How To Clean A Headlight Cover?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Direct Answer: Cleaning a headlight cover requires just a few steps: clean the headlight and surrounding area with a microfiber towel. Remove the yellowing top layer of plastic using sandpaper and polishing compounds. Protect the cleaned headlight by applying a protective coating.

Why Do Headlights Cover Turn Yellow?

Headlights are typically made of polycarbonate plastic, which comes with a UV protective coating from the factory. Over time, this coating wears off, leaving the headlights susceptible to UV damage. The once clear lens turns yellow and, if left untreated, can even form tiny cracks known as crazing.

Method 1: Cleaning Headlights Cover with Sanding and Polishing

Preparing the Headlight

Before starting the restoration process, preparing the headlight and the surrounding area is important. Here’s what you need to do:

• Clean the headlight and the surrounding area using a microfiber towel to remove dirt or debris.
• Dry the headlight thoroughly to ensure better adhesion of the cleaning products in the next steps.

Removing Yellowing with Abrasives:

Materials:

• Cutting compound car polish
• Metal polish
• Sandpapers (600 grit, 1500 grit, 3000 grit)

Procedure:

1. Start by masking off the surrounding body panels with masking tape to prevent any damage to the paint while sanding.
2. Spray water on the lens and the sandpaper to create a lubricating effect.
3. Begin sanding the lens using 600-grit sandpaper. Use horizontal strokes with overlapping passes to cover the entire lens area.
4. Continue sanding with light to medium pressure, regularly spraying water as needed.
5. Once the water running down the lens turns yellow to milky white, wipe the lens to remove the yellowed plastic layer.
6. Switch to the 1500-grit sandpaper and repeat the sanding process, using vertical strokes to remove the horizontal scratches left by the previous step.
7. Wipe the lens again, and now you should have a uniform white haze from the 1500-grit sandpaper.
8. Finally, use the 3000-grit sandpaper to remove the remaining scratches by sanding in horizontal strokes.
9. Wipe the lens clean, and you should now have a smoother surface with greatly reduced yellowing.

Applying a Protective Coating

After removing the yellowing and restoring the headlight’s clarity, it’s essential to apply a protective coating to prevent future damage. Here are five coating options to consider:

1. UV Hardcoat: This professional-grade product is commonly applied to headlights at the factory. However, it requires specialized equipment, including a spray gun, a compressor setup, and a UV heat lamp. This option is expensive and not suitable for most individuals.
2. Aftermarket Headlight Coating: These coatings come in spray cans and provide a similar protective layer to a UV hard coat. While they are more accessible for home use, they generally last only a year.
3. Clear Coat Clickers: Clear coat clickers in rattle cans offer a cost-effective solution. However, they may last only a few years before peeling occurs.
4. Acrylic Clear Coats: Car manufacturers commonly use acrylic clear coats to provide superior hardness, chip resistance, and scratch resistance compared to regular clear coats. They also come in rattle cans and are relatively easy to apply. They offer a longer-lasting protective coating.
5. DIY Sealants: Various DIY headlight sealant options protect against yellowing and oxidation. These sealants usually come in liquid form and can be applied using a cloth or applicator pad.

Method 2: Cleaning Headlight Covers with Toothpaste

If your headlights have minor yellowing or oxidation, you can try a simpler method using toothpaste.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

• Select a toothpaste that is gritty and not a gel, preferably with baking soda and peroxide.
• Grittiness in the toothpaste helps remove surface imperfections on the headlight cover.

Applying Toothpaste to the Headlight

• Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a clean, damp cloth or sponge.
• Rub the toothpaste onto the headlight cover using circular motions.
• Continue rubbing for several minutes, applying gentle pressure.

Rinsing and Inspecting

• Rinse the headlight cover thoroughly with water.
• Wipe off any residue and dry the surface.
• Inspect the headlight cover for improved clarity and repeat the process if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Cleaning and restoring your headlight covers can enhance your car’s appearance and improve your visibility on the road. Whether you choose the sanding and polishing method or the toothpaste method, following the steps outlined in this article will help you achieve impressive results. Remember to prioritize safety and protect the surrounding areas while working on your headlights.

Key Takeaways:

• Yellowing headlights can be restored using sanding and polishing or toothpaste methods.
• The sanding and polishing method involves removing the yellowed plastic layer, sanding with different grits, polishing with a compound, and applying a protective coating.
• The toothpaste method is suitable for minor yellowing and involves applying gritty toothpaste and rubbing in circular motions.
• Choose a toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide for optimal results.
• Regular maintenance is important to prevent severe yellowing and damage to headlights.
• Deep scratches or cracks may require professional assistance or headlight replacement.