How to Clean Headlights in 4 Easy Steps

Cleaning your headlights on a regular basis will make each subsequent scrubbing much easier. Sergey Mironov / Getty Images

Over time, your vehicle's appearance can take a hit when foggy headlights start to develop. These cloudy or yellow headlights not only make your car look older but can also diminish nighttime visibility, creating a safety hazard. That's why learning how to clean headlights is so essential.

Headlight lens manufacturers often make these essential car parts out of polycarbonate plastic, which is durable but prone to degradation from UV exposure. This causes them to become dull and discolored over time, especially without a clear coat or regular maintenance.

If you're tired of the hazy look and poor performance, cleaning car headlights doesn't have to involve expensive professional services. With a few household items like regular toothpaste, baking soda and lemon juice, simple headlight restoration techniques can bring clarity back to the plastic surface. Here are some tried-and-true steps to clean your headlights effectively.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin your big headlight clean, collect all the necessary materials. You'll need:

Baking soda
Toothpaste (if you choose to use the toothpaste method)
A spray bottle
Water
A soft cloth or rags
Car wax

There are some optional items you might want to have on hand, such as lemon juice or bug spray. These everyday items are surprisingly effective at removing the foggy layer from polycarbonate plastic.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Start by washing the headlight lenses with water and a mild soap to remove dirt and grime. Use a spray bottle to rinse off the soapy water, and dry the area with a clean rag.

This prepares the plastic surface for deeper cleaning and ensures you're not rubbing debris into the lenses, which could cause scratches.

Step 3: Scrub With...

You have multiple options when it comes to this step. Pick the solution that's most convenient (and effective) for you.

Toothpaste

Apply a small amount of regular toothpaste (the white kind, not a clear or colored gel) to a soft cloth or your fingertips. Using a circular motion, gently rub the toothpaste onto the foggy headlights.

The mild abrasives in the toothpaste will help polish the surface, breaking down the yellowing caused by UV exposure. After scrubbing for a few minutes, rinse with water and wipe dry.

Baking Soda and Water

If the toothpaste method isn't enough, mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Apply this mixture to the yellow headlights and rub it in using circular motions with a soft cloth.

Baking soda is slightly abrasive, making it effective for lifting stubborn residue and restoring clarity to your headlight lenses. Rinse off the paste and dry thoroughly.

Lemon Juice and Baking Soda

For a natural solution, combine lemon juice and baking soda into a thick paste. Spread this mixture over the plastic surface of the headlights and let it sit for a few minutes. The acidic properties of lemon juice combined with the abrasive quality of baking soda create a powerful cleaning combination.

Scrub gently, rinse with water and dry with a clean rag.

Bug Spray

Although unconventional, bug spray can sometimes help with headlight restoration. Spray a small amount onto a soft cloth and rub it onto the headlight lenses in a circular motion. The chemicals in bug spray can temporarily remove the foggy layer caused by UV rays.

Be cautious not to let it sit too long, as it might damage the plastic surface.

Step 4: Apply a Clear Coat or Car Wax

Once your headlights are clean and clear, protect them from further UV exposure and degradation. Apply a thin layer of car wax or a clear coat specifically designed for headlights. Use a soft cloth to buff the product onto the lenses in a circular motion, creating a protective barrier against future fogging.

Maintain Regular Cleaning

To prevent foggy headlights from returning, clean your headlight lenses regularly. Incorporate this task into your car maintenance routine, using mild soap, water and occasional touch-ups with toothpaste or baking soda.

Regular care not only improves your vehicle's appearance but also extends the lifespan of the plastic surface.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.