Headlights can fog and get dirty over time, hampering visibility and safety, but getting them cleaned using WD40 can be an easy and effective solution. Over time, headlights grow foggy due to oxidation, grime buildup, and dust. In addition to your car’s appearance, it also dims the brightness of your headlights that make driving at night safer.
Learn how to clean headlights with WD40 and save yourself money as well as time since it’s a simple, inexpensive method. This step-by-step guide will show you how to restore your headlights, and you’ll be able to maintain clear heads and improve road safety.
1. Why You Should Clean Your Headlights
Cleaning your headlights not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle but also safety at night with improved brightness of your lights. Headlights tend to gather dirt, grime, and oxidation over time, causing them to look cloudy and dull. The cloudy layer tends to weaken the performance of your light, creating poor visibility during nighttime or during poor weather conditions.
By keeping your headlights clean, you make them bright and shiny, improving your safety and driving experience. Furthermore, a clean headlight lens enhances the appearance of your car, making it look well-maintained and improving overall looks.
2. What You’ll Need to Clean Headlights with WD40
Before you start cleaning your headlights, have the materials you need close by to save time and make the process more effective. To begin, you’ll need WD40, which is an easy-to-use lubricant that helps break down grime, oxidation, and dirt on your headlights. For light scrubbing, a microfiber cloth works best and wiping off excess WD40 without scratching the surface. Masking tape can be used to protect the surrounding areas of your car from accidental sprays.
Lastly, have water and soap available to rinse off the residue of WD40 and wipe away any dirt left behind after the process.
3. Headlights Cleaning with WD40: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to clean headlights using WD40 and restore their sparkle:
- Step 1: Preparation
Clean the area around your headlights with water and soap to remove dirt and debris. Dry the area with a clean cloth.
- Step 2: Spray WD40 onto Headlight
Spray lots of WD40 directly onto the lens of the headlight. Ensure the whole surface is covered.
- Step 3: Gently Scrub the Headlight with Cloth
Using a microfiber cloth, gently scrub the headlight in a circular motion. Apply soft pressure so the surface is not scratched.
- Step 4: Rinse the Headlight
Rinse the headlight off using water after scrubbing to remove excess WD40 and dirt.
- Step 5: Repeat if Necessary
If the headlights still appear cloudy, repeat the process and continue doing so until they become clean
4. Additional Headlight Cleaning Tips with WD40
Although cleaning your headlights using WD40 is easy, the following tips will help you get the best result:
- Use a Circular Motion When Scrubbing: This gives a uniformly clean finish and prevents cracking the lens by putting pressure on one point.
- Don’t Use Too Much WD40: It is true in many cases that less is more. Overuse deposits excess residue that may be harder to clean.
- Clean in a Shaded Area: Direct sunlight can cause the WD40 to dry too quickly, making it harder to scrub. Clean your headlights in a shaded area to achieve better results.
5. How to Protect Your Headlights After Cleaning
Once your headlights are clean, you’ll want to maintain their clarity and prevent future cloudiness. To do this, apply a protective coating to the headlights. This could be the special plastic or UV wrap that is used to shield the lens. Clean the headlights remove them of the dirt and grime that may be accountable for the oxidation.
Lastly, avoid strong chemicals that will scald the lens and strip off the protective layer, and this will subject your headlights to further injuries.
6. How Often Should You Clean Your Headlights
Cleaning your headlights means periodic maintenance so they will stay bright and clear. Clean your headlights every few months to prevent dirt buildup and oxidation. When you notice a significant drop in the brightness of your headlights or notice them getting cloudy, it is time to clean them.
Also, if you frequently drive through dry or harsh weather conditions, regular cleaning will ensure they function optimally. Cleaning your headlights regularly keeps them effective and has your car looking maintained.
7. Easy Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Headlights with WD40
Even though cleaning your headlights with WD40 is a breeze, there are a few easy mistakes that can ruin the effect:
- Too Much WD40: Using too much WD40 can result in stubborn residue. Use it sparingly to avoid that.
- Using the Wrong Cloth: Avoid using rough or scrubby cloths, as they might scratch the headlight surface. Clean safely with a microfiber cloth only.
- Not Rinsing Properly: If there is left-on WD40 or dirt residue on the headlights, they are more likely to attract grime. Wash properly after scrubbing to achieve a clean finish.
FAQ’s
1. Is it possible to clean cloudy headlights using WD40?
Yes, WD40 does clear cloudiness from headlights by breaking down dirt, grime, and oxidation. It’s a handy and effective solution.
2. Does WD40 damage headlights?
No, WD40 will not damage headlights if used properly. Just be careful to clean the headlights thoroughly after application to prevent buildup.
3. How long will it take to clean headlights using WD40?
Cleaning headlights with WD40 will usually take 15-20 minutes, depending on their dirtiness.
4. Will my headlights become clearer using WD40?
Yes, your headlights will be clearer by removing oxidation and dirt using WD40, and they will shine brighter and clearer.
5. Can WD40 be used on plastic headlights?
Yes, WD40 is perfect to use on plastic headlights. Just be careful to use minimal amounts and scrub gently so that you do not harm the plastic surface.
6. Can I clean headlights with WD40 without water?
While water is not strictly necessary, you should rinse off the headlights with water after using WD40 to clean them to prevent any lingering residue and to get the best results.
7. Can I use WD40 to clean the inside of headlights?
WD40 is better applied to the exterior of headlights. Cleaning the interior requires another process, typically dismantling the headlight assembly.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean your headlights with WD40, you can restore their clarity and increase your driving safety easily and cheaply. This simple and inexpensive method eliminates grime, oxidation, and dirt, and your headlights will shine like new. Provided that you adhere to the instructions outlined in this guide and add periodic maintenance, you will have improved vision and enhance the whole appearance of your vehicle. Whatever the reason may be, safety or for looks, cleaning your headlights is a simple and satisfying task.

Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.