Back in the 1980s, car manufacturers almost ubiquitously made use of car headlights that were made out of glass. In the time since then, however, all of them have changed over to polycarbonate or plastic headlights on the ground of increased safety levels during a collision. Sadly, this has led to a new problem, namely headlight oxidation.
Oxidation is a natural process, which occurs over time. In the case of car headlights, the problem usually arises out of excessive exposure to the sun, with ultraviolet rays being the primary cause. Road debris and atmospheric chemicals also contribute to the problem. If your vehicle has this problem, here’s how to correct it using toothpaste and a cloth:
A Note before You Start
A cloudy appearance on a polycarbonate or plastic lens isn't necessarily the product of oxidation. Sometimes, built-up grit and grime can lend a hazy look to these surfaces. Make sure you thoroughly wash your headlights to determine the root cause of the haziness or discoloration prior to starting oxidation repair.
What you’ll need:
• Car wax
• Masking tape
• Plastic or vinyl gloves
• Toothpaste of any kind
• Soap
• Cloth or sponge
• Water
Method
1. Clean your headlights with soap and water using firm back-and-forth movements, then rinse off with water. Leave them to air-dry.
2. Mask around the edges of your headlights using masking tape in order to protect your vehicle’s bodywork from accidental scuffing.
3. Put your gloves on and dampen a clean, soft cloth in water. Add a dab of toothpaste.
4. Using the toothpaste-laden cloth, firmly rub the surface of your headlights using a small, circular motion.
5. Add toothpaste and water as needed, and expect to spend up to five minutes on each affected light.
6. Apply car wax to your clean headlights in order to protect them from future damage using a clean cloth and a circular motion, followed by another rinse of water.
Why this method works
Toothpaste contains a mild abrasive that buffs out the surface of our teeth when we brush them, and this same effect is applicable to car headlights! This is what allows it to remove stains from oxidized headlights.
Content and image source: Yourmechanic
Re-purpose Your Old Clay Pots Into Something Special!
Clay pots are rather mundane things if there isn't something quite spectacular growing out of them, but you can use them to make something amazing...
Surprise Your Kids With This Fake Snow Recipe!
Learn how to make your very own snow from the comfort of your own home thanks to this brilliant guide.
Super Cool DIY Vehicles That Will Inspire the Rider in You
Meet some cool people who created their own dream rides after they were dissatisfied with the ones the had.
Learn How to Use Uber to Get Around With This Simple Guide
Interested in giving Uber a go? Here's how you can get started...
What to Do if Your Car Suddenly Breaks Down on the Road
These tips and tricks will help you if your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
Discover How to Use Turmeric to Remove Unwanted Hair
Turmeric is a wonderful spice from India that has a whole myriad of different applications. Here's how to make 5 turmeric-based masks for unwanted hair removal.
This Guide Will Help You Find Your Perfect Dog!
If you're looking to get a dog, here's how you can find the perfect one for you!
7 Items You Should Never Clean with Paper Towels
As useful as they are, paper towels are not fit for any task. Here are 7 items you should never clean with paper towels.
How to Fold a Shirt in Just Under 2 Seconds!
A great DIY guide to folding shirt in just 2 seconds each!
These Life-Changing Tricks Will Make Your Scalp Less Oily
We will show you how to make your hair produce less oil and give handy tips and DIY tricks that can help reduce the appearance of oily hair
Discover 6 Easy Ways to Clean a Home with Hydrogen Peroxide
We all want to see our homes clean and sparkling, and it turns out that with hydrogen peroxide - something we all have at home- this can be done with ease!
This is How You Keep Your Marriage Strong & Life-Long!
Here are 12 ways you can keep your marriage long-lasting, strong, full of love and support.
Easy Tutorial: How to Fix a Running Toilet
In this tutorial, you'll learn, in the most straight-forward and practical way, how to fix a running toilet.
The Ultimate Guide to Using and Creating Sherry Vinegar
Not only is sherry vinegar delicious, but it also has many health benefits too. Find out more here.
Tired of Feeling Angry? Use the Following Pressure Points
Learn the pressure points that help relieve feelings of frustration, anger, and worry.
The Secret to Folding a Fitted Sheet!
A fitted sheet seems to be designed NOT to be folded. However, this video will tell you the truth and teach you how to fold it with ease.
