You might feel upset when your headlights look foggy and dirty. I felt the same way too. But the good news is, there is a very easy way to make them clear again using something many people already have at home — WD40. Yes, you can clean your car’s headlights with WD40 and make them look bright and shiny again. In this article, I will show you exactly how I did it with clear and simple steps that anyone can follow without any stress.
Gather Everything You Need First
Before you start, you should get everything ready. This will make the job easier and faster. Cleaning your headlights with WD40 is not hard, but having the right tools and supplies will make the process smooth. When I did it the first time, I didn’t prepare everything at once, and I had to keep running inside for things. So now, I always start by gathering what I need.
First, you will need a can of WD40. This is the main item. WD40 helps remove the yellow fog and dirt from the headlights. It also adds a shiny coat that protects the lights for a while. Make sure your WD40 can has a spray nozzle because that makes it easier to apply.
Next, get some paper towels or a soft clean cloth. These are for wiping the headlights after spraying. If you have microfiber cloths, they work even better because they don’t scratch the surface.
Also, you will need some soapy water. This is just water with a few drops of dish soap. You can put it in a spray bottle if you have one, or just use a bowl and dip your cloth into it.
Finally, make sure your car is parked in a place with shade. Cleaning headlights in direct sunlight can cause streaks, and the WD40 may dry too fast. A shaded spot helps you do the job better.
When I first tried this, I also wore gloves. It is not a must, but if you have sensitive skin or just don’t like chemicals on your hands, gloves help.
So now that you have your WD40, soft cloth or paper towels, soapy water, and a nice shady spot, you are ready to begin.
- WD40 with spray nozzle
- Soft cloth or paper towels
- Bowl or spray bottle with soapy water
- Park car in the shade
- Optional: Gloves for skin protection
Wash the Headlights Before You Spray Anything
Before using WD40, it’s very important to wash your headlights well. When I first tried this method, I skipped the washing part, and the results were not as good. I had dirt and tiny sand pieces on the surface, and when I wiped them with WD40, it scratched the plastic. That was a big mistake. Now, I always start with a good cleaning.
Start by spraying or dipping your cloth in the soapy water. Gently rub the headlights in circles. You are trying to remove any dust, dirt, or bug splatter. Make sure you get into all the corners too. Don’t scrub too hard, just use light pressure and keep rubbing until the surface looks cleaner.
If the headlights are very dirty, you may need to rinse them and do it a second time. That is okay. The cleaner your headlights are before using WD40, the better the result will be.
After washing, use a dry clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off all the soap and water. The headlights should be dry before the next part. If they are still wet, the WD40 may not work well.
Also, if you have time, let them sit for a few minutes to fully air dry. This helps avoid any water mixing with WD40 and making streaks.
Washing first also helps you see the real condition of your headlights. Some headlights have light fog, and some have heavy yellow stains. Knowing this helps you decide if one round of WD40 is enough or if you need to do it again.
I remember one time my friend’s car had very yellow headlights. After cleaning, we saw how bad they really were. But even then, WD40 still helped a lot.
- Gently wash headlights with soapy water
- Remove all dirt and bugs
- Rinse and repeat if very dirty
- Dry with a clean cloth or paper towels
- Let air dry for a few minutes
Spray WD40 Directly on the Headlights
Now comes the part where the magic starts. This is where WD40 really does its job. When I did this the first time, I was shocked at how much better the headlights looked in just a few minutes.
Take your WD40 can and shake it a little. Hold it about 6 inches away from the headlight surface. Then start spraying. You don’t need too much. Just a light, even spray across the whole headlight. Make sure to cover all the foggy or yellow areas.
If your can has a straw attached, you can use that for better aim. But if not, the regular spray works fine too. Try not to spray on your car paint. If you do by mistake, wipe it off quickly.
After spraying, let it sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This gives the WD40 time to break down the oxidation and grime on the surface. Don’t wait too long or it will start to dry out.
