How To Clean a Plastic Headlight Lens
by Melissa Rae
Plastic headlight lenses can accumulate dirt, road grime and insect debris over time. If they're not cleaned often, debris will eventually oxidize the clear plastic, leaving an opaque haze on the surface. Dirty or hazy headlight lenses pose a danger to drivers and pedestrians due to lack of nighttime visibility. Clean your plastic headlight lens regularly to extend its life and restore its original clarity.
Step 1
Fill a bucket with warm water and add car wash soap according to the package instructions.
Step 2
Dip a sponge in the bucket, and wipe the plastic headlight lens with the sponge. Let the soap sit on the lens for five to 10 minutes if there's a large amount of debris. Wipe the lens with the scrubbing side of the sponge.
Step 3
Rinse the headlight lens with clean water from a bucket or hose.
Step 4
Dry the plastic headlight lens with a towel.
Step 5
Apply a small amount of plastic polish to a soft buffing cloth as directed on the package. Rub the headlight lens in small, circular motions, applying firm pressure to remove any scratches.
Step 6
Rinse the plastic lens with clean water from a hose or bucket if necessary.
Step 7
Rub the headlight lens with a clean buffing cloth to dry it and bring out the shine.
References
Things You'll Need
- Car wash soap
- Bucket
- Nonabrasive scrub sponge
- Towel
- Plastic polish
- 2 or 3 buffing cloths
Writer Bio
Melissa Rae has been a writer since 2008, specializing in home-and-garden, business, technology and education topics. Rae holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Herzing University.
