Q&A for How to Repair Oxidized Cloudy Headlights with a Headlight Cleaner

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Can I use bug/tar remover on headlights?

Blues.Guitar.Lessons. .Jim.Bruce

Community Answer

It's best not to use tar remover, as these products are designed for the much more durable car body finishes. Most headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic, which tends to oxidize and go cloudy. Toothpaste cleans away tiny objects and insects stuck onto the surface while gently polishing the plastic.

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Question

I used Wipe New and my one headlight seems streaky. Can I redo the process?

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Yes. After doing my first headlight I had a better grasp of what I was doing and the second came out great, so I went back and redid the first one.

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Question

How do I clean moisture on the inside of the lens cover?

Jared Goss

Community Answer

If you have moisture on the inside of your lens, the whole light assembly will need to be replaced. That means that the seal around the lens to the housing is not good any more. There is no good way to reseal it.

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How do I clean the inside of a headlight cover on a 2006 Hyundai Azera?

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Open the cover and clean it with liquid soap only. Wait until dry and then put it back.

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Question

What do I do if none of the methods have worked on my headlights?

Community Answer

The pitting on your headlight lenses may be too deep, and they'll need to be replaced.

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Can I use a rubbing compound on headlights?

Community Answer

I have used rubbing compound on my headlights and it works. I then used a high quality professional polish. Once those steps are complete, make sure you seal it with a wax that protects the lens from UV rays.

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Question

I have cracks on the inside of the headlights. How do I get in there to fill them and clean the headlights?

Community Answer

You will have to replace the headlight, they are not made to be opened.

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Question

I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla. There is a lot of moisture behind the headlight cover, but I'm having trouble removing it. Can you give me some tips for getting it off?

Community Answer

Remove the headlight and locate the vent. It's usually on the bum middle headlight and has a small rubber tube attached to it. Fill the headlight with 1 inch of isopropyl alcohol. Shake. The alcohol will absorb the water and clean the inside of the headlight at the same time. You can start up with some white vinegar to help clean the inside and then finish with the alcohol.

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Question

What removes oxidation from headlights?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

One easy way to remove the oxidation is to clean it off with a glass cleaner. If the oxidation is on the outside of the headlight, spray it down with a glass cleaner and then scrub with a clean cloth. You can also follow up with a car or plastic polish to make the surface of the headlight shine. If the oxidation is on the inside of the headlight, you'll need to use a lens repair kit to remove the oxidation.

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Can Coca Cola clean headlights?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Yes, you actually can use Coca Cola to clean off oxidation from your headlights. Soak a sponge in the soda and wipe it over your headlights. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the acid in the cola can eat away the oxidation. Then, wipe it clean with a towel. If there's still some residue or oxidation on the headlight, try applying the cola again and wiping it clean.

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Question

Can you clean headlights with WD-40?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

No, you should not use WD-40 to clean headlights. Though some people may believe that WD-40 works as a degreaser or will oxidation, if you apply it to the surface of your headlight it could melt the lens. It may also make it cloudy and cause dirt and dust to stick to the surface, making it even dirtier. Use a glass cleaner or a headlight cleaning kit to properly clean them.

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