Do you have cloudy headlights? It’s not just a cosmetic, aesthetic appeal issue—it can also impact how well you see and be seen at night. We also think that lousy headlights quickly age a vehicle, so if you're looking for an easy way to maximize its resale value, pay attention. Thankfully, cleaning foggy headlights can be a practical, budget-friendly DIY project, and it'll instantly improve the appearance of your dirty headlights and boost nighttime visibility.

Why Do Headlights Get Foggy?

Cloudy or foggy headlight lenses can happen to anyone over time. Exposure to sunlight, excess dirt, and moisture can cause the clear coating on your plastic headlights to break down, leaving that cloudy layer on your headlight lens. This hazing over time is often the result of oxidation—a chemical reaction caused by UV light rays degrading the plastic lenses. Add in road grime, debris, and water stains, and it’s easy to see why headlights lose their shine.

The good news? Most of this buildup is on the surface of the plastic headlight lenses and can be removed with the proper cleaning techniques. Knowing why it happens can also help you maintain your headlights better in the future.

Chevy Bolt headlight starting to get cloudy.
Are cloudy headlights inevitable? Credit: Emily Fazio

4 Methods to Clean Foggy Headlights

There’s more than one way to tackle foggy headlights. Whether you’re using common household items, a specialized cleaning kit, or a professional headlight cleaning, here’s how you can get that like-new clarity:

1. Household Remedies

You don’t always need fancy products to get the job done. Some simple household cleaners can be effective cleansers on slightly hazy headlights. Keep in mind, results may vary on these headlight cleaning methods, and keep your expectations in check, nothing compares to professional restoration.

  • Toothpaste: Wiping headlights with toothpaste and baking soda. This acts as a mild abrasive for scrubbing away mild headlight oxidation. Mix them together, apply with a soft cloth, rub in circular motions, and rinse headlights with water. Repeat until clearer.
  • Baking Soda and White Vinegar: Combine these into a baking soda paste, then gently scrub the headlights with a microfiber cloth. The vinegar helps dissolve grime while the baking soda buffs out the foggy layer. Rinse with clean water until baking soda residue is gone.

2. Store-Bought Headlight Restoration Kits

If DIY isn’t your thing, headlight restoration kits are an affordable solution and readily available at auto stores. These premade kits usually include:

  • Varying grits of sandpaper for smoothing the surface.
  • A sanding block.
  • A mild cleanser and polishing compound for removing deeper oxidation.
  • UV sealer to prevent future damage.

Follow the instructions provided with the kit, and take your time with sanding for the best results.

Applying a treatment to headlights to keep them clear.
Learn how you can treat your headlights to keep them clear. Credit: choochart choochaikupt / Getty Images

3. Sanding and Polishing

For heavily oxidized headlights, a wet sand is often the most effective solution. Here’s how the sanding steps work:

  1. Mask off the surrounding areas with painter’s tape to avoid the sand paper from scratching your car.
  2. Start with a rougher grit sandpaper (around 600-grit sandpaper), and sand in one direction with light sanding pressure.
  3. Gradually move to finer grit sandpaper, such as 1000 and 2000, for a smooth finish.
  4. Polish headlights with a rubbing compound or plastic polish to bring back the shine then wipe off excess polish.
  5. Apply a UV sealer to protect the headlights from further oxidation.

4. Professional Headlight Restoration

While not DIY, it's probably the most reliable and longest lasting headlight cleaning tip is to see a professional detailer. They have the right tools and methods to give you pretty much like-new condition with lasting UV protection.

Cars on the highway at night with headlights on.
Does Bug Spray Really Clean Foggy Headlights?
A genius hack, or internet hype?
Read More

FAQ

Can I use WD-40 to get my headlights clean?

Kind of, but we wouldn't. WD-40 can temporarily clear foggy headlights by adding a layer of oil to the surface, making them appear shinier and the headlights clearer; however, this is a short-term fix and isn't really a headlight cleaner and won’t remove oxidation or provide lasting results. For more permanent protection, use one of the methods outlined above. or use the headlight restoration services at a detail shop.

Can I use bug spray to get my headlights clean?

You CAN, but don't. You've probably seen people spray their headlights with bug spray on TikTok, but it's a bad idea. Yes, if you spray bug spray on a paper towel and wipe it on, some mosquito repellent with DEET can temporarily clear the cloudiness of the plastic cover by melting away the outer layer of oxidation. Be careful, this method may damage the plastic over time and you may need a complete headlight replacement.

How often should I clean my headlights?

It really depends on your driving conditions, and how you maintain your car. If you frequently drive on dusty roads or park in direct sunlight, your headlights may need cleaning every 3–6 months. Applying a UV-blocking sealant on a regular basis can extend the time between cleanings.