How to Clean Car Headlights and Restore Their Shine

Jan 8, 2025 | Detailing, DIY, Exterior Detailing

Do you know how to clean car headlights safely and efficiently?

Have your car headlights turned hazy and yellow over time? Foggy headlights aren’t just an eyesore—they can compromise your safety on the road by reducing visibility. Fortunately, restoring your headlight lenses doesn’t require expensive professional systems or permanent methods. With a few common household items and a bit of elbow grease, you can clean your headlights to a sparkling finish.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions for cleaning car headlights the DIY way, using everyday materials like baking soda, car wash soap, and good ol’ toothpaste. You’ll also learn tips to protect your headlights from future UV exposure and fading.

person riding on car across green trees

Why Do Headlights Get Foggy?

Headlights can become foggy or hazy over time due to several factors, which can impact their performance and visibility. Here are the most common reasons this occurs:

  1. Oxidation: The clear plastic covering on most headlights is made of polycarbonate material, which can oxidize when exposed to UV rays over time. This oxidation creates a cloudy, yellowish layer on the surface of the headlights.
  2. Exposure to Dirt and Debris: Daily driving exposes headlights to dust, dirt, gravel, and other debris on the road. Over time, these particles can scratch or wear down the protective coating on the headlights, contributing to a dull, foggy appearance.
  3. Water Vapor and Condensation: If the seals around the headlight assembly are damaged or deteriorating, moisture can enter and cause condensation inside the headlight lens. This can lead to a foggy or cloudy appearance that reduces the brightness of the headlight beam.
  4. Environmental Factors: Rain, snow, salt from de-icing roads, and other adverse weather conditions can all take a toll on headlights. These environmental factors accelerate wear and tear, leading to fogging or discoloration.
  5. Age of the Vehicle: Older vehicles are more likely to have foggy or hazy headlights simply due to the extended exposure to elements and wear over time. The protective coatings may lose effectiveness, leaving the headlights vulnerable.

Understanding these causes can help you take preventive measures to maintain your headlights, ensuring they remain clear and effective for safer driving conditions.

a close up of the headlights of a car

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the supplies you’ll need to clean your car headlights. Most of these can be found at home or purchased at an auto shop:


Interior Only
starting at
$175
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles
Full Detail
Interior + Exterior starting at
$295
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles
Exterior Only
starting at
$175
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles

  • Baking soda or regular toothpaste
  • Mild soap (e.g., dish soap or castile soap)
  • Spray bottle with water or clean water bucket
  • Microfiber cloth or clean cloth
  • Paper towels or old towels
  • Wet and dry sandpaper (fine-grit sandpaper works best)
  • Lemon juice or vinegar (optional for removing stubborn stains)
  • Car wax (to protect headlights after cleaning)
  • Disposable gloves (to avoid direct contact with cleaning materials)
  • Bug spray (optional alternative for cleaning)

Now that you’re prepped, let’s clean those headlights!

a close up of a car headlight in the dark

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Car Headlights

Step 1: Wash the Headlight Lenses

Cleaning foggy or cloudy headlight lenses is a straightforward process that restores their clarity and improves visibility while driving. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to clean your headlights effectively:

  • Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need car-safe masking tape, a bucket of warm soapy water, a microfiber cloth or sponge, sandpaper (grit levels 800, 1000, and 2000), and a polishing compound. Optionally, you can use a headlight restoration kit for convenience.
  • Prep the AreaStart by cleaning the headlight lenses with warm soapy water to remove surface dirt and debris. Dry them thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth. Apply masking tape around the edges of the headlights to protect your car’s paint while you work.
  • Sand the Headlights: Using wet sandpaper, begin sanding the lenses with the coarsest grit (800). Keep the surface wet and sand in a horizontal motion. Gradually switch to finer-grit sandpaper, like 1000 and then 2000, to smooth out the surface. Take your time to ensure even sanding across the entire lens.
  • Polish the Lenses: After sanding, apply a dab of polishing compound to a clean microfiber cloth or polishing pad. Rub the compound onto the headlight lens using small, circular motions. This step helps to restore clarity by removing fine scratches and creating a smooth finish.
  • Rinse and Dry: Wipe off any excess compound and rinse the lens with clean water. Dry the lenses thoroughly with another microfiber cloth to reveal their restored clarity.
  • Apply UV Sealant (Optional): To protect the headlights from future clouding, apply a UV-resistant sealant or clear coat. Follow the product instructions to ensure proper application and long-lasting results.

By cleaning your headlight lenses, you not only improve their appearance but also enhance their functionality, making nighttime and adverse weather driving significantly safer.

Step 2: Use Good Ol’ Toothpaste or Baking Soda

To remove the layer of haze, take a small amount of regular toothpaste—it works wonders on more than just teeth shiny! Alternatively, you can make a thick paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water.

