Headlights are more than aesthetic accessories, but they are necessary to keep you and your vehicle safe. When drivers have trouble seeing, your first instinct is to turn on your headlights. Furthermore, headlights help other drivers see you too. 

While your headlights may not require as much maintenance as your engine or transmission, they should still receive regular cleaning treatments. Over time, your headlights might appear fuzzy and yellow even after washes. Though your headlights may appear dim for various reasons, blurry and yellowed headlights are caused by oxidation with the headlight lens. Fortunately, we are here to share these helpful DIY restoration tips. 

How to Remove Headlight Oxidation with Household Items

First of all, you’ll need a soft (preferably microfiber) cloth, soap (gentle enough to be used for cars), and water. To make the cleaning solution, you will need one of the following items:

METHOD 1: BAKING SODA - When you combine baking soda and water, it creates a paste. All you have to do is mix in water until it has a thick consistency (similar to toothpaste). Apply the mixture generously onto the headlight lens. Scrub in circular motions until you have covered the entire surface. Rinse with water. 

METHOD 2: VINEGAR - If you don’t have baking soda, how about vinegar? This technique is more involved as you’d have to remove the lens. Once you have properly detached the lens, soak them in a container full of vinegar. For more effective results, leave them submerged for at least one hour. Next, scrub with soap and rinse with water. You may want to repeat until the vinegar smell is gone.

METHOD 3: TOOTHPASTE - Last but not least, you can use toothpaste. All you have to do is directly apply the paste onto the lens. Use a dry rag or paper towel to scrub it in circular motions. Follow up with a rinse until the cleaning solution is completely gone.

We hope some of these at-home remedies help restore your headlight’s appearance. If your car’s headlights still appear dim after these methods, you may want to see professional help. In some cases, it may not be the headlight lens that is the problem. 

Electrical problems or simply a dying light bulb can cause your headlights to be blurry. If you require auto lighting services, please bring your vehicle to One Stop Auto Care. Our professional team can assess your vehicle’s exterior lighting to see what is causing your visibility problem.