Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Cleaning headlights is a necessary task for anyone who owns a car. Not only does it improve visibility, but it also enhances the appearance of your vehicle. Magic erasers are incredibly versatile cleaning tools that can effectively remove dirt, grime, and oxidation from car headlights – restoring them to like-new condition.
What Is A Magic Eraser?
A magic eraser is a cleaning tool made of melamine foam that removes tough dirt and scuffs from surfaces like walls, floors, automobiles, and more. It works by absorbing dirt particles into its dense foam structure. Magic erasers are easy to use; wet the eraser with water and start rubbing it on the surface you want to clean. The eraser will lift dirt, leaving behind a sparkling clean surface.
How To Clean Headlights With A Magic Eraser?
- Start by wetting the magic eraser with water.
- Gently rub the headlight with the magic eraser in small circular motions, starting from the top and working your way down. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or grime that has built up on the surface of your headlights.
- Once most of the build-up is gone, rinse all the soap residue from your headlights with a wet cloth.
- If there are still some stubborn spots left behind after scrubbing with a magic eraser, try using an automotive rubbing compound to remove them.
- Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to a clean microfiber towel and gently buff out those tough spots until they become clear again.
- Finally, use an automotive wax solution to seal it off and protect your newly cleaned headlights from future damage.
How To Seal Headlights After Restoration?
Buy a good headlight sealant. Make sure it is designed specifically for headlights, as some sealants can discolor or cause damage to the plastic. When the sealant has been applied, allow it to cure according to its instructions before driving your car or washing it.
When applying the headlight sealant, ensure you only use one coat of product and do not layer multiple coats. This could cause an uneven finish and reduce the visibility of your headlights when driving at night or in poor weather conditions. Be careful when wiping off any excess residue so as not to damage the lens. If possible, test out your newly sealed headlights at night to ensure no fogging or streaking on the lenses caused by improper product application.
Is Diy Headlight Restoration Hard?
DIY headlight restoration can be easy for anyone with basic automotive knowledge. You’ll need gloves, safety glasses or goggles, sandpaper in various grits (from 200-2000), masking tape, water or solvent-based polishing compound, a buffer pad, and a foam applicator pad.
The first step in headlight restoration is to clean the lenses with glass cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. This will remove any dirt, dust, or grime buildup that may prevent light from shining correctly. Once cleaned, use sandpaper with various grits (depending on how cloudy they are) to buff out scratches and oxidation, which causes cloudiness. Applying an automotive wax specifically designed for headlights to protect against future damage caused by UV rays and other elements.
Where To Buy Magic Erasers?
Magic erasers are readily available in most stores and online. Check your local hardware or home improvement store. Most of these stores will have a wide selection of different brands and erasers that can be used to clean headlight lenses. Walmart, Target, and other similar retailers also carry them. Online shopping sites like Amazon also have an extensive selection of magic erasers.
Are Magic Erasers Safe On Cars?
Magic erasers are generally safe for cars but remember; they are abrasive. If a car has a delicate finish, like a new paint job or a clear coat, the magic eraser should not be used as it could cause scratching and damage. For cleaning headlights specifically, the magic eraser is often effective at removing dirt from the surface of the headlight housing without damaging it. Note that if there is any stuck grime or glue residue, using something other than the magic eraser may be necessary, as it can’t always remove those substances.
Where Should You Not Use Magic Eraser On A Car?
Never use a Magic Eraser on any painted surface of your car. This includes the body or bumpers. The abrasive nature of the erasers can strip away some of the paint if used too much or too harshly. You also want to avoid using it on plastic surfaces like headlight covers because the erasers can leave scratches if rubbed too hard or used excessively.
Do Magic Erasers Ruin Paint?
Yes, Magic Erasers can ruin the paint. While they are marketed as heavy-duty cleaning tools and can even be used on cars, the abrasive ingredients in Magic Erasers may be too intense for specific surfaces. If you plan to use a Magic Eraser on car headlights, test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the paint or plastic surface.
Conclusion
Using a magic eraser to clean headlights is an effective method for removing oxidation and restoring the clarity of headlight lenses. While it may take several applications, the impressive results can save you time and money. However, suppose your headlights are severely damaged from oxidation or other causes. In that case, it may be best to have them professionally restored or even replaced, as DIY solutions may not be enough to restore them completely.
