How to Clean Cloudy Plastic Kitchenware & Headlights

PDF download Download Article
Plus, learn why plastic gets so foggy to begin with
PDF download Download Article

Have your plastic cups, blender containers, or car headlights developed a hazy fog? If so, don't worry. Cleaning foggy plastic is surprisingly easy, and you can usually do it using things you likely already have at home. In this article, we'll walk you through your best options for removing fogginess on plastic kitchenware and headlights with pro tips from cleaning and auto detailing experts. Plus, we’ll explain why clear plastic gets so cloudy in the first place. Keep scrolling to learn more!

Making Plastic Clear Again

For kitchenware, make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub the cloudy plastic with a toothbrush. If deposits remain, soak the container in white vinegar to dissolve the foggy layer. To clean foggy headlights, scrub them with vinegar and baking soda or wet sand the damaged outer layer away before polishing.

Section 1 of 4:

Cleaning Plastic Cups & Blenders

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fill a small bucket (or your sink) with white vinegar. Submerge your foggy glasses in the vinegar for five minutes. Remove them and check the results.
  2. If the vinegar dip didn’t help clean your foggy plastic cups, sprinkle them with a handful of baking soda. Alternately, apply a dusting of baking soda to a damp sponge and scrub the cups. The baking soda and vinegar will react, dissolving the film that causes the plastic to appear foggy. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts. For instance, if you have a large load of foggy plastic, you might fill your sink with one liter of vinegar and one liter of water. Place your foggy plastic items in the water, and let them soak for one hour. [2]
    • Scrub the plastic items with a damp rag until they become clear.
    • For stubborn deposits, let the mixture soak for several hours.
    • Rinse the no longer foggy plastic in the sink under warm water. Dry with a soft cloth.
    Leslie Reichert, Homekeeping Expert and Bestselling Author

    Restoring clarity to foggy plastic is simpler than you may think. Fill your sink with equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot water. Allow your cloudy containers to soak for at least an hour, up to overnight for severely foggy pieces. The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the grimy film responsible for the haziness. For extra scrubbing power, sprinkle baking soda directly onto surfaces before submerging them. The soda will react with the vinegar, releasing satisfying bubbles that penetrate trapped residue. Scrub gently with a soft cloth before rinsing. In most cases, this technique leaves plastic sparkling clear once again—no expensive cleaners or abrasives required.

  4. Instead of using baking soda and vinegar, mix baking soda and just enough water to form a paste. Dab a paper towel into the baking soda paste. Apply the paste to a small area of the cloudy plastic using a steady circular motion. [3]
    • Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste into the plastic and reach tight corners or crevices.
    • As the paste removes the cloudiness from the inside of the blender or cup you’re cleaning, you will see the paper towel darken with grime.
  5. Combine the juice of one lemon and two tablespoons of baking soda. Fill your foggy plastic cup or blender up the rest of the way with water. If you’re cleaning a foggy plastic blender, run the blender on high for a few seconds, then turn it off and remove the blade (if possible). With your cup or blender bottle still filled with the lemon juice mix, scrub the inside of it with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Pour the juice out when the fogginess has been corrected. [4]
  6. 6
    Soak the plastic in powdered dish detergent and hot water. Add 2 tablespoons (15 g) of powdered dish soap to a blender or container, then fill the rest up with hot water. Let it stand for about 2 hours, then dump out most of the soapy water. Use a soft sponge to scrub the interior with the remaining soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. [5]
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Cleaning Foggy Headlights

PDF download Download Article
  1. First, clean off the headlights with soapy water. Then, cleaning specialist Ahmed Mezil explains that “one of the best ways to clean fog off plastic is vinegar and warm water. Place about 3 cups (710 mL) of vinegar in a container and apply it to the surface [of the headlights] with a cloth for 5 minutes. For stubborn fog, incorporate a mixture of baking soda and warm water [with the vinegar]. That will help add an extra shine.” [6]
  2. 2
    Or, try a commercial product meant to polish and restore headlight plastic. Auto detailing expert Chad Zani explains that “to properly fix headlights, you need the proper chemicals. Chemical Guys has a [headlight restorer] product you can use with a cordless drill and a microfiber pad, and you can make headlights look fantastic. [It’s] a very simple process.” [8] To use it:
    • “Tape up the vehicle’s paint around both headlights. It’ll take about 5 minutes,” Zani says.
    • Then, apply the headlight restorer to the headlights with a microfiber pad attached to a drill. “It’s about 5 minutes per headlight,” adds Zani. “You'll end up with a nice, fresh start. It's the same sort of process as polishing a car, just a much smaller area.” [9]
  3. 3
    Avoid other cleaning hacks like petroleum jelly or cooking oil. While these cleaners may make your headlights look shiny and clear again at first, the effect will fade. “There are temporary fixes that you can do. If you just rub petroleum jelly on headlights, they will look better for as long as that petroleum jelly hangs around,” explains Zani. “I see a lot of really bad advice where people are using toothpaste and all sorts of things. If you put any kind of oil-based thing, like olive oil, spray oil, or cooking oil, it'll make a dull headlamp look better, but only momentarily. You're not fixing the problem.” [10]
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Cleaning Foggy Headlights With Sandpaper

