15 Expert Hacks For Cleaning Car Headlights

Cleaning the headlights on a car is an important task to keep the vehicle in good condition and to ensure that the lights provide maximum visibility while driving. Over time, headlights can become dull, cloudy, or yellow, which can affect their brightness and visibility. This not only reduces the aesthetic appeal of your car but also decreases the safety of you and other drivers on the road.

It’s important to note that keeping your car clean goes beyond just cleaning the headlights. The entire exterior and interior of the car should be kept clean to maintain its appearance and ensure its longevity. From the wheels and tires to the engine, every part of your car should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Here is a list of expert car cleaning hacks that you can follow. Now let’s proceed to talk about some easy and effective hacks for cleaning the car headlights that you can follow:

1. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar:

Mixing baking soda and vinegar creates a powerful cleaning solution that can easily remove dirt, grime, and oxidation from the headlights. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar in a bowl, apply the mixture to the headlights, and scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse the headlights with water and dry them completely.

2. Toothpaste:

Toothpaste can also be used to clean the headlights on a car. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth or sponge and apply it to the headlights. Scrub gently in circular motions and rinse with water. Repeat if necessary.

3. Car Wax:

Car wax can be used to restore the clarity and shine of the headlights. Apply a small amount of car wax to the headlights and rub it in with a soft cloth or sponge. Let the wax dry completely, then buff the headlights with a clean cloth to remove any excess wax. Follow this article to learn more about car wax.

4. Bug and Tar Remover:

Bug and tar remover is a specialized cleaner designed to remove stubborn bug splatters and tar from the car’s surface. Simply spray the bug and tar remover on the headlights, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth or sponge. Repeat if necessary.

5. Rubbing Alcohol:

Rubbing alcohol is a great cleaning solution that can help remove the grime and dirt from the headlights. Simply dip a soft cloth into rubbing alcohol, then apply it to the headlights. Scrub gently and rinse with water.

6. Plastic Polish:

Plastic polish is another great option for cleaning the headlights. Simply apply a small amount of plastic polish to the headlights and rub it in with a soft cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then buff the headlights with a clean cloth to remove any excess polish.

7. Dryer Sheets:

Dryer sheets can be used to clean the headlights and restore their shine. Simply dampen a dryer sheet with water, then apply it to the headlights. Scrub gently and rinse with water.

8. WD-40:

WD-40 is a multi-purpose cleaner that can help remove dirt, grime, and oxidation from the headlights. Simply spray WD-40 on the headlights and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the headlights with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with water.

9. Sandpaper:

If your headlights are severely clouded or yellowed, you may need to use sandpaper to remove the oxidation. Sand the headlights gently with fine-grit sandpaper, then clean the headlights with one of the solutions listed above.

10. Lemon juice:

Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto a clean cloth and rub it into your headlight lenses until all dirt has been removed from its surface area before wiping away any remaining residue using a damp cloth.

11. Aluminum foil:

Cut aluminum foil into small strips and rub them onto your headlight lenses in circular motions to help remove any dirt or grime build-up from their surfaces before rinsing off with warm water and drying completely afterward.

12. Steel wool:

Use steel wool exclusively for plastic headlight lenses, as other steel wools may damage them due to their abrasive properties. Rub the steel wool onto your headlights in small circular motions until all of its surface areas have been covered then buff off with a microfiber cloth for an extra layer of protection against future dirt build-up.

13. Car wash soap:

Use car wash soap exclusively for plastic headlight lenses, as other soaps may damage them due to their abrasive properties. Mix one part car wash soap with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto your headlights before wiping it off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

14. Window Cleaner:

Use window cleaner to help remove dirt or grime build-up from your headlight lenses without damaging the plastic surface underneath. Simply apply a few drops to a soft cloth or microfiber towel, then rub it into your headlights in small circular motions until all dirt has been removed from its surface area before wiping away any remaining residue using a damp cloth.

15. Professional Cleaning:

If your headlights are extremely dirty or cloudy, you may need to seek professional help to clean them. 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.

Conclusion

Cleaning the headlights on your car is an important task that should be done on a regular basis to keep your vehicle in good condition and to ensure maximum visibility while driving. The hacks listed above are simple, effective, and easy to implement, so you can clean your headlights and keep them looking great. These hacks will help you keep your headlights clean and shining brightly always.

You also need to keep in mind that every car is different and some methods may work better than others depending on the type of headlights and the level of dirt and grime. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for your car, and always be gentle and cautious when cleaning your headlights to avoid causing any damage.

Apart from cleaning your headlights, you also need to maintain them by protecting them from damage. Keep your car parked in a garage or covered area to prevent damage from the elements, and avoid driving through rough or off-road terrain that could cause damage to the headlights. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your headlights looking great and functioning properly for years to come.

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 Big’s Mobile Detailing.

At Big’s Mobile detailing, we have over a decade 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 425-276-6996, or by sending an email. You can also simply schedule an online booking and we will come to you.