Found this interesting and thought id share. Using tothpaste to clean oxidation in less than 5 min. Any scientists here can explain why tootpaste works? And olive oil i hear will work. Along with bug spray...but over time that will ruin the plastic with constant use.
Anyway, her you go, http://youtu.be/2lZ96BXoT10
Clean headlght oxidation for less than $4
Re: Clean headlght oxidation for less than $4
It's the abrasives in toothpaste and it doesn't work very well. Plastx works much better and isn't that expensive.
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pedsemdoc
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Re: Clean headlght oxidation for less than $4
Remember, whatever product you use that- you are basically removing a thin layer of the polycarbonate/plastic and that needs to be protected or else in a few weeks/months you'll have the cloudy look again.Markc wrote:It's the abrasives in toothpaste and it doesn't work very well. Plastx works much better and isn't that expensive.
Did it twice on my Acura TL, before I researched more about it.
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Larz
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Re: Clean headlght oxidation for less than $4
Someone called for a scientist? LOL
Mark is correct. UV rays and floating debri in the air that strike the headlamp lenses while driving will eventually cause tiny scratches and discoloration on the surface. If you park your car near a lawn sprinkler, the dirty water that is sprayed could also discolor the lenses.
Toothpaste has gentle (usually) abrasives that could in theory work similar to a headlamp cleaner, but no where near as effective. If you headlamps have a slight foggy appearance, it is definitely worth trying. However, the abrasives in the toothpaste are not capable of filling in anything more than light scratches or removing slight oxidation. In addition, there are additives in some brands (flavor crystals, cooling bubbles, mouthwash, etc) that could cause more scratches. If you use a standard toothpaste or a whitening toothpaste without those additives, it is worth a try.
*** IMPORTANT - if you use toothpaste, do NOT use a tooth brush to apply it! The plastic bristles could also cause more scratches. Place the toothpaste on an applicator pad and use circular motion in a VERY small area to test it first. If you see results, then do the whole lens the same way.
Also, you must remember, as Peds says: You have filled in minor scratches and removed a minute layer of the surface of the lenses. You must add protection after cleaning them. That will increase the time between cleanings and protect the lenses from getting scratched and discolored again. You could use a car wax with UV protectant, or any product from the auto parts shop that indicates use as plastic sealant. Some people actually spray a few layers of clear coat, but stick with the products that are made for plastic protection.
The best results I have had were from the 3M kit that uses a household drill (electric, not battery). It is a multiple step project, but leaves the lenses (even at the edges) clear and color-free. It also comes with a protectant to apply after you are finished. This is only needed maybe once every 2 years so why not just spend the $40 and and hours time to do a proper job?
Mark is correct. UV rays and floating debri in the air that strike the headlamp lenses while driving will eventually cause tiny scratches and discoloration on the surface. If you park your car near a lawn sprinkler, the dirty water that is sprayed could also discolor the lenses.
Toothpaste has gentle (usually) abrasives that could in theory work similar to a headlamp cleaner, but no where near as effective. If you headlamps have a slight foggy appearance, it is definitely worth trying. However, the abrasives in the toothpaste are not capable of filling in anything more than light scratches or removing slight oxidation. In addition, there are additives in some brands (flavor crystals, cooling bubbles, mouthwash, etc) that could cause more scratches. If you use a standard toothpaste or a whitening toothpaste without those additives, it is worth a try.
*** IMPORTANT - if you use toothpaste, do NOT use a tooth brush to apply it! The plastic bristles could also cause more scratches. Place the toothpaste on an applicator pad and use circular motion in a VERY small area to test it first. If you see results, then do the whole lens the same way.
Also, you must remember, as Peds says: You have filled in minor scratches and removed a minute layer of the surface of the lenses. You must add protection after cleaning them. That will increase the time between cleanings and protect the lenses from getting scratched and discolored again. You could use a car wax with UV protectant, or any product from the auto parts shop that indicates use as plastic sealant. Some people actually spray a few layers of clear coat, but stick with the products that are made for plastic protection.
The best results I have had were from the 3M kit that uses a household drill (electric, not battery). It is a multiple step project, but leaves the lenses (even at the edges) clear and color-free. It also comes with a protectant to apply after you are finished. This is only needed maybe once every 2 years so why not just spend the $40 and and hours time to do a proper job?