Car Paint, Headlight Cleaner & Auto Detailing | Rust-Oleum (2024)

FAQs

What do car detailers use to clean headlights? ›

“The restoration kits absolutely work, and they're very much a DIY project that you can do in your garage or driveway,” says Stockburger. “You'll see much better at night after using these kits.” (Find out how Consumer Reports tests headlights.)

Toothpaste and baking soda can be effective cleansers for cleaning headlights. Both products are abrasive enough to take off the fog without scratching or damaging the headlights. Polishing compounds such as Rain-X might also be effective enough to remedy UV damage.

To permanently restore headlights, you'll need to sand off the oxidized layer from the lenses and apply a new UV coating. You'll need sanding sheets and you'll need to use a grit progression of 600 grit, 1,000 grit, and 2,000 grit.

The Magic Eraser can actually be used to clean cloudy headlights. It is pretty easy. You just get the eraser wet and start scrubbing the outside of the headlight where all of the grime builds up. One caveat is that it may not work for headlights that are extremely dirty.

Toothpaste polishes and whitens teeth with small amounts of chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, and those same chemicals can clear up your headlights. The view is still not clear? Learn how to adjust headlights.

WD-40: WD-40 is a multi-purpose cleaner that can help remove dirt, grime, and oxidation from the headlights. Simply spray WD-40 on the headlights and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub the headlights with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with water.

If you've got some baking soda and vinegar in your pantry, you can mix up a paste to clean your headlights. While baking soda and vinegar are generally safe to use on headlights, Ganther cautions against using chemical-based cleaners you may have around your house.

Can you use Dawn to clean your headlights? ›

While a lot of people claim success with this method, the toothpaste is probably better off in your bathroom, cleaning your mouth. If you want to shine up your headlights, dish detergent or dish soap is a fine way to do it. But if your headlights are foggy or dim, dish soap won't fix your problems.

The Magic Eraser can actually be used to clean cloudy headlights. It is pretty easy. You just get the eraser wet and start scrubbing the outside of the headlight where all of the grime builds up. One caveat is that it may not work for headlights that are extremely dirty.

Sanding is the best, most efficient way to restore auto headlights permanently. Sanding headlights strips away the foggy layer, revealing the once shiny light lenses you loved.

LEMON: The acidic properties of lemon juice can help clear away dirt and oxidization on headlights. You can either apply lemon juice to a microfiber towel and use it to wipe away dirt or add a little baking soda to a lemon half, then rub it directly on the headlamp itself.