While waiting, you can notice how the headlight already looks clearer. It is almost like magic, and it happens fast. That is the power of WD40. It loosens up the dirt and fog so you can wipe it off easily.
I remember showing my neighbor this method, and he couldn’t believe how fast it worked. He thought cleaning headlights would take hours. But with WD40, it took only minutes.
If your headlights are very foggy, you might want to do this step twice. Just make sure you wipe off the first layer before spraying again.
- Shake the WD40 can
- Spray lightly and evenly on the headlight
- Avoid spraying on car paint
- Let sit for 30 to 60 seconds
- Repeat if headlights are still very yellow
Wipe and Buff for a Clear Shine
Now it’s time to wipe away the fog and see the clear shine. This step is the most satisfying because you get to see the full results. When I wiped my headlights the first time, I was amazed at how much clearer they looked.
Take a clean cloth or paper towel and gently start wiping the headlight. Use small circles and light pressure. You will notice the foggy layer coming off on your cloth. That’s the dirt and oxidation that was making your headlights look old.
Keep wiping until the headlight feels smooth and looks clearer. Don’t rush. Take your time and make sure you get all areas. If your cloth gets too dirty, switch to a clean one. This will help you get a better result.
Once the main dirt is gone, take another clean dry cloth and buff the headlight. Buffing means gently rubbing in circles to bring out the shine. This makes the surface look even clearer and brighter.
If you still see some cloudy spots, you can repeat the WD40 spray and wiping steps again. Sometimes one round is enough, but for older cars, it might take two or three tries.
When I helped my cousin with her car, we had to do it twice, but the final result was amazing. The headlights looked like new, and she was so happy.
- Wipe off the WD40 with clean cloth
- Use small circles and light pressure
- Switch to clean cloth if needed
- Buff with dry cloth for best shine
- Repeat process if needed
Clean Around the Edges and Touch Up
Sometimes after you clean the main part of the headlight, you still see dirt or fog around the edges. This can make the whole job look unfinished. When I first did this, I noticed little dirty corners, and it bothered me. So now I always do a final touch-up around the edges.
Use a smaller piece of cloth or fold your cloth to reach the corners better. Spray a little WD40 on the cloth, not on the headlight this time. Then use your fingers to gently rub around the edges, corners, and any hard-to-reach spots.
Also, check where the headlight meets the car body. Sometimes grime builds up there. You can clean it the same way — spray the cloth, then wipe gently.
After touching up the edges, give the whole headlight one last wipe with a clean dry cloth. This removes any extra WD40 and makes sure the surface is not slippery.
This small step makes a big difference. It gives a finished look and makes your headlights look professionally cleaned. My friend once thought I had taken my car to a detail shop after I did this part!
- Use cloth to clean edges and corners
- Spray WD40 on cloth (not directly)
- Wipe around tight spots carefully
- Clean where headlight meets car body
- Final dry wipe to finish everything
Keep the Headlights Protected After Cleaning
After you clean your headlights with WD40, they will look much better. But if you want them to stay clear for a longer time, you should take one extra step to protect them. I learned this after my headlights started to fog up again a few weeks later. Now I always add a simple layer of protection.
You can use a bit more WD40 as a final coat. Spray a small amount on a clean cloth and gently rub it over the headlight again. This time, don’t wipe it off right away. Let it sit and dry on its own. It leaves a thin layer that keeps water and dust away for some time.
Another option is to use a clear sealant or headlight protectant. These are made to block UV rays and keep the plastic from turning yellow again. You can find these products at car parts stores. They are easy to use and work well.
Even if you don’t have a special product, parking your car in the shade or garage helps a lot. Sunlight is one of the main reasons headlights turn yellow.
Try not to use harsh soaps or rough towels on your headlights in the future. That can damage the surface and make it fog up again. I always wash my car with soft cloths and gentle cleaners now.
Cleaning your headlights is great, but keeping them clean is even better. Just a little care every few weeks will keep them shiny and clear.
