Cloudy, yellowed headlights are more than just an eyesore; they’re a safety hazard. Headlight oxidation reduces nighttime visibility and weakens the overall appearance of an otherwise clean vehicle. Thankfully, headlight restoration is a high-impact service that’s quick to perform and easy to upsell.
Whether you’re a pro detailer or a weekend DIYer, this guide walks you through how to clean oxidized headlights, what causes it, and which headlight restoration kits offer the best results.
What Causes Headlight Oxidation?
Most modern headlights are made from polycarbonate plastic. Over time, exposure to UV rays, road salt, and air pollution breaks down the outer layer of the lens, causing:
- Yellowing or cloudiness
- Fine surface cracking
- Light diffusion (less beam output)
- Reduced vehicle safety and appearance
This oxidation doesn’t just look bad; it can fail state inspections and reduce resale value.
How to Clean Oxidized Headlights: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to clean oxidation off headlights safely and effectively:
What You’ll Need:
- Headlight Restoration Kit
- Masking Tape
- Spray bottle with water
- Microfiber towels
- UV sealant or coating
Step 1: Tape Off the Surrounding Area
Use painter’s tape to protect paint, trim, and plastic around the headlight housing.
Step 2: Wet Sand
Wet sand with 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 grit sandpaper in straight lines. Keep the surface wet and use light pressure.
Step 3: Polish the Lens
Use a plastic polish or dedicated headlight compound with a microfiber or foam applicator pad. Buff until clarity is restored.
Tip: Use a DA polisher with a foam cutting pad on speed 3–4.
Step 4: Apply a UV Sealant
This is the most important step. Unprotected plastic will re-oxidize within weeks. Apply a UV coating or sealant formulated for headlight lenses to ensure brightness.
How Often Should You Restore Oxidized Headlights?
With a proper UV sealant, you can expect results to last 9-12 months. Without protection, oxidation often returns within 30–60 days—especially in hot or coastal regions.
How Much to Charge for Headlight Restoration
Recommended Pricing:
- DIY Cost: $25–$60 (for a full kit)
- Pro Detailing Service: $75–$150
- Add-On to Full Detail: +$40–$80
Tip: Headlight restoration is a high-margin upsell for detailers. It takes ~30-45 minutes per set and adds real customer value.
What NOT to Do When Cleaning Headlights
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using household abrasives (toothpaste, baking soda)
- Skipping the UV sealant step
- Polishing too aggressively
- Neglecting to clean oxidation on both headlights for even results
FAQs: Cleaning Oxidized Headlights
How do you remove oxidation from headlights permanently?
The only permanent solution is restoration + UV protection. If you skip the sealant, oxidation will come back quickly.
Can I use toothpaste to clean headlights?
Toothpaste works slightly for very light haze, but it’s abrasive and lacks durability. For pro-level results, use a dedicated kit.
Is wet sanding headlights safe?
Yes—if done properly. Always use lubrication, light pressure, and fine grit. Finish with polish and sealant.
How long does headlight restoration last?
With proper sealing, 9-12 months. Without sealing, oxidation can return in 4–8 weeks.
Headlight restoration doesn’t just improve looks; it improves driver safety. Whether you’re restoring a daily driver or offering a professional detailing package, cleaning oxidized headlights is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact fast.
Explore Detail King’s full line of headlight restoration kits and training programs to master the technique—and turn cloudy lenses into a source of revenue. With Detail King’s headlight restoration kits, you can restore your headlight to its factory-standard quality and achieve a long-lasting result. Also, offering headlight lens restoration can be very profitable and is a great add-on service.
Watch DKtv below to find out more on Detail King’s Headlight Restoration Kits.
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