How To Clean Headlights With Toothpaste: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Restore Foggy Headlights Using Toothpaste PDF download Download Article Get your headlights shining & protect them from yellowing Co-authored by Audra Fordin and Devin McSween

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Washing & Taping Headlights
    • |
  • Polishing with Toothpaste
    • |
  • Applying Wax & Sealant
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Audra Fordin and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 182,915 times.

Over time, the sun’s harsh rays cause plastic headlights to oxidize and develop a yellow, foggy film. This hazy coating prevents your headlights from shining brightly, so it’s important to clean them to keep driving safely. Luckily, the gentle abrasiveness of toothpaste easily removes oxidation and gets your headlights crystal clear. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean your headlights with toothpaste and keep them protected from the sun with wax and sealant. Read on to learn more!

Things You Should Know

  • Clean your headlights with glass cleaner or soapy water, dry them off, and then tape around your headlights with automotive masking tape.
  • Coat each headlight with a thin layer of toothpaste. Then, scrub it with a microfiber towel, sponge, or toothbrush for 2 to 5 minutes.
  • Spray the headlights with water and buff out the toothpaste. Then, coat each light with car wax and UV-resistant sealant.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Washing and Taping Your Headlights

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  1. Step 1 Wash the headlights thoroughly with glass cleaner or soapy water. 1 Wash the headlights thoroughly with glass cleaner or soapy water. Spray your cleaner of choice liberally onto both headlights.[1] Then, use a lint-free microfiber cloth or soft automobile sponge to wipe away any dust, dirt, and stuck-on debris.[2]
    • Giving your headlights a quick wipe-down gets rid of the worst of the mess, allowing the toothpaste to work more effectively on what’s left.
  2. Step 2 Dry the headlights... 2 Dry the headlights with a lint-free cloth or chamois. Dab your headlights with a microfiber towel or chamois to soak up any streaks or droplets of moisture. Be sure to dry off the edges of the headlight covers, as well.[3]
    • Lint-free cloths don’t leave behind small fibers like regular cloths, which can easily become stuck on the headlight covers.
    • Alternatively, apply the toothpaste while the headlights are still wet to produce a bubbly lather similar to soap.
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  3. Step 3 Tape off the area around your headlights. 3 Tape off the area around your headlights. Stick several strips of automotive masking tape or painter’s tape over the paint at the top, bottom, and sides of both headlights. Then, inspect the tape to make sure there’s no exposed paint around the lights.[4]
    • Taping around your headlights protects your car’s paint from the toothpaste. The gritty toothpaste, combined with the pressure of polishing, can potentially scratch or remove the paint.[5]

    Warning: Avoid any type of tape stronger than painter’s tape. Duct, electrical, and other high-strength tapes can leave behind unsightly adhesive residue, or even strip small amounts of paint from your vehicle when you peel them off.

    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Polishing Your Headlights with Toothpaste

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  1. Step 1 Cover each headlight with a dime-sized blob of non-gel toothpaste. 1 Cover each headlight with a dime-sized blob of non-gel toothpaste. Squeeze the toothpaste directly onto the center of the headlights.[6] Then, spread the toothpaste with your fingers using circular motions until it covers the entire surface of the headlights in a thin layer. Or, apply the toothpaste to a microfiber cloth or sponge and then rub it onto the headlights.[7]
    • Use any type of toothpaste as long as it’s a paste rather than a gel. Gel toothpastes aren’t abrasive enough to chip away at the yellow, dingy layer of oxidation that makes your lights foggy.[8]
    • Start with a thin layer of toothpaste at first and then add more later as needed.

    Tip: For even more scrubbing power, use a toothpaste that contains baking soda. Or, add a dash of baking soda to your toothpaste.

  2. Step 2 Scrub the headlights vigorously with a microfiber cloth or sponge. 2 Scrub the headlights vigorously with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Move your cloth or sponge in tight, circular motions to wear down the yellow, oxidized layer over your headlights.[9] After scrubbing for 2 to 5 minutes, the toothpaste starts to turn yellow and you’ll see the gunk and grime disappear.[10]
    • Alternatively, use a soft-bristled brush, like a toothbrush, to increase your coverage and really work the toothpaste into the plastic.[11]
    • Getting your headlights looking like new requires a bit of elbow grease. Don’t be afraid to really dig in and scrub your headlights.
  3. Step 3 Rinse the headlights with water and buff out the toothpaste with a cloth. 3 Rinse the headlights with water and buff out the toothpaste with a cloth. Spray the lights with a spray bottle or hose to break up the toothpaste. Then, take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the toothpaste in circular motions to buff it out. Just keep spraying and wiping the headlights until all of the toothpaste is gone.[12]
    • The toothpaste dries into a cloudy film, so it’s important to wipe off every little bit.
  4. Step 4 Reapply and scrub the toothpaste as needed. 4 Reapply and scrub the toothpaste as needed. If your headlights are still a little yellow and foggy after rinsing off the toothpaste, add more toothpaste and repeat the cleaning process 1 to 2 more times. Then, remove the tape from around your headlights when you’re finished.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Applying Wax and Sealant on Your Headlights

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  1. Step 1 Dry your headlights... 1 Dry your headlights and coat them with car wax. Car wax protects your headlights from dirt, scratches, and UV rays to keep them from yellowing as quickly. Just take a microfiber towel and wipe your headlights dry. Then, apply a dollop of car wax onto the cloth and wipe it onto each headlight using circular motions. Let the wax dry for 1 to 2 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and buff it out with a clean, dry cloth.[13]
  2. Step 2 Apply UV-resistant sealant... 2 Apply UV-resistant sealant to shield your headlights from the sun. To further protect your headlights from oxidizing UV rays, wet a folded paper towel with the UV sealant solution and wipe it onto both headlights. Just use long, sweeping strokes to cover the entire headlight.[14]
    • Find UV-resistant headlight sealant at any automotive supply store, as well as most supercenters, gas stations, and convenience stores.
    • A good UV sealant slows the formation of oxidation on your headlights as they get exposed to the sun’s rays.
    • Only apply a single coat of sealant unless otherwise specified by your specific brand of sealant.