7 Japanese Secrets to Staying Slim and Healthy!
The Japanese have their own ways of maintaining their weight.
Start Managing Your Time Right With These 5 Techniques!
Even the most organized people find themselves with little time on their hands throughout the day, but with these techniques, you can get it all done!
Important: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure
This video will teach you one of the most important skills in the world - how to stay calm under pressure
Our Complete Guide to Peeling Fruits and Vegetables!
Each fruit and vegetable has a different way of being effectively peeled. Our guide will teach you the very best methods!
Did You Know That Going Bald Can be a Good Thing?
Although for many men, going bald is their worst nightmare, it's actually associated with numerous advantages. Here are 8 to lift your spirits.
You Need to Wash Your Towel More Often Than You Think
With all the germs your towels may be harboring, here's how they should be washed.
This Special Kind of Bread is Both Beautiful and Delicious
Tired of regular bread? How about surprising everyone with this beautiful and delicious "Watermelon Bread"? It's so easy to make!
The 6 Most Common Mattress Shopping Mistakes You’re Making
Planning on buying a new mattress? Do keep these tips in mind.
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
Can't Fall Back Asleep? Try These 8 Genius Tricks
Do you wake up in the middle of the night? Thankfully, there are some natural remedies you can try, that will get you back to falling asleep quickly, making any unwelcome moments of wakefulness seem like nothing more than a fleeting dream.
I Never Knew I Was Doing All These Things Wrong!
28 things we all do daily but somehow still get it wrong
Maximize Bedroom Space With These Furniture Designs
Here is a look at some incredible furniture designs that will help maximize bedroom space.
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has an incredible amount of uses! Check out our top ten here.
The DO'S and DON'TS of Gardening During the Heat
As the temperatures soar, make sure you don’t commit these to your garden.
9 Ways to Keep Your House Clean Using Just a Simple Lime
Limes are just as good as lemons when it comes to cleaning. Here are 9 great ways to clean with them.
This Handy DIY Project Will Have You Collecting Corks
There are so many useful things you can do with a cork. Start collecting your now!
10 Dog Winter Care Tips that'll Guarantee a Healthy Pet
The following list delves into ten pivotal areas of focus for dog owners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to winter dog care.
Salt Has Many More Uses & Benefits Than You Ever Imagined
Salt has been in use for thousands of years, and also happens to have thousands of uses. Here's a selection of them that you probably weren't aware of before.
24 Fascinating Food Facts Everyone Should Know
These 24 food facts will boggle your mind and may even change your perspective on what you eat.
A Smarter Approach to Measuring Body Mass Index
The body mass index can actually be misleading. Here’s what you should use instead.
What to Do if Someone is Drowning: The Complete Guide
Whether someone is a strong swimmer or not, drowning's always a potential risk. So you need to know how to deal with the situation. Here'a complete guide.
DIY: Make Your Own Wall Stencil in 8 Easy Steps
Get a designer look for half the price. This easy DIY guide will show you how to make a beautiful wall stencil in 8 easy steps.
Extend the Shelf Life of Your Groceries with These Hacks!
Here are 12 super useful grocery life hacks that will make your groceries last longer and ensure no food is wasted!
The Essential Cheat Sheet for Every Fashionista
Everyone will be able to get something useful from these fashion and clothing care infographics.
Lemons in the Oven? Read This Article to Find Out Why
Sick of mosquitoes and flies visiting your house? This surprising method will help you get rid of them effortlessly using lemons and an oven!
Banish Your Skin's Pimply Blemishes with These 8 Remedies
You thought and hoped you'd left those acne ridden days behind you. Well with these 8 home-remedies you may finally be able to enjoy pimple free skin.
10 Essential Sewing Tips You Cannot Do Without
Whether you are experienced at sewing, or a complete novice, here are 15 simple sewing tricks you won't be able to live without.
The 7 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make While Filing Taxes
Tax season is here. Make sure you don’t end up making these filing mistakes.
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
I Never Imagined You Can Use Coca-Cola to Do These Things!
A bottle of Coca-Cola goes a loong way, it turns out! From tenderizing meat, to cleaning jewelry & repelling bugs, the magic drink can do it all!
Eye-Relaxing Tips: Simple and Fast Exercises for Your Eyes
Do your eyes feel strained at the end of the day? These useful exercises will provide some relief.