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you begin cleaning foggy plastic headlights, protect the metal area surrounding the headlight with tape. Apply the tape in a border around the headlight you wish to clean. [11]
    • Consider also taping a garbage bag or plastic sheet over the paint surrounding the headlight (with a hole cut out for the headlight) as well to keep dust and debris from sanding off the paint job.
  2. 2
    Dry sand the headlights with 600- or 800-grit sandpaper . Put on work gloves and a mask to protect yourself from flying dust and debris. Then, use sandpaper sheets or a block to gently sand the headlight in left-right strokes to remove the surface-level oxidation (degraded plastic and UV coating from sun exposure). [12]
    • Sand until you’ve exposed the fresh, clear plastic underneath the damaged outer layer.
  3. Clean the headlights with soapy water, then wet sand with 1000-grit sandpaper . Use a spray bottle or bucket to apply the soapy water to the headlights, wiping away any plastic dust from your dry sanding. Rinse the lights off, but don’t dry them—the water will act as a lubricant while you sand and polish the lights with increasingly fine sandpaper. [13]
    • After rinsing, take 1000-grit sandpaper (or, if you started with 600-grit, use an 800-grit first) and sand the headlights.
    • Make diagonal and left-right passes with the sandpaper for the clearest results. Circular motions may not lead to the same clarity when you’re sanding by hand.
    • Add more water to the light periodically to flush away debris and keep the sandpaper from getting clogged.
  4. Rinse and continue sanding with increasingly fine sandpaper up to 2500-grit . After a pass with 1000-grit sandpaper, rinse away any dust and sand the lights again with the next grit up from your previous sandpaper (for example, 1200-grit). Rinse, then move up another grit (1500). Continue rinsing and using incrementally fine sandpaper until you’re polishing the plastic with 2500-grit sandpaper. [14]
    • Continue spraying the headlight with water or soapy water throughout.
  5. Check the headlight’s appearance and add a layer of compound . Dry the headlights with a clean cloth—the lens should have a uniform and slightly cloudy appearance. If the surface is not uniform, wipe the headlight down again with 2000- or 3000-grit sandpaper while spraying it with soapy water. Then, it’s time to add the compound: [15]
    • Apply two small dabs of compound to a rotary sander-polisher equipped with a 4-inch (10-cm) polishing pad . Wipe the pad about the surface of the headlight before turning it on.
    • Set the polisher to a speed between 1500-1800 rotations per minute and move the pad slowly across the surface of the headlight.
    • Use only slight pressure when applying the polisher pad to the headlight.
    • This step will remove any haziness that remains from the sanding process.
  6. Apply a finishing polish . A finishing polish will further refine the plastic headlight’s clarity. Once you’ve successfully polished the headlight, apply two small dabs of finishing polish to a clean 4-inch (10-cm) rotary pad. Just as before, wipe the rotary pad about the surface of the plastic headlight before turning the rotary sander-polisher on. Set the polisher to 1200-1500 rotations per minute and move it slowly and evenly across the surface of the headlight. [16]
    • When you’re done, wipe the headlight off with a dry hand towel. Remove the tape surrounding the edges of the headlight.
    • At this point, no fogginess should remain and the plastic headlight should be clear. If some fogginess remains, apply another coat of finishing polish, then wipe it away with a clean hand towel.
  7. 7
    Wipe down the headlights with isopropyl alcohol. Wet a microfiber cloth with alcohol and wipe down the headlights to remove any excess polish or compound (just be careful not to get any on the trim or paint, as it might cause discoloration). Then, look at the headlights—if there’s still some cloudiness, take another pass at the lights with ultra-fine sandpaper and repolish them. [17]
    • If the fogginess is coming from the inside of the light (like from cracks or moisture), then you may not be able to get a perfectly clear headlight.
  8. 8
    Apply a protective UV coating to seal the headlights. Purchase a commercial UV coating spray and apply several light, thin layers to the headlights. It can bead up and dry awkwardly, so avoid thick, heavy layers. Once the coating dries, remove the painter’s tape and enjoy your newly restored headlights! [18]
    9. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Why does clear plastic get foggy?

