
Follow these steps to clean the headlights of a Focus: 1. Open the front hood of the car, locate the bulb, and take a photo to record how the light is installed. 2. Firmly pull out the bulb power cord with the blue coil. Inside the blue circle is the lamp holder, which requires a bit of force to remove. Pull it directly to expose the lamp tail. The metal handle inside the red circle is the one that releases the metal clip of the bulb. At this point, you can see how the power cord is pulled out. Be sure to first remove the lamp holder before releasing the metal clip handle of the bulb. 3. Press down in the direction of the blue arrow without letting go, then push to the right to loosen the car light clip. Once loosened, directly pull out the bulb. 4. Install the bulb.

Cleaning the headlights of a Focus is actually quite a relaxing activity. I often do it during my free time on weekends: prepare a bucket of warm water with a small drop of mild dish soap, and grab a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. Gently soak the cloth, then carefully wipe the surface of the lens to remove the mud, bug stains, and dust stuck on it. If the lens appears yellowed or has a foggy layer obstructing the light, don’t rush to sand it; try using a plastic-specific polishing compound. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and gently buff in circular motions a few times—this can restore its clarity. After cleaning, rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth to prevent moisture from seeping into the housing. It’s best to do this cleaning once a year to maintain lighting performance and check for any cracks in the lens. Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can scratch the plastic and even shorten the headlight’s lifespan.

Cleaning the Focus's headlights is quite simple. I do it casually every day before and after driving. All you need is a damp cloth or a specialized headlight cleaning spray bought from the supermarket. Spray it on the headlight cover, wipe back and forth with the cloth a few times, and most of the dirt will come off. Don’t let mud or bird droppings accumulate for too long, as they can corrode the headlight surface and affect nighttime visibility. Handling this during car washes is the most convenient. I also like to add some mild soapy water to enhance the cleaning effect. The whole process takes just a few minutes, with no need for complex tools. If the headlights are foggy, simply washing the surface won’t be enough—consider professional polishing products or check if replacement is necessary. Remember to turn off the engine before starting, safety first, to avoid harming yourself or the car.

I emphasize the importance of headlight cleaning in safe driving. Before cleaning, turn off the car and let it cool. Use a wet cloth with water to wipe the Focus lamp cover to remove stains and oxidation layers. Avoid operating under strong light or direct sunlight. After rinsing, let it dry to maintain brightness and improve nighttime visibility. Do not neglect regular maintenance.