    Tip: Always follow the instructions for the specific product you’re using to ensure the sealant works properly.

  3. Step 3 Cure the UV-resistant sealant in the sun for 10-45 minutes. 3 Cure the UV-resistant sealant in the sun for 10-45 minutes. Park your vehicle outdoors where it gets direct or partial sunlight. Most headlight sealants dry to the touch in a few minutes and cure to full strength within about 30 minutes. The exact cure time depends on your specific product, the amount of sunlight available, and humidity.[15]
    • Or, cure your sealant by shining a UV lamp directly on your headlights for 10-15 minutes.[16]
    • Hold off on washing your vehicle for at least 8 hours after applying headlight sealant.
  4. Step 4 Repeat the cleaning and sealing process every 2-4 months. 4 Repeat the cleaning and sealing process every 2-4 months. While toothpaste polishes your car’s headlights back to their original shine, it’s not a permanent fix. Once the outer layer of plastic is damaged, it’ll eventually revert back to its yellow, hazy state even after it’s cleaned. So, polish, wax, and seal your headlights every few months, or when they start showing signs of yellowing.[17]
    • You may need to clean your headlights more or less frequently depending on how often you drive.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can you use Coke to clean headlights? Audra Fordin Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper. Audra Fordin Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician Expert Answer You can, but it's not very effective. You're better off using a professional product, like a headlight polish. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
  • Question Does toothpaste really clean car headlights? Audra Fordin Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper. Audra Fordin Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician Expert Answer It can, but it requires a lot of elbow grease. You really need to scrub, scrub, scrub the surface if you want to remove the film from your headlights. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7
  • Question How long do I leave the toothpaste on there after I scrubbed it in before wiping it off? Community Answer Community Answer Keep it on for around two minutes then wipe it off. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 33
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Video

Tips

  • If you don’t want to clean your headlights with toothpaste, use a commercial headlight restoration kit. These come with refinishing polishes and pads that work in a similar way to toothpaste but are formulated specially for automobiles. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Steer clear of toothpaste containing flavor crystals, deep-cleaning beads, or other add-ins. Oversized abrasives can scratch the plastic surface of your headlight covers, causing them to show more damage and making them harder to clean. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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Things You’ll Need

  • Glass cleaner or soapy water
  • Lint-free microfiber cloth or soft automobile sponge
  • Chamois, optional
  • Automotive masking tape or painter’s tape
  • Regular non-gel toothpaste
  • Toothbrush or soft-bristled brush, optional
  • Spray bottle or garden hose
  • Car wax
  • UV-resistant headlight sealant
  • Paper towels
  • UV lamp, optional

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXHTXdlWw1w
  2. ↑ https://www.today.com/home/foggy-headlights-here-s-x-easy-ways-clean-them-t141713
  3. ↑ https://www.thevehiclelab.com/best-way-to-dry-car/
  4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/out-of-home/how-to-clean-headlights-with-toothpaste-and-baking-soda.html
  5. ↑ Audra Fordin. Certified Automotive Technician. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXHTXdlWw1w
  7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/out-of-home/how-to-clean-headlights-with-toothpaste-and-baking-soda.html
  8. ↑ https://www.williamsonperio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Toothpaste-Abrasiveness-Ranked-by-RDA.pdf
  9. ↑ Audra Fordin. Certified Automotive Technician. Expert Interview
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/out-of-home/how-to-clean-headlights-with-toothpaste-and-baking-soda.html
  2. ↑ Audra Fordin. Certified Automotive Technician. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/_FiFIqB1ay8?si=kpYGCzyNpiMsdx33&t=117
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/qhTwnAZmPkY?si=awM6H9S7S1c_oy5G&t=200
  5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/out-of-home/how-to-clean-headlights-with-toothpaste-and-baking-soda.html
  6. ↑ http://www.prestaproducts.com/images/MediaGallery/Headlight%20Sealant%20Tech%20Sheet%20Revised%20Rev8%20041313.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDajJmjB9Q4&feature=youtu.be&t=110
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/qhTwnAZmPkY?si=D-Sc5mVblugoRzNV&t=214

About This Article

Audra Fordin Co-authored by: Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician This article was co-authored by Audra Fordin and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Audra Fordin is a Certified Automotive Technician, the Founder of Women Auto Know, and the Owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York. With more than 38 years of experience, she has intensive knowledge about foreign and domestic auto repairs. Audra has been featured on numerous news and talk shows such as The Today Show, Inside Edition, and Anderson Cooper. This article has been viewed 182,915 times. 10 votes - 80% Co-authors: 8 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 182,915 Categories: Featured Articles | Headlights Article SummaryX

To clean headlights with toothpaste, start by wiping away as much dust, dirt, and stuck-on debris as possible. Once the surface is clean, tape off the area around the headlights with strips of automotive masking tape or painter’s tape to protect the paint from the toothpaste's gritty texture. Then, apply a dime-sized blob of toothpaste to a microfiber cloth or sponge and spread a thin layer over the surface of the headlights. Polish the headlights from top to bottom, using tight, circular motions. Once you're happy with the results, rinse both headlights with warm water and remove the tape. For tips on applying a sealant after polishing the headlights, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Audra Fordin Co-authored by: Audra Fordin Certified Automotive Technician Co-authors: 8 Updated: October 14, 2025 Views: 182,915 80% of readers found this article helpful. 10 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote Franklin Adams

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