How to clean headlights on the cheap?

[cctaylor88]

I have tried using the forums "search" feature many times, but it doesn't exactly work well IMO as it brings up just about anything even when using keywords.

Anyways, the title says it all. i have plastic headlights (I believe) and would like to simply clean them without dropping a lot of money.. I have read many things online ranging from using toothpaste to buying professional kits etc. There has to be a simple method to clean and restore headlights without buying a $30 specific product for headlights only...

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Murr1525]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

How bad of shape are we talking?

Can always just treat them like paint and UC and Wax them.

[Detailing by M]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

Head light restore kits very from 20 - 30 bucks.
That's pretty cheap.
If you want cheaper then toothpaste is cheap.

[BillyJack]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

I've recommended a $10.99 bottle of Ultimate Compound to those who wanted to do their own headlights by hand. Combined with a considerable application of elbow grease, it'll fix any headlights that aren't bad enough to need wetsanding.

Bill

[STRIFE]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

I think UC would be the best option, one of the best thing to have in your detail arsenal. I had pretty good results on my headlights by hand.

[cctaylor88]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

Can you guys use ultimate compound on your tires as well? Or what else would I use it for besides headlights

[MrCLRider]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

Why would you use it on tires? Do you know what UC is?

[cctaylor88]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

I thought it was ultimate compound, the stuff in bulk? Isn't it an engine cleaner?

[C8N]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

You would use Ultimate Compound to level paint. It is not an engine cleaner.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: How to clean headlights on the cheap?

Ultimate Compound is just that - a compound. It's a very fine micro abrasive designed to level paint in order to remove below surface defects like scratches, swirl marks, oxidation, etchings, etc. In that regard, other than the high tech nature of the abrasives, it's basically like any other compound on the market concerning what it's designed to do - level paint.

On headlights where oxidation has yellowed the finish and made it feel rough and textured, UC can do wonders to restore the clarity. That's because the action required to remove this sort of defect from plastic headlights is very similar to removing the same sort of defects from paint. And just like paint, if the defects in the headlights are really severe it sometimes helps to wet sand them first, then compound to remove the sanding marks. Which is why our Heavy Duty Headlight Restoration Kit includes two grits of sandpaper, a wool pad to affix to a drill, and a plastic polish (PlastX) to remove the sanding marks. Ultimate Compound, either by hand or with a DA buffer, can accomplish much the same thing.

We highly recommend that you never use Ultimate Compound on textured plastic such as trim pieces, wiper cowls, etc as it will stain the trim. And we guarantee you will NOT like it at all if you use it on your tires. Bad idea.