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Mineral deposits With kitchen items like plastic cups, containers, or blender containers, deposits left behind by food, cooking oils, and minerals from your water can all contribute to a cloudy, hazy appearance over time. The cloudiness won’t affect the taste or quality of your food or smoothies, but it can be aesthetically unappealing.​ [20]
  2. 2
    Abrasive or acidic cleaning methods Over time, aggressive cleaning methods can damage the outermost layers of plastic kitchenware or car headlights. Small scratches from brushes or scouring pads can cause discoloration. House cleaning professional Chris Willatt recommends using “nothing acidic if you’re cleaning plastic. If you’re cleaning plastic a lot over time, something like vinegar could slowly eat away at it. We’re talking years, but you could possibly affect the color, the dye, and stuff like that if you're using acidic products on it.” [21]
  3. 3
    Sunlight and UV rays As Zani explains, “the sun breaks down plastics” and creates “layers of broken down plastic” on surfaces like car headlights that are frequently exposed to sunlight, creating a foggy or hazy look. [23] This is because UV rays are known to (slowly) degrade plastic into microplastics, nanoplastics, and other molecules. [24]
    • Interesting fact: It’s estimated that UV rays are responsible for breaking down up to 22% of all plastic pollution in the oceans into microplastics and other compounds.
  4. 4
    Heat When plastic is heated (like in the sun or an extra hot dishwasher), it softens and allows the internal molecules to rearrange themselves in a new configuration, sometimes leading to discoloration or a cloudy, foggy appearance. To prevent heat discoloration, wash plastic items in warm or medium-hot water rather than very hot or scalding water. [25]
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix Faded Plastic
      How to
      Clean Sticky Plastic
      How to
      Get Sticky Glue Residue Off of Plastic
      How to
      Remove Ink from Plastic
      How to
      Get Smells Out of Plastic Tupperware
      How to
      Clean Clear Plastic
      How to
      Clean Plastic
      The Best Ways to Remove Tomato Stains from Plastic
      How to
      Clean Turmeric Stains from Plastic
      How to
      Clean Car Plastic
      How to
      Clean Bakelite
      How to
      Clean Plastic Containers
      How to
      Clean Acrylic
      How to
      Clean and Disinfect Ice Trays
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lansincommodity.com/info/how-to-clean-cloudy-plastic-wine-glasses-94515544.html
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/1HCXaLDl_Kg?t=85
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/1HCXaLDl_Kg?t=111
      4. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-method-clean-cloudy-blender-container-23285560
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-method-clean-cloudy-blender-container-23285560
      6. ↑ Ahmed Mezil. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 Apr 2021.
      7. ↑ Ahmed Mezil. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 13 Apr 2021.
      8. ↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
      9. ↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
      1. ↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      3. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      4. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      5. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      6. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      7. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      8. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      9. ↑ https://www.carwashcountry.com/wet-sand-foggy-plastic-headlights/
      10. ↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
      11. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-method-clean-cloudy-blender-container-23285560
      12. ↑ Chris Willatt. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 Jul 2019.
      13. ↑ Chris Willatt. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 12 Jul 2019.
      14. ↑ Chad Zani. Auto Detailing Expert. Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
      15. ↑ https://phys.org/news/2023-01-sunlight-plastics-ocean-surface.html
      16. ↑ https://nimblecares.co.uk/blogs/blog/3-reasons-why-baby-bottles-go-cloudy

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean foggy plastic, all you’ll need is some white vinegar. Try soaking plastic glasses in a tub of white vinegar for 5 minutes, then check the results. If they still look a little foggy, dust some baking soda onto the cups. The baking soda and vinegar will react, removing any leftover film that causes the plastic to appear foggy. For larger plastic items, make a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar in your sink. Soak the items in the mixture for 1 hour. If you’re trying to remove fog from plastic headlights, you can also use vinegar and baking soda. First, wash the headlights with soapy water. Next, mix some vinegar and baking soda into a paste. Wipe the mixture onto the headlights using a clean cloth. Finish by wiping the mixture off the headlights with a damp rag or sponge. For tips on how to remove fog from plastic with a lemon juice solution, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 208,451 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Johnny Drama

        Jun 12, 2018

        "This was awesome. I cleaned old plastic bathroom fixtures which had become foggy with the lemon and baking soda. ..." more
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement