How to clean cloudy car headlights
Some haze is just dirt; some is oxidised plastic. How to tell, what you can safely do, and when it needs restoration.
20 minBeginner5 steps
Modern headlight lenses are polycarbonate with a factory UV coating. In strong sun that coating breaks down over the years, and the plastic underneath yellows and goes cloudy. Cleaning will remove road film and make a real difference to a lightly dull lens, but no spray reverses true oxidation — that needs sanding and polishing. Be wary of quick fixes: toothpaste and similar hacks abrade the lens and remove what is left of the UV layer.
- 1
Wash the lens properly
Clean the headlight with Pure Wash and a soft mitt, rinse and dry. Road film and bug residue are often half of the haze.
- 2
Wipe with Clear View
Mist Clear View onto a microfibre and wipe the lens, then buff dry. It is ammonia-free, which matters on plastic.
- 3
Check what is left
Look closely. A faint, even dullness may be as good as it gets with cleaning. Yellowing, a rough feel or a crazed, cracked surface means the lens is oxidised and needs restoration.
- 4
Know when to restore
Oxidised lenses need wet-sanding, polishing and a new UV-protective clear layer — a job for a detailer or a dedicated restoration kit. Very cloudy lights reduce your night visibility, so do not leave them.
- 5
Keep a clean lens protected
On a clean, sound lens, a light coat of Ceramic Shield adds a slick layer that helps dirt and bugs wash off. Test a small area first. It will not reverse existing yellowing.
Bay tip · Park nose-away from the afternoon sun to slow the damage.
Common mistakes
- Toothpaste, sandpaper or kitchen scourers without a proper restoration process
- Ammonia-based glass cleaners on plastic lenses
- Expecting any spray to undo deep yellowing
- Driving at night with badly clouded lights