- Apply a final coat of WD40 with cloth
- Let it dry to form a protective layer
- Use sealant or UV protector if you have it
- Park in the shade when possible
- Avoid harsh soaps and rough cloths
Final Thoughts
Cleaning headlights with WD40 is one of the easiest ways to make your car look newer. When I first tried it, I didn’t expect such clear results. It takes only a few minutes, and you don’t need any special tools. You just need WD40, a cloth, and some time. With this method, your headlights can stay clean and shiny for weeks. Just remember to wash first, apply carefully, wipe well, and protect after. Now your car can shine bright again, just like the first day you bought it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use WD40 on plastic headlights?
Yes, it is safe to use WD40 on plastic headlights. WD40 does not harm the plastic lens of your headlights. It actually helps to remove fog, dirt, and yellow stains that build up over time. When used correctly, WD40 can make your headlights look much clearer and brighter. However, it is important to wipe it off well and not leave too much on the surface. Also, avoid getting WD40 on your car’s paint and rinse any extra that might run off. Using it once in a while is fine, but don’t overuse it.
Can WD40 fix very yellow headlights?
Yes, WD40 can fix very yellow headlights, but sometimes it may take two or three applications. If the headlights are very old and deeply stained, WD40 will still make them look better, but it might not remove everything in one go. In those cases, clean them well before spraying and let the WD40 sit longer. You can repeat the steps again for better results. Some people with very foggy headlights still see a big change after one try. It might not be perfect like new, but it will be much clearer than before.
Do I need to clean headlights again after using WD40?
Yes, after using WD40, you should wipe the headlights clean with a dry cloth. This removes any leftover oil and gives your headlights a nice, clean look. If you leave WD40 sitting for too long, it might collect dust later. So after you spray and wipe, always give one final dry rub. Also, you may need to clean your headlights again in a few weeks or months, depending on how fast they get dirty again. It’s good to keep checking them once in a while to keep them bright.
Is it okay to use WD40 often?
It is okay to use WD40 sometimes, but not too often. Using it once every few weeks or once a month is usually fine. If you use it too much, it can leave an oily layer that attracts more dirt. Also, constant use may not give better results after a while. It’s better to use WD40 when your headlights start to look foggy again. And always wipe it off well after each use. If you want long-lasting protection, you can use a headlight sealant after cleaning.
Can I drive right after cleaning with WD40?
Yes, you can drive right after cleaning your headlights with WD40. Just make sure you wipe the headlights dry before driving. If the surface is still wet or slippery, dirt can stick to it faster. Also, in rainy weather, WD40 can make water slide off the surface, which is a good thing. But for best results, wait 5–10 minutes after wiping, so the headlights are fully dry. Then they will shine clearly and stay clean longer while you drive.
Do I need to remove the headlights to clean them?
No, you do not need to remove the headlights to clean them with WD40. This is one of the best things about this method. You can clean the headlights right where they are on the car. Just make sure your car is parked and turned off. It is better to park in a shady place so the WD40 works well and doesn’t dry too fast. Clean around the headlights carefully and avoid spraying other parts of the car. Keeping the headlights on the car saves time and effort.
Is it better to use WD40 or toothpaste?
WD40 works faster and gives quick shine, while toothpaste can clean too, but takes more time and effort. I have tried both. Toothpaste has little particles that scrub off dirt, but you need to rub a lot and rinse many times. WD40 needs just a few sprays and wipes. Both can work, but WD40 is easier and faster for most people. If your headlights are only slightly dirty, toothpaste may be enough. But if they are really foggy, WD40 is the better choice.
Can WD40 damage car paint?
WD40 does not usually damage car paint if used in small amounts. But it is not made for paint, so it’s best to avoid spraying it on your car’s body. If you do spray some by mistake, just wipe it off right away with a clean cloth. It may leave an oily mark if it sits too long, but it won’t peel or harm the paint. Just be careful when spraying near the headlights and keep a cloth nearby to clean any extra spray quickly.