How to clean headlights might not be something that has crossed our mind very often. Given that we can just give them a quick hose down when we wash them or have them taken care of at the car wash, our headlights may seem like they're still completely fine. But, when grime starts to accumulate and you're not shining as much light on the road as you once were it's crucial to give your headlights a thorough cleaning for safety. Yes, they can be taken care of in a car wash but don't neglect taking care of your headlights on their own. Giving them the treatment they deserve will make you more noticeable on the road and ultimately keep you safer.
How To Clean Headlights
Scrub Away With Toothpaste
Bust out your tube of toothpaste and an old toothbrush because you can scrub away any grime from your headlights with these two tools. All you need to do is apply some of the toothpaste to the brush and gently scrub the headlights until you visibly start to see the grime lifting off. Once you see the grime coming off and the headlights are clean, use warm water to remove the toothpaste and dry everything with a soft cloth.
Apply Some Insect Repellent
Tis the season for bugs and cursed mosquito bites so you very well may have insect repellent lying around the house. If you do, you can use it to successfully remove any dirt from your headlights. All you need to do is spray some repellent onto a soft cloth and wash the headlight until all the dirt is pulled from the lens. Once you're finished take a soft cloth to remove any remaining repellent. With this method, you will need to be careful, however, as some insect repellents can damage your car's paint. Be sure to never spray the repellent directly onto the headlight; always apply your repellent to a soft cloth first.
Buy The Correct Kits
If you're a little nervous about trying DIY methods then you can always go out and purchase a proper headlight cleaning kit from the store or online. There is a wide variety of kits to choose from and if you're unsure which one to use always be sure to ask an employee of the hardware store or do your research online.
The Classic Baking Soda And Vinegar Solution
We all know that baking soda and vinegar has been a godsend cleaning solution for years. Applying this traditional method to your headlights is yet another project this dynamic duo can tackle. You'll need about 2 tablespoons of baking soda and enough vinegar to turn it into a thick paste. Apply small amounts at first and add more as necessary until the paste is thick enough. Dip a microfiber cloth into the paste and scrub away any fogginess or grime on the headlight. You may need to rinse and repeat until everything is lifted from the lens. Rinse with water to remove any remaining traces of the solution once the cleaning is done and wipe clean with a paper towel.
Turn To The Pros
If you're worried about damaging your car or want your headlights treated by a professional then you can always head to your body shop for a good cleanse. There's nothing wrong with wanting a more permanent solution to the headlight problem and if you're not sure how to clean headlights then you should ask someone more well-versed in the world of cars. Not to mention, they will handle your car with care and won't leave you with any accidental damages to the paint using DIY solutions.
These basic solutions will allow you to restore the shine and clarity to your headlights without breaking the bank. They're simple, they won't take up too much of your time, and they'll ensure your safety when you hit the road. Don't neglect your headlights when you need to give your car a good scrub; protecting and caring for your headlights is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your vehicle!