Do those headlight cleaners work?

[JammerMatt]

You know, the stuff you squirt on and buff off? My headlights are starting to get cloudy looking after 14 years.

[j9fd3s]

yes!

[newking70]

just use toothpaste:

[formula73]

All they are is a mild buffing compound. If your lenses are really messed up, you may need to start with actual sandpaper to cut through the nastiness, then work up to finer grades like you would on a freshly painted surface. I used to use Brasso on my old Frontier and it worked like a champ.

[ItsaBass]

I hate it when they do that!

Buffing compound has worked for me in the past, and it may be cheaper than a "specialized" product; I don't know. If you have an electric buffer it will be much easier, but you can do it by hand too.

OT, toothpaste also makes a decent silver polish. Just don't use the toothpastes that have the coarse grit in them. My first girlfriend's step dad was a jeweler, and he taught me that trick.

[LesStrat]

They work. However, if the lamp seal is leaking and losing moisture in it will cloud up again eventually.

[ItsaBass]

They work. However, if the lamp seal is leaking and losing moisture in it will cloud up again eventually.

I think you are talking about condensation inside the lamp housings. I think the OP was talking about the cloudiness caused by years of small scratches building up on the outsides of the lenses.

[Reload in 5]

I think you are talking about condensation inside the lamp housings. I think the OP was talking about the cloudiness caused by years of small scratches building up on the outsides of the lenses.

My wifes car had headlights that leaked so the inside was cloudy as well as the outside. I took the worst one apart (it was the only one leaking at the time) and buffed the lens from the inside and outside and made it much better. Put it back together and sealed it up good. Just dont expect it to be crystal clear like a new headlight.

[LesStrat]

The outside WILL get cloudy if moisture gets inside.

[trevorus]

The outside WILL get cloudy if moisture gets inside.

Even worse is that the moisture will likely blow the bulb. Moisture inside won't affect the outside surface, but it will cause clarity problems.

[Surgeon]

I bought the 3M version with different grades of sandpaper and a drill adaptor. Within an hour the headlights on my wife's 2004 accord were like new. I'd be skeptical of the kits with only buffing compound for anything but light scratches.

[grumptruck]

What kind of cloth would you use for the toothpaste method?

Wash rag, shirt?

[trevorus]

What kind of cloth would you use for the toothpaste method?

Wash rag, shirt?

Yeah, terry cloth towels would work too.

[grumptruck]

My wife is working an odd shift and I have ample time now to BS around the house.

I may try it.

[subanots]

take before and after pics! I am curious about this method

[Ascension]

I bought the 3M version with different grades of sandpaper and a drill adaptor. Within an hour the headlights on my wife's 2004 accord were like new. I'd be skeptical of the kits with only buffing compound for anything but light scratches.

Yep tried them all the 3M kit is the only one that REALLY works!

[JammerMatt]

Thanks for the tips, guys. Now I just need it to stop raining for awhile.

[B2D]

I tried a kit I bought from Pep Boys (wasn't the 3m one) and the effect was pretty noticeable for a while but after a few months the headlights clouded over again.

Luckily OEM headlights for my car are cheap enough that they're not much more expensive than the kits. I think I'll spring for a pair next paycheck.

[uOpt]

The question really is whether you problem is worn out outer glass or corroded mirrors inside.

You could look on ebay for headlights in better shape. Also allows you to keep the old ones on file for when one is smashed.