How To Clean Car Headlights

Why Do Headlights Become Cloudy?

Modern car headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which is durable but prone to oxidation and UV damage. Exposure to sunlight, harsh weather and road debris gradually wears away the protective coating on the lens, leading to:

• Yellowing and cloudiness

• Fine scratches and pitting

• Reduced light output

• Diminished appearance of the vehicle

This process is natural and happens over time, even with regular car washing. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to clean and restore your headlights.

How Often Should You Clean Your Headlights?

If you notice your headlights looking foggy, dull or discoloured, it’s time to clean them. Ideally, you should inspect them every few months and address any build-up before it gets worse.

For many drivers, a proper headlight clean once or twice a year is sufficient to keep them in top condition. However, if your car is frequently exposed to strong sun, salt roads or harsh environments, you may need to clean them more often.

How to Clean Car Headlights at Home

Here are several ways to clean car headlights, ranging from basic DIY solutions to more advanced restoration techniques.

Method 1: Soap and Water (Basic Clean)

This is ideal for regular maintenance and removing surface dirt.

What you’ll need:

• Car shampoo or mild dish soap

• Microfibre cloths

• Bucket of warm water

Steps:

1. Rinse the headlights with water to remove loose dirt.

2. Mix car shampoo in a bucket and apply it with a microfibre cloth.

3. Scrub the surface gently to remove bugs, grime and road film.

4. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

While this method won’t remove oxidation, it’s a great first step before moving on to deeper cleaning.

Method 2: Toothpaste Polish (Quick DIY Fix)

Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that can remove minor oxidation and restore some clarity.

What you’ll need:

• Toothpaste (non-gel, with baking soda preferred)

• Toothbrush or sponge

• Water

• Microfibre cloth

Steps:

1. Clean the headlight with soap and water, then dry.

2. Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly to the headlight.

3. Rub in circular motions with a toothbrush or sponge for 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean cloth.

This method is cheap and easy, but results are temporary and usually only improve light cloudiness.

Method 3: Baking Soda and Vinegar Paste

Another home remedy involves using common household items with slightly more cleaning power.

What you’ll need:

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Bowl and spoon

• Microfibre cloth

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar to form a paste.

2. Apply the paste to the headlights using a cloth.

3. Scrub gently in circular motions for several minutes.

4. Rinse with water and dry.

While this method can improve clarity, it may not fully remove oxidation or deeper damage.

Method 4: Wet Sanding and Polishing (Advanced DIY)

This is a more aggressive approach to remove heavy oxidation and scratches.

What you’ll need:

• Sandpaper (start with 1000 grit, then 2000 grit)

• Masking tape

• Headlight polish or plastic polish

• Microfibre towels

• UV sealant

Steps:

1. Tape around the headlights to protect your car’s paint.

2. Wet the headlight and sand with 1000 grit paper in horizontal motions.

3. Rinse, then repeat with 2000 grit paper in vertical motions.

4. Dry the headlight and apply plastic polish using a clean cloth.

5. Once clear, apply a UV sealant to prevent future clouding.

This method gives longer-lasting results but requires care and experience to avoid scratching or damaging the lens.

Why DIY Methods Are Not Always Enough

Although DIY methods offer a temporary fix, they usually don’t last more than a few weeks or months. More importantly, they may not remove deeper layers of oxidation or restore full light output.

Here are some limitations of home techniques:

• Results may be inconsistent or short-lived

• Risk of scratching or damaging the lens

• No long-term protection without UV sealing

• Time consuming, especially for beginners

If you want long-lasting clarity, improved safety and a professional finish, a dedicated headlight restoration service is often the better choice.

Professional Headlight Restoration with Clean Me

At Clean Me, we connect you with skilled mobile detailers who can restore your headlights to like-new condition without you needing to leave your home or workplace.

What Is a Headlight Restoration?

Our headlight restoration service is designed to remove oxidation, restore transparency and improve nighttime visibility. The process includes:

• Thorough cleaning and decontamination

• Wet sanding to remove yellowing and scratches

• Machine polishing with specialised compounds

• UV protection to seal the surface and prevent future damage

This professional-grade approach not only makes your headlights look clearer but also significantly boosts their performance on the road.

Benefits of Clean Me’s Headlight Restoration Service

• Improved Safety: Clear headlights ensure better visibility at night and in poor weather.

• Professional Finish: Results that DIY methods struggle to match.

• Mobile Convenience: We send professional detailers to your home, office or wherever you are.

• Extended Lens Life: Restores clarity without the need for expensive replacements.

• Affordable Alternative: Much cheaper than buying new headlights.

To book, simply enter your postcode on the Clean Me website and choose a mobile detailer offering headlight restoration near you.

How Long Does Headlight Restoration Last?

A professionally restored headlight can stay clear for up to a year or more, especially when properly sealed with UV protection. The longevity depends on factors such as weather exposure, driving habits and how well you maintain your vehicle afterward.

To maintain the results:

• Avoid harsh car wash chemicals on the headlights

• Park in shaded or covered areas where possible

• Clean the lenses regularly with a pH-neutral cleaner

• Reapply a UV sealant every 6 to 12 months if needed

Signs It’s Time to Restore Your Headlights

Not sure if your car needs a headlight restoration? Look out for these signs:

• Cloudy or yellowed lenses

• Headlights look hazy even after washing

• Reduced brightness when driving at night

• Lights scatter or appear dull

• Failed MOT or road safety inspection

If you notice any of the above, it’s time to act. Clean Me can connect you with local professionals who will bring your headlights back to life quickly and conveniently.

Final Thoughts: Clearer Headlights, Safer Driving

Understanding how to clean car headlights helps you extend the life of your vehicle, improve its appearance and most importantly, stay safer on the road. While DIY methods can offer a quick fix, professional restoration provides superior results that last.

With Clean Me’s headlight restoration service, you no longer have to put up with foggy lenses or reduced visibility. Our network of mobile detailers brings top-tier service directly to your location, saving you time and effort.

Enter your postcode below to restore your headlights and drive with confidence.