Apply the toothpaste or baking soda paste directly to the headlights using a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel. Rub in circular motions, putting a bit of pressure on cloudy spots. If needed, add a small amount of water to help spread the paste evenly.

This method works because both toothpaste and baking soda have mild abrasive properties that help scrub away the top layer of hazy film, leaving a cleaner surface.

Step 3: Sand the Headlights (Optional for Tough Stains)

If your headlights are extra cloudy and toothpaste or baking soda isn’t enough, wet and dry sandpaper is your next best bet. Take fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 1000 grit to 2000 grit) and dampen it with fresh water.

Gently sand the surface of the headlights using circular motions. Be sure to keep the sandpaper wet throughout this process to avoid scratching the plastic. This method involves taking soap, fresh water, and patience—but it gets the job done for headlights that need more attention.

After sanding, rinse the headlights clean with water.

Step 4: Rinse and Buff

Once you’ve finished scrubbing or sanding, rinse the headlights with a spray bottle or a clean water rag bucket. Use a dry rag or microfiber cloth to wipe them down until they’re completely dry.

For a real showroom finish, buff the lenses with a clean soft cloth and a small amount of buffering product or lemon juice. This will give the headlights an extra gleam.

Step 5: Apply UV Protection

To maintain your now-clear headlights, protect the plastic surface from consequent fading and UV exposure. You can do this by applying car wax or a UV coating product.

Take a clean cloth, apply a thin layer of car wax, and rub it over the headlight lenses in circular motions. Allow the wax to sit for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess with a clean microfiber cloth. This step restores the protective layer that the original UV coating may have lost, extending the life of your headlights.

blue and white car with yellow and black lights

Alternative Cleaning Methods

If you’re short on time or supplies, here are some quick alternatives to try:

  • Bug Spray: Spraying a small amount of bug spray onto a clean cloth and rubbing it on your headlights can temporarily remove haze. Be cautious not to get bug spray on the car’s paint, as it can cause damage.
  • Vinegar and Scouring Powder: Mix equal parts vinegar and scouring powder to form a thick paste. Apply this to the headlights and scrub gently using a clean, damp cloth.
  • Window Cleaner with Lemon Juice: Use a damp cloth and a mix of window cleaner and lemon juice for light cleaning jobs.

These methods do a better job for quick fixes, but they may not be as effective as toothpaste, baking soda, or sandpaper for older or heavily hazed headlights

Preventing Future Fogging

Cleaning is only half the battle—keeping your headlights clean requires maintenance:

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean headlights with mild soap and water every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup.
  • Protective Covers: Apply adhesive coverings designed to shield headlights from UV rays and scratches.
  • Reapply Car Wax: Add a layer of car wax or UV protection every few months to preserve clarity.
  • Park in Shade: Whenever possible, keep your vehicle parked in shaded areas to limit UV exposure.
macro photography of red sports car

Top 6 Products for Cleaning Car Headlights

Here are some of the best products available to restore and clean your car’s headlights, along with links to purchase them online:

3M Headlight Lens Restoration System

A complete kit that includes sanding discs, polishing compound, and a pad for your drill to make the process easy and effective.

Buy here

Turtle Wax Headlight Lens Restorer

A well-rounded product that includes a clarifying compound and three sanding pads to remove oxidation and restore clarity.

Buy here

Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit

This all-inclusive kit provides excellent UV protection and long-lasting results to keep headlights clear longer.

Buy here

Meguiar’s G2970 Two Step Headlight Restoration Kit

Featuring a simple two-step process, this kit works without requiring any sanding, making it ideal for quick results.

Buy here

CERAKOTE Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit

Designed with durability in mind, this kit uses a ceramic coating to permanently protect headlights from yellowing.

Buy here

Mothers NuLens Headlight Renewal Kit

This kit includes a power tool attachment, making it an excellent choice for quick and professional-level results.

Buy here

These reliable products can help restore your headlights to a like-new condition, improving appearance and safety on the road. Always follow the included instructions for optimal results.

Love My Car CarWash

Stop by Love My Car Car Wash so we can make your headlights look crystal clear!

Make Your Headlights Shine for the Long Haul | How To Clean Car Headlights

Restoring your car’s headlights doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few household items, you can transform hazy headlights into clear, bright lights that improve your safety and enhance the appearance of your vehicle. Regularly clean and protect your headlights to ensure they remain in top condition for years to come.

If you want to go the extra mile and achieve a somewhat permanent method of restoration, consider professional systems or services that offer advanced UV coating replacement. Happy cleaning, and safe driving.

Full Detail
Interior + Exterior starting at
$295
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles
Interior Only
starting at
$175
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles
Exterior Only
starting at
$175
Add $50 for SUV and large vehicles

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