How Do You Clean Yellow Headlights?

You can clean yellow headlights using various methods, from DIY solutions like toothpaste and baking soda to commercial headlight restoration kits.

Understanding Why Headlights Yellow

Before diving into cleaning methods, it's crucial to understand why headlights yellow in the first place. The primary culprit is UV damage. Headlights are typically made of polycarbonate plastic, which degrades over time when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This degradation causes the plastic to oxidize, leading to a hazy, yellowed appearance. Road debris and chemical contaminants also contribute.

DIY Cleaning Methods

Several household products can effectively clean yellowed headlights:

• Toothpaste: The mild abrasives in toothpaste can buff away the oxidation.
  1. Clean the headlight with soap and water and dry thoroughly.
  2. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to the headlight.
  3. Rub the toothpaste into the headlight with a cloth in a circular motion for several minutes.
  4. Rinse the headlight thoroughly with water.
  5. Dry the headlight with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat for best results.
• Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda is another mild abrasive that can help remove yellowing.
  1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
  2. Apply the paste to the headlight.
  3. Rub the paste into the headlight with a cloth in a circular motion.
  4. Rinse the headlight thoroughly with water.
  5. Dry the headlight with a clean cloth.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: A combination of these two can create a powerful cleaning action. Mix them into a paste and follow the steps above.

Using Headlight Restoration Kits

For more severe yellowing, commercial headlight restoration kits offer a more comprehensive solution. These kits typically include:

• Abrasive Sandpaper: To remove the heavily oxidized outer layer. Different grits are used, starting with a coarser grit and progressing to finer grits.
• Polishing Compound: To smooth the surface and restore clarity.
• UV Protectant: To help prevent future yellowing.

Steps for using a Headlight Restoration Kit (General):

1. Clean the headlight: Wash with soap and water and dry completely.
2. Mask around the headlight: Use painter's tape to protect the surrounding paint.
3. Sand the headlight: Using the sandpaper provided in the kit, wet sand the headlight, starting with the coarsest grit and working your way to the finest. Follow the kit instructions carefully.
4. Apply polishing compound: Apply the polishing compound to the headlight and buff with a clean cloth or polishing pad.
5. Apply UV protectant: Apply the UV protectant to help prevent future yellowing.

Prevention Tips

• Park in shaded areas: Minimize exposure to direct sunlight.
• Apply a UV protectant: Regularly apply a UV protectant spray or sealant to your headlights.
• Wash your car regularly: Removing road grime and contaminants can help prevent yellowing.