DIY: How to fix foggy headlights?

Headlights are a very crucial part for any automobile. Even though headlights have witnessed a massive transformation from classic halogen bulbs to LED projector lamps, all of them face some common issues that reduce their effectiveness. Keeping headlamps clean is very important for clear and accurate projection of the light forward. 

Restoring your headlights offers multiple benefits, including improved visibility for safer driving at night or in poor weather conditions. It also enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle, making it look newer and well-maintained. Most importantly, clear headlights help prevent accidents by ensuring optimal lighting on the road.

Headlamp fogging is one of the most common and recurring problems in automobiles. However, if you take it to a service workshop, you can expect to end up paying a huge and unnecessary bill. Let us see how we can get headlamp fogging fixed with some home remedials. 

Headlight fogging home remedy

The remedy requires ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, toothpaste (non-gel, whitening works best), microfiber cloth, masking tape, and a spray bottle of water that are commonly found in an average household. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove fogging from headlamps.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: For starters, park your car in a shaded area to prevent cleaning products from drying too quickly. Then, wash the headlights with soap and water to remove any dirt, grime, or debris.

2. Protect Surrounding Areas: Use masking tape to cover the edges around the headlights. This helps protect the car’s paint from accidental scratches or chemical damage.

3. Headlamp cleaning

• Toothpaste Method: Apply a generous amount of toothpaste to a damp microfiber cloth. Rub it onto the headlight in circular motions for 5–10 minutes. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
  
• Baking Soda & Vinegar Paste: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of vinegar to form a paste. Apply it to the headlight and scrub using a cloth. Rinse off and dry.

4. Evaluate the Results: If the headlights are still cloudy, repeat the cleaning process or consider using fine sandpaper (often included in headlight restoration kits) for better results.

5. Seal and Protect (Optional but Recommended): Apply a UV headlight sealant to maintain clarity and prevent future yellowing or fogging.