How to Clean Foggy Headlights? Easy Cleaning Methods That Work

Have you ever observed that the headlights on your automobile appear cloudy? If yes, then you are not alone. Your headlights may become foggy and dull with time due to oxidation, dirt, and sun exposure, making it harder to see at night. 

But don’t worry! You can try a few easy DIY methods to restore your headlights and get them shining bright again. 

In this article, let us take a closer look at what causes foggy headlights and how to fix foggy headlights.

Causes of Foggy Headlights

Headlights become foggy due to a combination of environmental factors and material degradation. Here are the reasons. 

1. Oxidation

• Modern headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which is strong but oxidation prone.
• Headlights are equipped with a clear topcoat to help prevent this, but the coat wears off over time. 
• When the plastic is exposed to the sun’s UV rays for a long period, the outer layer of the headlight breaks down, leading to a cloudy, yellow appearance.

2. Dirt and Grime Buildup

• Dust, dirt, and grime accumulate on the headlight surface, creating a dull, hazy layer.
• Driving in harsh weather and road conditions can worsen this condition. 

3. Moisture and Condensation

• Headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal, but this seal deteriorates due to wear and tear. 
• Small cracks in the headlight seal can allow moisture to seep in, leading to internal fogging. 
• The internal condensation cannot be wiped off and scatter light, reducing visibility.

4. Exposure to Chemicals 

• Exposure to chemicals, such as car wash soaps and cleaning sprays, erodes the headlight coating and makes it more susceptible to fogging.
• A thin layer of these chemicals dims the beam coming from your headlights.

5. Debris

• Your headlights get damaged from the gravel and other debris that gets kicked up as you drive down the road.
• This damages the top protective coat and creates pits and scratches.
• The pits add to the headlight’s cloudy appearance. 

However, there is no need to stress as there are several easy ways to restore clarity to foggy headlights. 

How to Clean Foggy Headlights? DIY Methods

Here is an exhaustive list of effective DIY methods to clean the foggy headlights. 

Products	Procedure
Baking Soda and Vinegar	Make a mixture with equal parts of baking soda and vinegar Apply the mixture to the headlights Scrub with a soft cloth or sponge Wash and wipe dry
Toothpaste	Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the headlights using a sponge or soft cloth. Use gentle circular strokes to scrub, then rinse with water.
Car Wax	Apply a small amount of car wax to the headlights using a soft cloth or sponge. Allow the wax to dry before buffing the headlights with a fresh cloth to remove excess wax.
Window Cleaner	Apply a few drops of window cleaner to a soft cloth and clean the headlights in a circular motion. Wipe away the residue using a damp cloth.
Car Wash Soap	Mix car wash soap and water in a 1:2 ratio and spray it on the headlights Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth
Steel Wool for Plastic Headlight Lenses	Use steel wool exclusive for the plastic headlight lens and move it in small circular motions. Buff with a microfiber cloth.
Aluminium Foil	Rub aluminium foil strips onto your headlight lenses in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry.
Lemon Juice	Rub fresh lemon juice using a clean cloth on your headlight lenses. Remove any excess juice with a damp cloth.

Now that you have made your headlights sparkling clean let us understand ways to keep it that way. 

Preventing Future Fogging

Here are some simple steps to prevent fogging and oxidation from coming back.

1. Use a UV protectant spray or sealant to prevent oxidation. Reapply the UV coating for long-lasting protection.
2. A thin layer of car wax acts as a protective layer against dirt, dust, and grime. 
3. To prevent condensation inside the headlights, check for cracks in the headlight and seal them with silicone. 
4. You can also place silica gel packs inside the headlight housing to absorb excess moisture.
5. Direct sunlight and harsh weather hasten headlight damage. So, park your car in the shade as much as possible. 
6. Wash your car regularly to prevent grime buildup, but use gentle, nonabrasive cleaners. 

Conclusion

Cleaning foggy headlights is a simple yet essential maintenance task that improves visibility, enhances your vehicle’s appearance, and increases safety on the road. You might need professional assistance if your headlights are heavily oxidized or scratched, as they possess the tools and expertise for a clearer, longer-lasting restoration. 

If you are looking for professional auto glass service solutions in Florida to restore your headlights and for cost-effective auto glass repair & replacement, NuVision Auto Glass is your best bet.

We are the go-to company for windshield repair & replacement, ADAS calibration, and same-day mobile windshield replacement service. Contact us to learn more about our expert auto glass services. 

FAQs

1. How to fix foggy headlights easily?

The easiest way to fix a foggy headlight is to use toothpaste. 

2. Will WD-40 clean up foggy headlights?

Yes, WD-40 can clean up the foggy headlights temporarily.  

3. How do you remove the fog from within the headlights?

Depending on the amount of fogging, you can remove the moisture inside the headlights with or without removing the headlight. For light fogging, park the car in sunlight or use a hair dryer to evaporate the moisture. But, for heavy fogging, remove the headlight cover and dry the moisture using the above methods.