How To Make Your Headlights Shine Like New Again
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How to Clean Your Car's Headlights: Effective DIY Tips
Clean headlights not only give your car that showroom look but also make driving during late nights, misty afternoons, and rainy days easier. However, since they are exposed to the elements, it’s only a matter of time before they become dull, fogged up, or turn yellowish in color. Fortunately, the solution might just be in your kitchen or garage.
Effective Household Solutions for Cleaning Headlights
1. Dish Soap
Dish soap is a pre-cleaning step that helps remove dirt and debris from the surface before applying any solvents or abrasive components. You’ll need ordinary dish soap, a bucket of warm water, and a sponge. Dish soap can cut through oil, grease, and dirt that may have accumulated on your headlights. You might be surprised by how clear your headlights are after cleaning and rinsing them.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient used in DIY cleaning procedures. Mix warm water with baking soda to form a paste. Apply this mixture generously on clean headlights using the corner of a sponge. Follow up with polishing using a clean cloth in a circular motion. You don’t need to apply additional pressure as the baking soda will do the cleaning for you. Keep away from paint, as baking soda can scratch its surface. Wash with dish soap and water, then rinse.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste contains the same ingredients that keep your teeth clean and white, which also works wonders on your car’s headlights. Toothpaste has microscopic abrasives, making it act like a rubbing compound or high-grit sandpaper. Squeeze some toothpaste directly on the headlights and spread it while wiping in a circular motion until all the applied toothpaste has been wiped away.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is another common item recommended for cleaning purposes. To clean your headlights, remove them and soak them in vinegar. This process loosens dirt and debris that has caked onto your headlights. Use a soft sponge to remove the dissolved grime and then give the headlights a good wash.
5. Insect Spray
Insect spray doesn’t just rid your car of pesky bugs; it can also work wonders for your headlights. The chemicals in insect sprays can help dissolve dirt and UV-damaged plastic on the car’s headlights. Apply with a clean cloth using a circular motion.
6. Avocado
While it may sound unconventional, avocado does possess cleaning properties. Rub the avocado flesh onto the headlights’ surface, then buff away using a clean cloth. Voila! Cleaner headlights!
7. Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol is a powerful solvent that helps dissolve and remove oil-based dirt and grime that accumulates on your car’s headlights. Apply conservatively using the corner of a soft rag and repeat until you achieve the desired results.
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