Ask any dentist and they’ll tell you toothpaste is essential for keeping your pearly whites bright and shiny. But talk to a car mechanic and they may suggest using it on something far removed from the world of dentistry — your car’s headlights.
When your headlights start to look cloudy or discolored, you may be tempted to replace them altogether. But before you shell out cash for a costly repair, try cleaning them first with a tube of toothpaste.
A Hack Worth Sinking Your Teeth Into
Headlights typically become foggy or discolored from repeated exposure to the elements. This includes yellowing from the sun’s powerful UV rays or dirt trapped in tiny surface cracks. Whatever the cause may be, hazy headlights are a major safety risk, as they make it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle.
One of the best DIY hacks for this problem is using toothpaste — preferably a whitening toothpaste or one that contains baking soda. You’ll also need a water supply and a few rags you don’t mind getting dirty.
Buff Away the Fog
First, soak a clean rag in lukewarm water and wipe down the headlights to remove any superficial dirt or gunk. Then, apply a dab of toothpaste to a different clean cloth and scrub the headlight in circular motions for several minutes. There’s no exact amount of time to scrub, as all headlights age differently. As a rule of thumb, plan for two to three minutes per headlight for mild fog and five-plus minutes for persistent yellowing.
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As you scrub, the whitening elements lift stains while the toothpaste’s abrasive texture dislodges dirt trapped in tight cracks. Apply extra pressure to particularly cloudy areas. After a few minutes, rinse the headlight with clean water; you should notice a massive improvement in clarity and, more importantly, safety.
Mistakes To Avoid
While this hack is easy to perform, there are a few guidelines worth noting. Be careful to avoid getting toothpaste on the car’s finish, as the abrasives could damage the paint or chrome. Also, use a traditional toothpaste over a gel; gel formulas are usually less effective at whitening and lack the grit needed to remove embedded dirt.
