How to Clean Car Headlights

Let’s talk about how to clean car headlights…

So, have your headlights lost their shine? We understand the frustration that comes with a pair of dull headlights. Especially in a rainy night on top of that tons of fog. Ugh what a mess, but there is no need to stress anymore. Because we are here to put an end to this nightmare. So, we all know that headlights are an essential safety feature of any vehicle. Since it quite literally provides visibility. Especially visibility during nighttime driving and adverse weather conditions. AKA the UK… The thing about headlights is that all headlights have their downfall at some point. The reason why, is because over time, they all become cloudy or yellowed due to oxidation and or erosion. And therefore, reducing their effectiveness.

Due to the light not being able to go through the dull headlight lens. Also, cleaning and restoring your car headlights not only improves the appearance of your vehicle. But also enhances safety on the road. Because at the end we all want to arrive home safe and sound. So, in this guide, we will walk you through the steps to effectively clean. And also restore your car headlights. But wait a second! We got two methods for you. Both effective, yet one being a bit more pro then the other. So, just stick around and check both methods out and choose in between them. Also, if you read them and it just sounds like it’s a bit too much. Then no worries scroll straight down. All the way to the blog’s conclusion and we have another option for you. So, let’s get to it!

Be Aware!

Before starting anything! Go and take a second look at your headlights. Make sure the dullness, the yellowish fog, the erosion etc. Is on the outside of your headlight lenses because if it’s in the inside. This will not work!

Alright so before going through the steps let’s talk a little bit about the supplies you will need. Which by the way some of these supplies you most likely already have in your house. So, that’s good news for you! Moreover, here is the list we’ve gathered for you.

List For Method #1

• Headlight restoration kit.
  
• Microfiber cloths.
  
• Masking tape.
  
• Soap (car soap of choice).
  
• Sandpaper (various grits).
  
• UV sealant.
  
• Car Polisher. (Optional yet highly recommended)
  
• Restoration Polish Paste Headlight.

List For Method #2

• Toothbrush.
  
• Toothpaste.
  
• Car Polisher. (Optional yet highly recommended)
  
• Restoration Polish Paste Headlight.

How to Clean Car Headlights?

Alright so let’s finally go through the process used in method #1. Don’t stress, because we will walk you step by step through this hectic job. Let’s begin with preparation. So, start by simply cleaning the headlight surface with car soap and water. Thus, resulting in the removal of any dirt, grease, or debris that may interfere with the restoration process. Once you have finished washing your headlights.

And you have made sure to remove everything off the headlight lens. Then make sure to dry the headlight thoroughly before moving on to the next step. So, we say thoroughly because if the headlight lens is not properly dried. Then, you might not be able to put the tape on the next step. Or even worse imagine the tape not adhering well and then moving later on. While you are using the polisher. So, yeah it could potentially result in a pretty big mess if not properly dried.

How To Restore Car Headlights?

Let The Masking Begin…

Okay so assuming that you have already properly dried your headlights. Then now you may grab your masking tape. And start taping around the necessary areas. This is done in order to protect the surrounding areas of the headlight lens. And thus, to prevent any damage during the restoration process. Therefore, this will help ensure that you only sand and polish the headlight lens itself. Otherwise without this masking tape. You would most likely end up accidentally slipping up while sanding. While stroking or doing circular motions and end up sanding your car’s paint.

That is an accident we want you to avoid and be very attentive of. Especially whilst sanding and even polishing. So, anyways let’s move on. Now that you have finished masking prepare for the sanding. Of course, if you are pretty hands on and you know how to pop out your headlight case. Then maybe you could do that, and it would make the job more comfortable. Since you could just do the rest of the job on shop table in your garage or so. By doing so you could just avoid the masking all together. But if you are not so good with your hands. Then maybe stick to the masking since you could easily end up cracking the lenses. Or the case for that matter while trying to pop it out of place.

Clean Headlights DIY

Sanding…

Okay so let’s sand. By the way this step alone is one of the most important ones. So, perhaps go get a nice coffee so you stay super ultra hyper focused and don’t mess this up. Alright so begin sanding the headlight with a low-grit sandpaper (around 800 grit). In a back-and-forth motion until the surface becomes smooth. Like VERY SMOOTH! Since this will help remove any initial oxidation. As well as buildup on the surface of the headlight. So, while sanding your headlight lenses just make sure to use enough water. And also pressure to create a slurry as you sand.

Because this will help evenly remove the oxidation. So, now go ahead and rinse off the headlight with water and dry it with a clean cloth. Then, properly Inspect the headlight for any areas that may have been missed during the initial sanding process. If necessary, repeat this step. Basically, until the entire surface of the headlight is smooth and free of oxidation. Next, gradually increase the grit of sandpaper to a 1200 grit and repeat the process. Then to a 2000 grit. And lastly go all the way up to a 3000 grit. Make sure that when you are done you are actually done. What does that even mean? You are probably thinking to yourself. Meaning, that once you believe that you’re done with the 1200 grit.

