How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy: 14 DIY Best Methods

Are your car headlights looking a little foggy or yellow? Have you noticed the lens has become cloudy and dull? If so, then it’s time to take action. Cleaning car headlights is an important part of regular maintenance that can make a huge difference in visibility when driving at night. Whether you want to restore them yourself or hire a professional, there are various methods available for cleaning and restoring your car headlights. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to clean car headlights home remedy using 14 DIY headlight restoration techniques.

Key Takeaways

Here are 14 homemade methods that you can use to clean your headlights in this article:

1. Baking soda
2. Baking soda and vinegar
3. Baking soda and vinegar
4. Toothpaste
5. Shaving cream
6. Salt and dish soap
7. Soap and water
8. Vinegar, soap, and baking soda
9. Lemon and baking soda
10. Rubbing alcohol 
11. Bug spray
12. Glass cleaner
13. Wet sanding paper
14. DIY headlight restoration kit

What Makes Headlights Yellow and Foggy?

Car headlights can easily become yellow and foggy over time due to sun exposure, oxidation, dirt build-up, and more. This can cause them to be less effective when driving at night. Yellowing and fogging of headlights is not only unsightly but also dangerous because it reduces visibility when driving on dark roads. It’s important to clean your car headlights regularly to ensure visibility and safety.

14 DIY Methods of How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy

Clean Car Headlights with Baking Soda

Why Does This Method Work?

Baking soda is a great natural cleaner that can be used for many purposes around the home, including cleaning car headlights. It’s a mild abrasive that can easily remove dirt, grime, and oxidation from headlights. It also helps to restore the original clarity of the lens.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Baking Soda

1. Start by mixing ½ cup baking soda with 2 cups water in a bowl.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the baking soda mixture and use it to scrub the headlights gently.
3. Rinse the headlights with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth.
4. If there are still some yellow spots, repeat the process until they are gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Why Does This Method Work?

Baking soda and vinegar is an effective home remedy for cleaning car headlights because it helps to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the surface of the lens. The acidity in vinegar also helps to brighten up foggy or yellowed headlights by breaking down any oxidation that has occurred.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Start by mixing 1 part baking soda with 1 part white vinegar in a bowl.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub the headlights gently.
3. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before rinsing off with clean water.
4. Dry the headlights with a soft cloth and repeat the process if necessary until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Toothpaste

Why Does This Method Work?

Using toothpaste is an easy, affordable, and effective home remedy for cleaning car headlights. The mild abrasives in toothpaste can help to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the lens. It also helps to restore the clarity of the lens and make it look as good as new.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Toothpaste

1. Start by spreading a thin layer of toothpaste onto the headlight lenses.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the headlights gently in a circular motion.
3. Rinse off the toothpaste with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Shaving Cream

Why Does This Method Work?

Using shaving cream as a home remedy can effectively clean car headlights. The mild abrasives found in the shaving cream help to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residues from the lens. This treatment restores clarity to the lens and improves its appearance to look like new.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Shaving Cream

1. Start by spreading a thin layer of shaving cream onto the headlight lenses.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the headlights gently in a circular motion.
3. Rinse off the shaving cream with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Salt and Dish Soap

Why Does This Method Work?

Salt is a great home remedy for cleaning car headlights because it helps to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the lens. When mixed with dish soap, it forms an abrasive paste that can be used to scrub away stubborn residue without damaging the surface of the lens.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Salt and Dish Soap

1. Mix ½ cup salt with 2 tablespoons of dish soap in a bowl and stir until combined.
2. Apply the mixture to the headlight lenses using a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Gently scrub the headlights in a circular motion for several minutes.
4. Rinse off the mixture with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
5. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Soap and Water

Why Does This Method Work?

Using soap and water is one of the most basic methods you can use to clean car headlights at home. It’s an effective way to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the lens without using any harsh chemicals or abrasives that might damage it further. Additionally, this method is much more affordable than buying commercial products specifically made for cleaning headlights.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Soap and Water

1. Start by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the soapy water and use it to scrub the headlights gently in a circular motion.
3. Rinse off the headlights with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Vinegar, Soap, and Baking Soda

Why Does This Method Work?

This method of cleaning car headlights works because it combines the powers of soap, vinegar, and baking soda. The acidity in vinegar helps to break down any oxidation that has occurred on the lens while also removing dirt, grime, and other residues. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to help scrub away stubborn residue without damaging the lens. The soap helps to provide lubrication which makes it easier to scrub the headlights.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Vinegar, Soap and Baking Soda

1. Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap in a bowl.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub the headlights gently in a circular motion.
3. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before rinsing off with clean water.
4. Dry the headlights with a soft cloth and repeat the process if necessary until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Lemon and Baking Soda

Why Does This Method Work?

Lemon and baking soda are both effective home remedies for cleaning car headlights. The acidity in lemon helps to break down oxidation that has occurred on the lens while also removing dirt, grime, and other residues. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive which helps to scrub away stubborn residue without damaging the surface of the lens.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Lemon and Baking Soda

1. Start by mixing the juice from half a lemon with 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
2. Dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub the headlights gently in a circular motion.
3. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before rinsing off with clean water.
4. Dry the headlights with a soft cloth and repeat the process if necessary until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Rubbing Alcohol

Why Does This Method Work?

