Over time, the headlights on your vehicle can become cloudy, yellowed, and hazy, which can affect their brightness and reduce your visibility on the road. Fortunately, there are several household items that you can use to clean your headlights and restore their clarity. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean headlights with WD40, toothpaste, and baking soda.
Cleaning Headlights with WD40
WD40 is a versatile lubricant that can be used for many household and automotive applications, including cleaning headlights. Here’s how to use WD40 to clean your headlights:
- Clean the headlight surface with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime.
- Spray a small amount of WD40 onto a clean, dry cloth.
- Rub the cloth onto the headlight surface in a circular motion, applying firm pressure.
- Continue rubbing until you see the haze or cloudiness start to disappear.
- Once you’ve covered the entire headlight, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess WD40.
Cleaning Headlights with Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another household item that can be used to clean headlights. Here’s how to use toothpaste to clean your headlights:
- Clean the headlight surface with soap and water to remove any dirt or grime.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean, dry cloth.
- Rub the toothpaste onto the headlight surface in a circular motion, applying firm pressure.
- Continue rubbing until you see the haze or cloudiness start to disappear.
- Once you’ve covered the entire headlight, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess toothpaste.
Cleaning Headlights with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of household items, including headlights. Here’s how to use baking soda to clean your headlights:
- Mix baking soda and water together to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to a clean, dry cloth.
- Rub the paste onto the headlight surface in a circular motion, applying firm pressure.
- Continue rubbing until you see the haze or cloudiness start to disappear.
- Once you’ve covered the entire headlight, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess baking soda paste.
Tips for Cleaning Headlights
Regardless of which method you choose to clean your headlights, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Work on one headlight at a time to avoid confusion or missing spots.
- Be patient and persistent. Depending on how dirty your headlights are, it may take several rounds of cleaning to get them completely clear.
- Avoid using abrasive materials, such as steel wool or sandpaper, as they can scratch the surface of your headlights.
- Once your headlights are clean and clear, consider applying a protective coating to help keep them looking bright and shiny for longer.
Can you mix toothpaste and baking soda to clean headlights?
Yes, you can mix toothpaste and baking soda to clean headlights. The combination of toothpaste and baking soda can create a paste that has cleaning and abrasive properties that can effectively remove dirt, grime, and haze from the surface of your headlights. However, be sure to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of your headlights first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage or scratches.
Is it OK to clean headlights with WD-40?
Yes, it is okay to clean headlights with WD-40. WD-40 is a versatile lubricant that can be used for many household and automotive applications, including cleaning headlights. However, it is important to note that WD-40 should not be used as a long-term solution for maintaining the clarity of your headlights, as it may attract dirt and grime over time. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a protective coating after using WD-40 to keep your headlights looking clean and clear for longer.
How long do you leave toothpaste on your headlights?
You should leave toothpaste on your headlights for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the toothpaste will work to break down any grime or haze on the surface of the headlights. After 5 to 10 minutes, use a clean cloth and warm water to wipe off the toothpaste and inspect the headlights to see if further cleaning is needed.
In conclusion, cleaning your headlights with WD40, toothpaste, or baking soda is an easy and cost-effective way to improve your visibility on the road and restore the appearance of your vehicle. With a little bit of elbow grease and the right tools, you can make your headlights look as good as new.
