As an all-around glass cleaner, Windex is the handiest for windows and mirrors, but its utility doesn’t end there. Windex is a simple solution for cleaning up foggy headlights, though it won’t work for every scenario. Still, it’s worth a try and is easy to check off the DIY list while fixing your headlights.
It’s safe to use Windex on various other surfaces in your car, including plastic, vinyl, chrome, and steel. Don’t grab a roll of cheap paper towels, though. Instead, use a cotton cloth, microfiber towel, or newspaper to avoid streaks and lint. Windex also recommends applying the cleaner to cool surfaces, so pull your car out of the sun before working on the headlights.
Depending on how cloudy your headlights are, an external wipe-off could remove most of the gunk and improve visibility. However, the interior might need a wipe-down, too. Removing your vehicle’s headlights is an at-your-own-risk project, and you might uncover more damage by doing so. Instructions for removing a headlight lens vary depending on the make and model, but once you’ve disassembled the parts, there are plenty of other methods to try to revitalize them. If you do take this route, be sure the headlight casings are completely dry before reassembling.
This DIY method is available at most retailers – Windex costs less than $4 per bottle on Amazon.