How to Clean Headlights with Vinegar

Co-authored by Chad Zani

Last Updated: March 16, 2023 References

Vinegar is a great tool to quickly remove dirt and discoloration from foggy or discolored headlights. You may be able to remove surface dirt and grime by washing or spraying the headlight with vinegar. If the headlights have become hazy, foggy, or yellowed, you should use a mixture made of baking soda and vinegar. You can even use vinegar to make a wax for your headlights. This will reduce any future fogginess from developing on the headlight cover.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wiping Away Dust and Dirt

1
Mix vinegar and water. To make a vinegar glass cleaning solution, you can mix three parts water with one part white distilled vinegar. For example, you might mix three cups of water with one cup of vinegar.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- You can also use this solution to clean your car’s windows.
2
Spray vinegar glass cleaner on the headlights. Put the vinegar and water solution in an empty spray bottle. Spritz the mixture onto the headlight cover. Make sure that you completely cover the headlight with the vinegar. You can let it soak for a minute to help loosen dirt.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Wipe away dirt with a microfiber cloth. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe away the vinegar solution from the headlight. This will help remove bugs, visible dirt, and other surface grime. You may want to make broad circular motions to reduce streaks. Most dirt should come off easily, but you can scrub a little if there is something stuck on the headlight.
- Your headlights may still be yellow or foggy, even after you clean off the visible debris. You can remove these issues by using a baking powder and vinegar mixture.
- You may repeat this as many times as you need to remove the dirt.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Restoring Headlights with Baking Soda and Vinegar

1
Mix vinegar with baking soda. In a Styrofoam cup or measuring bowl, mix two parts white vinegar to one part baking soda. The two substances will start to foam.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- For example, you might use four tablespoons vinegar and two tablespoons baking soda, but this might vary. Add more or less as you need it.
2
Apply the mixture to your headlights. Dip a clean cloth into the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Rub it onto the headlight. Work your way around the entire headlight, including the edges. Make small, circular motions to help spread the mixture.^{[4]
X
Research source}
3
Rinse off the solution with clean water. Rinse off the solution with water. If there is any baking soda left, it will leave a white haze on the light. Keep rinsing until the headlight is clear and sparkling. Once it is clear, you can wipe it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- You can rinse the headlight using a sponge. Soak the sponge in clean water, and use it to wipe away the baking soda. You may need to squeeze out the sponge and soak it again to help remove all of the baking soda.
- You can also rinse it by filling a spray bottle with water. Spray the headlight, and wipe the water away until the baking soda is completely gone.
4
Repeat if necessary. If the yellow discoloration is severe or if you have not cleaned your headlights in a while, you may need to repeat this process. Apply more of the solution to the headlight, scrub, and rinse.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying a Vinegar Wax

1
Heat the wax. Mix one cup linseed oil, four tablespoons of carnauba wax, two tablespoons of beeswax, and half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Put the ingredients over boiling water by using a double boiler. Heat the wax, and stir frequently until the waxes have melted.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Carnauba wax can be bought at auto stores.
- If you don’t have a double boiler, put the ingredients in a clean tin can. Set the can in middle of a pot of boiling water. Be careful not to scald yourself when removing the can.
2
Let the wax cool in a separate container. Once the waxes have melted into one another, you should pour the wax into a different container, such as a jar or Pyrex measuring cup. Let the wax cool until it is solid. Once the wax is solid, it is ready to be used.
- If you use a container with a lid, you can save the cooled wax for later.
3
Rub wax onto headlights. Once the wax is cool, you can scoop it up with a clean cloth. Apply it to the headlights. Work it across the entire headlight using circular motions.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
Remove wax with a clean cloth. With a different cloth, buff off the wax. Make sure that there are no streaks or residue left on afterwards. The headlight should look polished and sparkling.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Why do headlights turn yellow?

Chad Zani
Auto Detailing Expert
Chad Zani is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. Chad is based in the Los Angeles, California area and uses his passion for auto detailing to teach others how to do so as he grows his company nationwide.

Chad Zani

Auto Detailing Expert

Expert Answer

The reason headlights look yellow is that the plastic has been broken down by sunlight. If you can remove those layers of broken-down plastic by polishing them, you can make them look new again.
Question

Why the two different types of headlights? why not stay with the one that was originally installed?

Community Answer

Because the newer ones are brighter and more effective, that's why. The newer lights reach farther and use less energy.