🚗 Restore Old Headlights to NEW in 1 Minute with Toothpaste and WD-40! Genius Trick 😱, by Inventor 79 on YouTube. 9 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Wash the headlights with soapy water and a cloth to remove dirt, bugs and road grime. Rinse and dry them fully so grit does not scratch the plastic while you polish.
Run masking tape along the edges of the headlight where it meets the paint and bumper. This keeps toothpaste and WD-40 off the surrounding bodywork.
Squeeze a generous blob of plain white toothpaste onto a soft cloth. Avoid gel toothpaste, which has little abrasive grit and will not polish the plastic.
Rub the toothpaste over the whole lens in small circles with firm pressure. Work in sections and keep going for a few minutes per area until the yellow haze starts to lift.
Spray a light coat of WD-40 onto a clean cloth and buff the lens in circles. The oil helps lift residue and leaves the plastic looking clearer.
Wipe the lens with a damp cloth to remove toothpaste and oil, then dry it with a clean microfiber towel. Check the result in daylight and repeat the toothpaste step if haze remains.
Peel off the masking tape and wash away any paste that touched the paint. Rinse the cloths before storing them so toothpaste does not dry hard.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not use WD-40 on the painted bodywork, since it can dull or stain some finishes.
Toothpaste only removes surface haze, so deep yellowing or crazing inside the lens will need a polishing kit or new headlights.
Test on a small corner first if your headlights have a protective film or aftermarket coating.
Work in shade so the plastic stays cool and the paste does not dry before you buff it.
Questions
Does toothpaste really clear up headlights?
The mild abrasive in white toothpaste can polish away light surface oxidation and yellowing. It will not fix cracks or fogging inside the lens, so results vary with condition.
Is WD-40 safe on headlight plastic?
A light wipe is generally fine on the lens, but keep it off paint and rubber trim and wipe off the excess. It is a short-term shine, not a lasting protective coat.
How long does the result last?
Expect a few weeks to a couple of months before haze returns. A proper headlight restoration kit with sanding and a UV clear coat lasts much longer.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
