How to Clean Fog off the Headlights
by Rachel Terry
Over time, headlights become foggy because environmental pollutants and dust stick to soap residue that accumulates when you wash your car. In order to de-fog your headlights, you need to scrub them with a solution that will cut through the built-up grime and soap scum. There are several products on the market that you can buy for this purpose, but you don't need to go out and spend money on this project. You probably have everything you need to de-fog your headlights right in your kitchen.
Step 1
Put 4 tbs. of baking soda in a bowl. Add just enough water to make a thick paste, and stir the mixture until it's evenly blended. Set aside.
Step 2
Run your cotton rag under warm water and then squeeze out as much water as possible. The rag should be damp but not dripping wet.
Step 3
With small circular motions, rub the paste onto one of your headlights. Start with a small area and scrub until you see the fog clear. Continue working in little circles until the entire headlight is de-fogged. Your paste will look disgusting, so replace the paste as necessary.
Step 4
Rinse the headlight with clean water. You can use a garden hose for this purpose, or you can use another rag that you continually wash out in clean water.
Step 5
Thoroughly spray the headlight with Windex. Use paper towels to rub the headlight until it sparkles.
Step 6
Repeat this process with the other headlight. You can also use this cleaning method on tail lights, rear-view mirror casings, and any other exterior plastic or acrylic part on your vehicle.
References
Tips
- Make more baking soda paste if you seem to be running low. There's no sense rubbing dirty paste into your headlights.
Things You'll Need
- Cotton rag
- Baking soda
- Mixing bowl
- Warm water
- Windex (or other window cleaner)
- Paper towels
Writer Bio
Rachel Terry has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University. She has been a freelance writer since 1998, authoring literary study guides, as well as articles and essays.
