There are several headlight restoration kits available on the market. Some require a drill to operate, but others are more user-friendly for DIYers.

This kit includes a glass cleaner, masking tape and protective gloves. After applying the glass cleaner, wipe away any loose debris with alcohol and paper towels.

Washing

If your car’s headlights are hazy and dull, you can get them to shine again by washing them. Foggy headlights can be embarrassing for you and your passengers, and they aren’t good for the car either. Washing the headlights can remove dirt and grime that have built up over time.

Using the right cleaning products is important for this type of job. You can find a variety of headlight restorations kits online that include various chemicals and cleaning tools. The instructions for these products should be followed carefully. Some of these products contain chemicals that could damage your headlights if they aren’t used properly.

Once the headlights have been thoroughly washed and drained, you can start the sanding process. This step is usually done with a wet sanding method. Spritz the headlights with water (it serves as a lubricant) and lightly wet sand the surface using 1,000-grit sandpaper. After you’ve completed the sanding process, spritz the headlights with more water and wet sand again with 2,000-grit sandpaper.

Sanding

Many headlight restoration kits require a multistep process of cleaning and sanding. The abrasiveness of these products can damage headlights if not applied carefully. If you choose to use these, always apply masking tape around the headlight frame. Headlight frames are often made from chrome or painted plastic – scratching them could cost you thousands in repair bills.

If you do not have a headlight restoration kit, you can purchase a sanding pad and 400-grit sandpaper. Spray the sanding surface and your sandpaper with water to keep them lubricated and prevent scratching. Start scrubbing the headlights with the sandpaper in circular motions, then switch to horizontal movements and rinse. Once you’ve sanded down the yellow coating layer, you can apply some high-quality UV sealant to your headlights to delay further deterioration.

Another option for restoring foggy headlights is a homemade mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the headlights and scrub with a dry cloth. This method is not as effective as sanding, but it can improve headlight brightness and prevent further deterioration.

UV Sealant

When hazy headlights aren’t cleaned, they can reduce light output by up to 50 percent. This makes it difficult for drivers to see, especially during rain and at night. This can lead to dangerous driving and increased accident risk. A few steps of cleaning and sanding can restore headlights to a high-shine and reduce oxidation, dirt buildup and other debris that can cause them to become foggy or yellow.

This kit comes with a three-step process that includes an oxidation removal wipe, sanding and a durable ceramic coating. It’s a great option for DIYers who enjoy a hands-on experience and want to save money by doing it themselves. The sanding pad in this kit doesn’t attach to a power drill, so it will require a lot of elbow grease, but it provides a high-quality result that’s well worth the effort. It also comes with a sealant that can be applied after the sanding process to protect your headlights. This is important, because it will help to prevent future oxidation and hazing. It’s also recommended that you apply a UV protection spray afterward to keep your headlights looking great for longer.

Toothpaste

Just like your toothbrush, regular toothpaste is a great tool to use on your foggy headlights. It contains mildly abrasive ingredients that break down the oxidative contaminants on your headlight lens surface. To use it, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a microfiber cloth and rub the headlights in circular motions until they’re fully cleaned.

Another option is to apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on your headlights. This is effective at removing some of the yellowed oxidation and helps improve headlight brightness. However, the solution won’t be as long-lasting as the sanding method.

Before beginning the sanding process, apply some masking tape around the headlight frame to prevent damaging your car’s paint. Once you’ve masked the area, begin to dry sand your headlights using 600-grit sandpaper until they’re completely clear. Remember to spray water on the sandpaper periodically to keep it lubricated. When you’re done sanding, make sure to apply UV sealant to keep your headlights from hazing again in the future. Ultimately, restoring your headlights will help you drive safely at night and save you the cost of replacing them.

Vinegar

Headlights can get dingy and yellow over time, decreasing the brightness of your car’s lights and safety for other drivers. Regular cleaning and use of UV sealants can help keep your headlights clean and bright, mitigating oxidation over time.

You can try a variety of DIY methods to restore your headlights, but they don’t always work as well as professional services. A professional service can provide guaranteed results, and can save you the hassle of doing the job yourself.

You can also try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda on your headlights. This is a good solution for reducing oxidation and keeping them looking fresh, but it won’t be as effective as sanding and polishing. To perform this hack, you’ll need: protective gloves, a bucket of water, a microfiber cloth and spray bottle, toothpaste (non-gel type), a non-abrasive scrub brush or old toothbrush, and baking soda. Mix the vinegar and baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to your headlights and scrub gently to remove any dirt or grime. Rinse and dry the headlights thoroughly.