how to clean foggy car headlights

[DeMiguel]

The most effective way to clean foggy headlights is a three-step process: sanding to remove the damaged layer, polishing to restore clarity, and applying a permanent sealant to protect against future UV damage. While temporary fixes like toothpaste can offer slight improvement, they lack durability. For a long-term solution, a headlight restoration kit is your best bet.

Headlight fogging, or UV degradation, occurs when the protective coating on the polycarbonate lens wears off. This allows sunlight to break down the plastic, turning it yellow and hazy. Restoration works by physically removing this oxidized layer.

Step-by-Step Restoration Guide:

1. Thorough Cleaning: Wash the headlight with car soap and water. Then, wipe it down with an isopropyl alcohol solution to remove all wax and grease. This is crucial for the sandpaper and sealant to work properly.
2. Sanding (The Key Step): This removes the damaged plastic. Use a progression of sandpapers, always keeping the surface wet to prevent scratching. Start with a coarse grit (e.g., 500) to strip the yellowing, then move to medium (e.g., 800-1000), and finish with a fine grit (e.g., 2000-3000) to create a smooth surface for polishing.
3. Polishing: Use a dedicated plastic polish or a rubbing compound with a microfiber cloth or a drill-attached buffing pad. This step brings back the optical clarity and shine.
4. Sealing (The Most Important Step): After polishing, the lens is vulnerable. You must apply a UV-resistant clear coat spray or a synthetic sealant included in kits. This new protective layer is what prevents the fogging from returning quickly.

Method	Estimated Cost	DIY Difficulty	Expected Longevity	Key Consideration
Toothpaste & Drill	< $5	Low	2-4 Weeks	Abrasive paste offers minimal correction, no UV protection.
Headlight Restoration Kit	$15 - $30	Medium	1-2 Years	Effectiveness depends heavily on proper sealing after polishing.
Professional Service	$100 - $150	None (Professional)	2+ Years	Uses professional-grade clear coats and equipment for a factory-like finish.
Headlight Assembly Replacement	$250 - $800+	High (Mechanical Skill)	Lifetime of the Part	Most expensive solution, but guarantees like-new performance and appearance.

Ignoring foggy headlights reduces your light output by up to 80%, creating a serious safety hazard at night. A proper restoration significantly improves visibility for a fraction of the cost of replacement.

[DeJudah]

Honestly, I’ve tried the toothpaste hack. It works… kinda. For about a week, your lights look a bit better, but then the fogginess comes right back. It’s a free, quick fix if you’re selling your car next weekend. For anything long-term, just spend the twenty bucks on a restoration kit from the auto parts store. The little sanding pads and the sealant in the kit are what actually make a difference.