Level Up the Grit!

Actually, make sure that the lenses are fully sanded at a 1200 grit level. As opposed to having whole areas or the edges still at a 800 grit level. Because the higher you go on the grit the more difficult it will be for it to sand 2 grits ago. The reason why is because higher grits are extremely smooth. Hence it would become more and more difficult trying to sand a harsh surface with such a high grit. And repeat the sanding process until the headlight is clear of oxidation and has a smooth finish. So, be sure to rinse and dry the headlight. Especially in between each sanding step. Thus, ensuring that you are working with a clean surface. Again, make sure you dry the lenses thoroughly. Because the next step means you having crystal clear headlight lenses or not. So, get to drying!

So, by the way having a car polisher would help you get this tedious job done a lot faster. And also looking a whole lot more professional. So, if you already own one or if you can get your hands on one then do so because it will save you time. But also make the outcome look significantly better. The process would be the exact same thing so you can just follow along with the same step walkthrough.

Restore Car Headlights DIY

Polishing

So, after you have finished sanding, now go ahead and apply a small amount. Of the polishing compound from the restoration kit onto a microfiber cloth. Then just buff the headlight in circular motions. Be advised this will take a lot or circles. And a lot of time so gather some patience. You will definitely need it. Anyways by doing so this will eventually restore clarity and shine to the headlight lens. Be sure to apply even pressure and work in small sections until you have covered the entire surface of the headlight. Although this step seems pretty forward and simple.

It actually is quite both time and energy consuming so just bear some patience. Once again if you have a car polisher then that won’t be a factor that matters. As a matter of fact, you will be done quite fast. You might be wondering if there really is so much of a difference. Between sanding and polishing by hand VS with the car polisher. The reason why is because. Some of these car polishers reach up to about 2200 RPM, your hand doesn’t. So, just try and imagine the amount of friction this machine causes. VS you attempting to do circular motions and stopping every 1 minute because your arm is tired…

Sealing

Once you have finished polishing, wipe down the headlight to remove any residue or remaining polishing compound. Then, apply UV sealant to protect the surface from future oxidation. Thus, this will help ensure that your headlights stay clear. And also bright for longer periods of time. Then, follow the instructions on your specific restoration kit for recommended application techniques and drying times.

Final Touches

Finally, remove masking tape and clean any excess sealant around the headlight. Your car’s headlights should now look clearer and brighter than before! So, you may repeat these steps as needed to maintain your car’s appearance and functionality over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance. Can potentially help prevent further oxidation buildup and extend the life of your car’s headlights. This is clearly the pro way to finally clean car headlights.

2nd Method

So, as we mentioned before, we have gathered 2 methods for you on how to clean car headlights. Since we already went through the first method then let’s now walk you through the 2nd method. You probably already have both supplies already in your house to clean your car headlights. So, here is how it goes.

Prepare the Headlights

So, start by parking your car in a shaded area or wait for a cloudy day. The reason why is to avoid the cleaning solution drying too quickly. Since the heat and direct exposure to the sun might cause the solution to dry immediately. Then simply rinse the headlights with water to remove any loose dirt or debris. Thus, creating a better area to work on.

Apply Toothpaste

So, begin by squeezing a small amount of toothpaste onto the toothbrush. Then, gently scrub the headlight in circular motions, ensuring full coverage of the surface. So, now simply add more toothpaste as needed. And continue scrubbing until you cover the entire headlight.

Let it Sit

So, allow the toothpaste to sit on the headlights for about 5-10 minutes. In the meanwhile, his gives it some time to break down any oxidation or grime.

Scrub and Rinse

So, using the toothbrush, scrub the headlights again in circular motions. Over and over. Then, rinse off the toothpaste with water periodically to check your progress. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the headlights.

Dry and Polish

So, use a microfiber cloth to dry off the headlights completely. If desired, you can now apply restoration polish paste headlight. To further protect and enhance the clarity of the headlights.

Now You Know How to Clean Car Headlights!

Congratulations! You have successfully restored and was finally able to clean car headlights. Hence improving both aesthetics and safety while driving at night or in poor weather conditions. So, if you found this process too daunting or time-consuming. Or if you just don’t have time. Or perhaps you just don’t want to do it yourself.

Then maybe consider leaving this mess to the professionals. Feel more than welcome to drive by as soon as you find yourself in this situation to our car wash. Especially if you live or work anywhere around Watford. Rickmansworth. Bushey. Elstree. Radlett or Borehamwood… And save yourself a headache and ensure your once again neat just like before and is thoroughly and professionally cleaned. So, click here and book your appointment now! So, simply bring your vehicle to our facility, sit back, relax, and let us take care of restoring your car back to its pristine condition.