How to Clean Haze off of Car Headlights
by Josh Weber
As cars age, parts that were once new and shiny become dull and worn. This is most obvious in your car's painted surface or in the lack of luster of chrome and metal surfaces. This same aging process is the cause of what appears to be dirty headlights. In fact, dirty headlights are actually the result of an oxidation process covering the lens, much like rust that covers metal surfaces. This haze over the headlights is removable with a few household items.
Step 1
Mix 1/4 cup of dishwashing detergent into 1 gallon of water. Wash and rinse both headlights to remove surface dirt.
Step 2
Wipe headlights dry with a terry towel.
Step 3
Mix a paste consisting of 3 parts toothpaste to 1 part baking soda. Knead and mix the paste thoroughly.
Step 4
Apply paste mix to headlight glass with a soft polishing rag using small circular motions (similar to those used to polish a car). Use a rubbing motion to break up oxidized particles. You will see these color your polishing cloth.
Step 5
Rotate the polishing cloth as you continue polishing until no additional grime is removed. Then thoroughly wash with soap and water and rinse well.
Step 6
Mix 1/2 cup baking soda in 1 gallon of water and re-wash the polished surface. Rinse and dry.
Step 7
Wipe the headlight clean with clean towel, resulting in a clear headlight lens. Repeat for the second headlight.
Tips
- It is important to realize that these steps are not the typical washing/cleaning process, but are in fact a polishing of the headlight lens to remove the effects of oxidation. Rubbing to break up the particles and thorough washing and rinsing is required.
Things You'll Need
- 1 box baking soda
- 1 (4-ounce) tube of white toothpaste
- 1 terry towel
- 1/4 cup liquid dishwashing detergent
- 1 washcloth
Warnings
- As some of the lens protective coating is being removed in the oxidation process, it will necessary to repeat this procedure periodically as the protective lens coating is broken down.
Writer Bio
Josh Weber is a retired industrial engineer. He has called on his engineering experience to write how-to articles for Associated Content, Demand Stuios and a business publication, "The Oyster Pointer." He is a graduate of The Virginia Military Institute and has a B.A. in economics and history.