One way to clean car headlights at home is by using rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can effectively cut through dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residues on the lens, and it can restore the clarity of the lens to make it look like new.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Rubbing Alcohol

1. Start by pouring some rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and spraying it onto the headlight lenses.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the headlights in a circular motion for several minutes.
3. Rinse off the rubbing alcohol with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Bug Spray

Why Does This Method Work?

Bug spray can be used as a home remedy for cleaning car headlights because the chemicals in bug spray are strong enough to cut through dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residues from the lens. It also helps to restore clarity to the lens and make it look as good as new.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights with Bug Spray

1. Start by spraying an even layer of bug spray onto the headlight lenses.
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the headlights in a circular motion for several minutes.
3. Rinse off the bug spray with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Glass Cleaner

Why Does This Method Work?

Using glass cleaner is a great way to quickly and easily clean car headlights without the need for any harsh chemicals or abrasives. It can help to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the lens while also restoring clarity and brightness.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Glass Cleaner

1. Start by spraying a generous amount of glass cleaner onto both sides of the headlight lenses.
2. Use a soft cloth or paper towel to wipe away the residue in a circular motion until all dirt and grime have been removed.
3. Rinse off the headlights with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

Clean Car Headlights with Wet Sanding Paper

Why Does This Method Work?

Wet sanding paper is an abrasive material that can be used to effectively clean car headlights and remove oxidation, dirt, grime, and other residue from the surface of the lens. It’s important to use high-grit sandpaper because it will cause less damage to the lens while still providing effective results.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with Wet Sanding Paper

1. Start by wetting two sheets of 1000-grit sandpaper with a generous amount of water.
2. Use gentle pressure to scrub away any yellow spots or oxidation in a circular motion for several minutes.
3. Rinse off the headlights with clean water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.
5. Finish by polishing the headlight lenses to restore any clarity that has been lost due to oxidation or dirt buildup.

Clean Car Headlights with DIY Headlight Restoration Kit

Why Does This Method Work?

DIY headlight restoration kits are designed to make it easy and affordable for anyone to restore their headlights at home. These kits typically include a cleaning solution, sanding paper, protective sealant, and other supplies that you can use to effectively remove dirt, grime, oxidation, yellow spots, and other residues from the lens while also restoring clarity and brightness.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Car Headlights Home Remedy with DIY Headlight Restoration Kit

1. Start by following the instructions provided in your specific kit or watching an online tutorial on how to properly use each of the products included in the kit.
2. Use the supplied cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, oxidation, and other residue from the headlight lenses.
3. Sand away any yellow spots or oxidation using the sandpaper included in the kit.
4. Apply a protective sealant and/or buffing compound to restore clarity and brightness.
5. Let the sealant dry completely before driving your vehicle again.
6. Repeat the process if needed until all residue is gone.

5 Tips to Make Headlights Cleaner and Last Longer

• Clean your headlights every few months to remove dirt, grime, and oxidation buildup.
• Use a car wax or sealant on the headlight lenses to create a protective barrier that will keep them looking new for longer.
• Stay away from abrasive cleaners as these can damage the lens and reduce its clarity and brightness over time.
• Replace any broken headlights immediately so they don’t become a safety hazard while driving at night.
• Regularly check your headlights to ensure they are protected against UV rays and other elements that could cause them to yellow or fade over time.

FAQs about Diy Headlight Restoration

Q: What is the easiest homemade headlight cleaner?

A: There are several options that you can use for a homemade headlight cleaner. Some common ingredients to use include white vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, and a soft cloth. Start by washing the headlights with soap and water to remove any excess dirt or debris. Then, mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the headlights and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with water.

Q: What is the best homemade headlight cleaner?

A: Using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar is an excellent do-it-yourself method for cleaning foggy headlights. Common household vinegar is capable of dissolving dirt, grease, and debris and is also an eco-friendly cleaner. For best results, this technique is ideal for oxidized or extremely cloudy headlights.

Q: Will Dawn and Vinegar clean the headlights?

A: Yes, a solution of Dawn dish soap and vinegar can be used as an effective headlight cleaner. Start by mixing equal parts of each liquid into a container and apply it to the headlights. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with water using a soft cloth or microfiber towel.

Q: How do I remove oxidation from headlights?

A: Oxidation can be removed from headlights using a few simple techniques. The first is to use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Start by mixing equal parts of each into a container and then apply it to the headlights. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with water using a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Another option is to use a rubbing compound to gently buff out any surface scratches or oxidation. For best results, let the compound sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

Q: Can I use Windex on my headlights?

A: To remove dirt and debris from the headlight area, you can use soap and water. Alternatively, a household glass cleaner like Windex can also be effective.

Conclusion

How to clean car headlights home remedy will depend on the type of lens you have and the level of oxidation or dirt buildup. These are 14 methods you can use to effectively remove residue from the lens, such as using soap and water, glass cleaner, wet sanding paper, and DIY headlight restoration kits. Additionally, several tips can help keep your headlights clean for longer and improve their overall lifespan. With these helpful steps in mind, you’ll be able to quickly and easily restore your car’s headlights at home with ease!