To clean plastic headlight covers, use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Gently scrub the covers with the solution using a microfiber cloth.
Plastic headlight covers, over time, tend to lose their clarity due to exposure to environmental elements. Oxidation, road grime, UV rays, and even moisture build-up can make the covers foggy or yellowed, reducing their effectiveness and diminishing the overall appearance of your vehicle. Fortunately, cleaning plastic headlight covers is a manageable task, often accomplished with basic tools and a little patience.
By following a simple cleaning routine, you can effectively restore the clarity of your plastic headlight covers and keep them shining bright for miles ahead.
Contents
Why Do Headlight Covers Get Foggy?
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand why plastic headlight covers degrade over time. Most modern headlights are made from polycarbonate plastic, which is durable yet prone to oxidation. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- UV Radiation: The sun’s UV rays cause the plastic to break down chemically, leading to oxidation and a cloudy appearance.
- Road Debris: Dirt, sand, and other debris cause micro-abrasions that worsen the headlight’s surface over time.
- Weather: Rain, snow, and fluctuating temperatures can also cause wear and tear on the headlight covers.
- Pollution: Chemicals in the air, especially in urban environments, can contribute to the degradation of headlight covers.
How to Clean Plastic Headlight Covers
Before starting, gather the following items:
- Microfiber cloths
- Headlight restoration kit (optional but effective)
- 600, 1000, 2000 grit sandpaper (for a more in-depth cleaning)
- Masking tape
- Polishing compound or toothpaste
- Spray bottle with water
- UV sealant or protectant
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Plastic Headlight Covers
Follow the steps below to clean the cover –
Step 1: Preparation
Start by ensuring that the headlights are clean and dry. Wash your car or at least the headlights with car soap and water. This removes any dirt or debris that could scratch the surface during cleaning.
Once the headlights are dry, use masking tape to cover the areas around the headlights. This prevents any potential damage to the car’s paint during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Initial Cleaning with Soap and Water
Even after a car wash, grime might still linger on the headlights. Use a microfiber cloth and a simple soap-and-water solution to gently scrub the headlight covers. This step helps in removing surface contaminants. After cleaning, dry the area with a fresh cloth.
Step 3: Sanding (If Needed)
If your headlight covers are severely oxidized, sanding is required to remove the cloudy layer of plastic. Start with 600-grit sandpaper:
- Wet the sandpaper with water (use the spray bottle) and gently sand the headlights using circular motions. Keep the sandpaper and headlight surface wet during this process to avoid scratching.
- Once you’ve sanded for a few minutes, move to 1000-grit sandpaper and repeat the process. The headlight will still look foggy, but the deeper scratches and oxidation will start to fade.
- Finally, use 2000-grit sandpaper to finish smoothing the surface. This stage prepares the headlight for polishing, so take your time and ensure an even finish across the headlight cover.
After each round of sanding, rinse the headlight with water and wipe it dry to check your progress.
Step 4: Polishing
Once you’ve completed sanding, it’s time to polish the headlights to restore their clarity. You can use a dedicated headlight polish from a restoration kit or even toothpaste, which contains mild abrasives.
- Apply a small amount of polish or toothpaste to a microfiber cloth.
- Rub the product onto the headlight using small circular motions. The polish will fill in the fine scratches left by the sandpaper, and the headlight will start to look clearer.
- Continue polishing for 5–10 minutes. Wipe away excess product with a clean cloth and inspect the headlight.
If the headlight still appears slightly foggy, you can repeat the sanding and polishing process.
Step 5: UV Protection
Polycarbonate plastic headlights are prone to oxidizing again if not protected. After polishing, apply a UV protectant or sealant to the headlight surface. Most headlight restoration kits include this step, but you can also find standalone UV protectant sprays at auto parts stores.
- Apply the UV protectant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Allow it to cure and dry completely, usually for several hours.
This step ensures that your freshly cleaned headlights stay clear for longer by preventing the rapid breakdown caused by UV rays.
Alternatives to Sanding and Polishing
If sanding seems too involved or if your headlights aren’t too cloudy, there are other methods you can try for mild oxidation:
- Baking Soda and Vinegar: A paste made of baking soda and water, applied with a microfiber cloth, can help lift mild oxidation. Follow up with a vinegar wipe-down to remove residue.
- WD-40: Although not a long-term solution, spraying WD-40 on a cloth and wiping the headlights can give a temporary clear finish. However, this will wear off quickly.
- Headlight Restoration Kits: Many commercially available kits provide an all-in-one solution, typically including sandpaper, polish, and UV protectant. These kits are convenient for a more professional finish.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Clear Headlights
Now that your headlights are clean, here are some maintenance tips to keep them clear for as long as possible:
- Park in the shade or use a car cover when possible. Keeping your car out of direct sunlight helps reduce UV damage.
- Regularly wash your headlights. Don’t allow dirt, grime, or pollutants to sit on the surface for extended periods.
- Reapply UV protectant every few months, especially if you live in a sunny area. This will prevent oxidation from returning.
- Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your car, as they can accelerate headlight oxidation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about cleaning plastic headlight covers –
1. How often should I clean my headlights?
You should clean your headlights whenever they appear foggy, yellow, or cloudy. Depending on the weather conditions in your area, cleaning and protecting your headlights once or twice a year may be sufficient.
2. Can I use toothpaste to clean my headlights?
Yes, toothpaste can be used to polish headlights since it contains mild abrasives that help smooth out oxidation. However, it’s generally more effective for mild cases. For severely foggy headlights, sanding and a professional polishing compound may be necessary.
3. Do headlight restoration kits work?
Yes, headlight restoration kits are designed to restore clarity to foggy or yellowed headlights. These kits typically include sandpaper, polish, and a UV protectant for long-lasting results.
4. Is sanding safe for my headlights?
Sanding is safe for plastic headlights as long as it is done correctly with wet sandpaper in progressive grits (starting from 600 and moving to 2000). Sanding removes the oxidized layer of plastic, allowing for polishing and restoring clarity.
5. How long will the cleaning last?
The longevity of the cleaning depends on environmental factors, driving conditions, and whether UV protectant is applied afterward. Without a protectant, headlights can begin to fog again within months. With proper maintenance, they can stay clear for a year or longer.
Conclusion
Cleaning plastic headlight covers is an easy, cost-effective way to improve your vehicle’s appearance and visibility at night. By following these steps and using the right products, you can restore your headlights to like-new condition. Regular maintenance and UV protection are key to ensuring that your headlights remain clear for as long as possible.