Anyone have any idea on how to remove this from headlights?

[My_FirstCar]

Anyone have any idea on how to get this white stuff off of headlights? Pretty sure it’s on the outside as I can feel it slightly. Tried some DIY methods like baking soda and vinegar and tried to rub it off. Seemed to work a little bit. It’s my first car (Mazda 2) so just trying to find something that will get fix it without spending a fortune. Thanks

[spoodler]

If that's plastic, it'll need a rubbing compound to polish it back to a glass like finish. Try your local Halfords or Ebay for headlamp polishes.

[Tommo87]

You can buy kits in Halfords and eBay that include abrasives, polishes and UV gel to refurbish lights.

They are about £14 and fit on the end of an electric drill.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314330345030?mkcid=16&a...

Edited by Tommo87 on Wednesday 26th April 20:21

[stogbandard]

That’s the UV coating breaking down on the polycarbonate headlight which will turns an opaque hazy yellow if left. Needs sanding down with progressively finer grades then polishing but importantly followed with a coat of UV lacquer to minimise any UV damage.

[Llew]

Easiest way is as follows:

Mask the paintwork up around the light to protect it

Wet sand using 1000 grit followed by 1500 then 2000

After that give them a jolly good hand polish (or preferably a machine polish) using G3 (or if you really want to poundstretch toothpaste will also work)

Follow it up with a nice coat of wax and you’ll be good to go.

Do both lights and take your time. Aside from cosmetics it will improve night vision no end…

[Gigamoons]

stogbandard said:

That’s the UV coating breaking down on the polycarbonate headlight which will turns an opaque hazy yellow if left. Needs sanding down with progressively finer grades then polishing but importantly followed with a coat of UV lacquer to minimise any UV damage.

Last bit here is key.
I’ve polished up headlights before and they look great. But if not protected quickly look crap again.

[Tango13]

Aquafresh 3 toothpaste applied using a kitchen towel.

[littleredrooster]

Tango13 said:

Aquafresh 3 toothpaste applied using a kitchen towel.

Hammer & Anvil Whitening worked best for me. Needs lots of water to make a wet paste, and plenty of patience. Worked well, though!