Three Home Remedies for Restoring Your Vehicle Headlights

Hey there! If your vehicle's headlights have gone from clear and bright to foggy and yellowed, you're not alone. Over time, sunlight, dirt, and debris wear down that once-crystal-clear surface, making nighttime driving harder and less safe. But don't worry—you don't need a professional detailer to fix the issue.

At Yes! Automotive, our mechanics have heard of all sorts of home remedies doing the trick. While we can't stand by all those claims, there are a few methods we know to be tried and true. Here are three simple and effective methods to restore your headlights with items you probably already have around the house. If you don't have these items around the house, they won't be too hard to find in your local Fort Wayne grocery store.

Toothpaste to the Rescue

Toothpaste isn't just for your teeth—it's a great cleaner for hazy headlights too! Its mild abrasives work like a charm on that layer of grime and oxidation.

What You'll Need:

• A tube of regular (non-gel) toothpaste
• A soft cloth or sponge
• Warm water

How to Do It:

• Wash the headlight with soap and water to remove loose dirt.
• Squeeze a dollop of toothpaste onto a damp cloth or sponge.
• Rub the toothpaste in small, circular motions across the entire headlight.
• Rinse it off with warm water and wipe it dry.
• Ideally, you should see an immediate improvement. For extra shine, repeat the process or finish with a light wax coating.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Magic

This classic cleaning combo isn't just for household messes. When mixed, baking soda and vinegar can cut through headlight haze like a pro.

What You'll Need:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• A small bowl
• A microfiber cloth

How to Do It:

• Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with enough vinegar to form a thick paste (it'll fizz a bit, so don't be alarmed).
• Apply the paste to the headlight with a cloth, rubbing in circular motions.
• Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
• Not only does this method clean your headlights, but it's also eco-friendly and almost always on hand. If this method doesn't work to restore your vehicle headlights, our third and final suggestion may prove useful. Keep reading to find out!

DIY Sandpaper Polish

If your headlights are seriously fogged, a little elbow grease with sandpaper might be just what they need. This method takes a bit more time but delivers impressive results.

What You'll Need:

• Sandpaper (start with 800-grit and finish with 2000-grit)
• Spray bottle filled with water
• A soft cloth
• Car wax (optional)

How to Do It:

• Start by cleaning the headlight with soap and water.
• Wet the surface and the sandpaper with the spray bottle to avoid scratching.
• Gently sand the headlight in horizontal strokes with the 800-grit sandpaper. Keep the surface wet!
• Move up to the 2000-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
• Rinse the headlight, dry it, and apply car wax for a protective coating.

This method takes care of deeper oxidation and stubborn cloudiness. Just take your time and don't rush the sanding process as rushing could lead to irreversible damage to your headlights. If you find yourself in a position where this happens, don't stress! Vehicle headlights can be replaced, just make sure you order one that fits your specific vehicle.

Keep Those Headlights Shining

Restoring your headlights with these DIY tricks can improve your vehicle's appearance and safety. Remember, these fixes aren't permanent, so it's a good idea to apply a UV sealant or car wax afterward to protect them from future damage.

If these tips don't give you the results you're after, it might be time to reach out to a trusted mechanic. Ultimately, replacing your vehicle headlights may be the only course of action if they are too far gone. In this case, reaching out to our team of trusted mechanics at one of our two service centers in Fort Wayne is your next best course of action. Schedule your service today and we'll have your headlights restored or replaced in no time!

With a little time and effort, your headlights can go from dull to dazzling, making nighttime driving safer and more enjoyable. Give one of these remedies a try and see the difference for yourself!