Hacks For Cleaning Headlights

Best Headlight Cleaning Hacks For Better Visibility

Bring Back The Shine In Your Headlights Using These Easy Tips

The headlights of your car are not for show or mere lights; they are a matter of safety. As time goes by, the car's headlights tend to get foggy, yellowed, or dirty from all elements of weather, which reduces their effectiveness. Cleaning your car's headlight not only brings back clarity but also enhances the night vision and keeps your car fresh. The best part?

You don't have to break the bank or spend hours scrubbing. Here are some simple, effective hacks that will make your headlights shine like new.

Causes Of Headlight Dullness

Before we get into the cleaning hacks, let's know what causes the headlights to lose clarity:

• Long exposure to sunlight promotes the oxidation of the plastic on the headlight, hence causing yellowing.

• Collection of dust, road debris, and pollutants over time.

• Rain, snow, and humidity may build up moisture inside and outside the headlight.

• It goes without saying that headlight plastic materials, being polycarbonate, degrade with age over time.

Knowing these factors will help you take precautionary measures and clean them effectively as well.

Quick And Easy Hacks To Clean Headlights

Toothpaste Trick

• Non-gel tooth paste (whitening preferably)

• A microfiber cloth

• Warm water

Steps:

1. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to the headlight surface.

2. Rub the toothpaste in using a dampened microfiber cloth in circular motions.

3. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.

Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive that removes surface grime and oxidation, making your headlights look brighter instantly.

This is a fast, inexpensive method that will work wonders, especially for slight cloudiness. In addition, most households have toothpaste, so it's convenient in that respect.

Baking Soda And Vinegar Combo

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Sponge

Steps:

1. Mix two spoons of baking soda with a little vinegar into a paste.

2. Rub the paste over the headlights using a sponge.

3. Scrub in circular motions, concentrating on those areas that have the highest oxidation.

4. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.

This is a natural solution that works powerfully against dirt and oxidation. The abrasive nature of baking soda, along with the acidity in vinegar, makes it a powerful combination for cleaning. It is also eco-friendly and safe for repeated use.

DIY Headlight Cleaning Spray

• Rubbing alcohol

• Dish soap

• Distilled water

• Spray bottle

Steps:

1. Mix equal quantities of each of the rubbing alcohol and the distilled water. Add a few drops of dish soap.

2. Transfer it to a spray bottle.

3. Mist the solution into the headlight and let it sit for a minute.

4. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Such is a great quick fix for routine maintenance and keeps grime at bay. This will also go a long way in preventing cloudiness of the headlights.

Sandpaper Technique For Severe Cases

• Sandpaper-grits 400, 800, 1200, and 2000

• Water

• Clear coat spray

Steps:

1. Wet the headlight and sandpaper.

2. Using the 400-grit paper, sand in a horizontal direction, then progressively go higher in grit through 800, 1200, and finally 2000.

3. Remove any remaining residue and finish with a coat of clear spray across the headlight to seal it.

Although this method is more time-consuming, it is quite effective for very oxidized headlights. This works best in cases where other solutions have failed, making the headlights almost look like new.

Magic Eraser Solution

• Magic eraser sponge

• Water

Steps:

1. The magic eraser should be wet with water.

2. Headlights should be rubbed gently in a circular manner.

3. Rinse and dry well.

Magic erasers make the list because they work surprisingly well at picking up surface dirt and light oxidation. They are gentle on the plastic and require minimum effort, making this among many hackers' go-to quick touch-ups.

Coca-Cola Hack

• A can of Coca-Cola

• A soft cloth

Steps:

1. Spill Coca-Cola onto the cloth.

2. Rub the headlight gently with a circular touch.

3. Rinse with water and air dry.

 The acidity within Coca-Cola breaks down all the grime and cleans it. Well, this may not be a beauty hack, but it is one fun, effective solution to inch on in. 

Commercially Available Headlight Restoration Kits

Not impressed by these DIY remedies or looking forward to having a professional touch? That is where you head on towards headlight restoration kits. Most kits available within the stores consist of three simple elements that ensure complete refurbishment: sandpaper for surface smoothening and removal, polish, and a UV sealant against further degrading factors of a pair of really oxidized headlights. Yes, these can easily be bought in any major automobile accessory outlet, and really they perform excellently.

How To Protect Your Headlights?

Keeping them clear once you clean your headlights is important. Here is how to keep them shining:

• Apply a UV-blocking sealant to prevent oxidation in the future. This gives a huge extension to the life of your clean headlights.

• Clean your headlights with every car wash to prevent the settling of dust and dirt.

• If possible, try parking your vehicle in shaded areas to avoid exposure to UV. This practice can reduce the possibility of oxidation by a large margin.

• Applying a layer of automotive wax aids repels dirt as well as water; this application offers huge returns for very nominal efforts.

Myths About Cleaning Headlights

WD-40 Is The Answer To Everything

While WD-40 may clear up headlights for a little while, it is not permanent and will eventually attract more dirt. Use this as an emergency solution.

Any Toothpaste Works

Not all toothpaste is created equal. Gel-based formulas lack the abrasives that do the heavy lifting to rid your teeth of grime. Always choose a plain, non-gel whitening toothpaste.

Sanding Will Damage Your Headlights

When done properly, with progressively finer sandpapers, sanding is safe and effective. It's among the most trusted methods by pros for the restoration of badly damaged headlights.

Make Your Headlights Shine Again

Cloudy headlights are more than just a cosmetic annoyance; they're also a safety hazard. Here are some cheap and easy hacks that get the job done in no time, restoring clarity and brightness to your headlights. From using common household items like toothpaste and baking soda to more heavy-duty approaches involving sanding, there is a solution for each degree of headlight dullness. Follow up with some prevention methods to keep them shining longer.

Try these hacks today for a clearer and safer driving experience on a budget! With the addition of these methods into your car care routine, you will not only add life to your headlights but also contribute toward making your driving experience much better.