How to Remove Headlight Fog

Restoring the foggy headlights on your vehicle can make it look like new.

Foggy headlights can be a frustrating problem, and cause your automobile to look dirty, old, or dingy. Fog, also known as oxidization, is the result of moisture leaking into the headlight and drying. Not only is it unsightly, if left untreated, it can become dangerous when it dims the headlights. Thankfully, you can clean fog from a headlight using materials that you may already have at home.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow bowl
• Dish washing liquid (any brand)
• Soft-bristled toothbrush
• Toothpaste (any brand)
• Cooking spray
• 2 cleaning rags

Instructions

1. Soak a soft-bristled toothbrush in a shallow bowl of warm water with about 1 tbsp. of dish washing liquid added.

2. Scrub the soap and water onto the headlight with the toothbrush to loosen up any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to any small spaces or particularly soiled areas.

3. Rinse the toothbrush well using clear water. Apply about 1 tsp. of toothpaste directly to the toothbrush.

4. Scrub the headlight with the toothbrush in firm, circular motions. The abrasiveness of the toothpaste will cut though any remaining fog or film without harming the headlight.

5. Clean the toothpaste off the headlight using a wet cleaning rag immediately after scrubbing. Remove the toothpaste immediately after scrubbing to prevent build-up.

6. Spray a minimal amount of cooking spray onto a dry cleaning rag and rub it onto the headlight. This will restore the clarity of the headlight and add a degree of protection against further build-up.

Tips & Warnings

• Use paste form of toothpaste, not gel form.

References

• Car Deal Expert: Simple Techniques For Cleaning Up Foggy Headlights

Resources

• Headlight Solution: Foggy Headlights