheet with water, scrub the headlights gently, and then rinse with water.
8. Steel wool
Stick to fine steel wool specifically made for plastic headlight lenses, as others might be too abrasive and cause damage. Rub the steel wool over the headlights in small circular motions, covering the entire surface. Then, buff with a microfiber cloth to add a bit of extra protection against future dirt buildup.
9. Window cleaner
Window cleaner is a great way to remove dirt and grime from your headlight lenses without harming the plastic. Just put a few drops on a soft cloth or microfiber towel, rub it over the headlights in small circles to lift the dirt, and then wipe away any leftover residue with a damp cloth.
10. Car wash soap
Stick to car wash soap for cleaning plastic headlight lenses—other soaps might be too abrasive. Just mix one part car wash soap with two parts water in a spray bottle, spray it directly on the headlights, and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.
11. Car wax
You can use car wax to bring back the clarity and shine to your headlights. Just apply a small amount of wax to the headlights, rub it in with a soft cloth or sponge, let it dry completely, and then buff off any excess with a clean cloth.
12. Sandpaper
If your headlights are really clouded or yellowed, you might need to break out some fine-grit sandpaper to get rid of the oxidation. Just sand them gently, then clean the headlights with one of the methods we mentioned earlier.
13. Clear coat spray paint
Once your headlight is sanded and clean—and you've protected the car’s body—you can spray a few thin layers of clear-coat spray paint over the headlight casing for a longer-lasting effect. Just keep in mind, though, that clear coat isn’t a permanent fix, especially since headlights are constantly exposed to sunlight and heat. If the clear coat isn’t applied just right, you might start seeing streaks of oxidation over time.
14. Headlight cleaning kit
Headlight restoration kits (or headlight lens restoration) make the job easy—they come with everything you need, like abrasive emery paper, polish, and sealant to buff and protect your headlights. Typically, you’ll start by using the emery paper to scrub the headlight, then follow up with the polish and sealant. Just be sure to check the instructions, as they can vary a bit from kit to kit.
15. Get them professionally cleaned
If your headlights are really dirty or cloudy, it might be worth getting some professional help. Auto detailers and car washes offer specialized headlight cleaning services that can bring back clarity and brightness.
Why do headlights get foggy?
Here’s the deal: modern car headlights are made of tough polycarbonate plastic, which is cheap and generally great for car parts. Unlike the glass lenses used in older cars, these plastic lenses are much more scratch-resistant and durable.
However, plastic headlights can turn yellow and hazy over time as the outer layers begin to break down and degrade, thanks to UV rays, dirt, chemicals, and various other environmental factors. We'll explore each factor in detail below:
Oxidation
Plastic headlights can oxidize from exposure to UV light. They come with a clear top coat to prevent this, but once it wears off, sunlight gradually turns the plastic yellow.
Dirt and chemicals
After years on the road, a thin layer of dirt and chemicals can build up on the lenses, which dims the light from your headlights.
Water vapour
Headlights are sealed to be watertight, but wear and tear can eventually cause the seal to break. When that happens, condensation can form inside the lens, scattering the light and reducing nighttime visibility even more.
Flying debris
As you drive, your headlights take a beating from gravel, road salt, and other debris. This wears down the protective coating and creates tiny pits and scratches that add to the cloudy look.
How often should you clean foggy headlights?
If your headlights are starting to look hazy, yellow, or just plain dim, a one-time clean might not cut it. You’ll likely need to add headlight cleaning to your regular car maintenance list —maybe once a year or even more often, depending on which cleaning method you choose from above.
What is the best DIY method to clean foggy headlights?
For cleaning cloudy headlights at home, you’ve got a few solid options, all of which work well:
- Toothpaste is one of the quickest and easiest ways to clear up foggy headlights—it’s gentle but effective.
- Baking soda and vinegar is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly choice that works great on foggy lenses.
- Sandpaper is good if you’re looking for a more lasting fix.
- WD-40 is just as quick and easy as toothpaste for a fast refresh.
But which one’s best? It really depends on what you already have on hand and how much time you want to spend on those foggy headlights. Depending on the severity of your headlights and your climate, you may find some methods work better than others.
Protect your ride with car insurance from BrokerLink
Cleaning headlights isn't the only way to protect your car! Having the right car insurance is another essential way to protect not just your car but yourself while on the road. While certain coverage types like liability coverage and accident benefits are mandatory, other optional coverages like collision coverage can be extremely beneficial if you find yourself involved in an accident due to your dim or dirty headlights.
At BrokerLink, we’re all about making insurance simple. Our team is ready to help you find personalized quotes and the right coverage to match your needs and budget. Reach out to your local BrokerLink advisor by phone or email, or stop by one of our locations across Canada. For a quick and competitive quote, try our free online quote tool—it only takes a few minutes!
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