Clean Car Headlights

Why do headlights need cleaning?

Simple really – dirty headlight covers don’t let as much light pass through as when they’re clean, so other road users will find it harder to see your car on the road. They can also diffuse light, meaning they don’t throw light as far down the road as when they’re clean, making it harder to see hazards in dark conditions.

The cheapest way to clean car headlights

If you can see the headlight needs cleaning because of dirt and mud, an easy solution is simply just to wash it with a cloth and clean water. That will remove what’s on the headlight in a quick and easy process, with no need to spend money on products.

But, of course, if the headlights have taken a bit more of a battering and are murky, yellowing and cloudy, you’ll need to go for a more thorough process of cleaning the headlights.

How to clean car headlights with toothpaste

No, you haven’t read that incorrectly. We said toothpaste. There are a lot of suggestions out there for cleaning murky, oxidised and dirty headlights with toothpaste. It’s quick, accessible and cheaper than a repair kit. You only need a toothbrush, spray bottle, toothpaste – that features baking soda, if possible – and a cloth.

Here’s how to clean car headlights with toothpaste:

• Rub toothpaste into the headlight cover using a toothbrush
• Keep rubbing until you feel and see the headlight getting cleaner
• Spray warm water onto the headlight and wipe away the toothpaste with a cloth
• For a deeper clean use a rotary buffer to apply the toothpaste
• Voila! You should now have more translucent headlight covers