How to Fix Cloudy Headlights with Toothpaste (Does it Work?)

1/18/2026
How to Fix Cloudy Headlights with Toothpaste (Does it Work?)

How to Fix Cloudy Headlights with Toothpaste (Does it Work?)

Cloudy, yellowed headlights are a common problem on older cars. Not only do they make your car look old and dated, but they can also be a safety hazard. Cloudy headlights can significantly reduce the amount of light that is projected onto the road, making it more difficult to see at night. There are a number of products on the market that are designed to restore cloudy headlights. But you've probably also seen the videos on social media that claim you can fix cloudy headlights with a common household item: toothpaste. But does it actually work?

Why Do Headlights Get Cloudy?

Most modern headlights are made of polycarbonate plastic. This material is lightweight and durable, but it's also susceptible to oxidation. Over time, the sun's UV rays can break down the protective coating on the headlights, causing them to become cloudy and yellowed.

The Toothpaste Hack

The theory behind the toothpaste hack is that the mild abrasives in toothpaste can be used to polish the surface of the headlights and remove the oxidation.

We Put it to the Test

To see if the toothpaste hack actually works, we decided to put it to the test. We found a car with a set of cloudy, yellowed headlights and we followed the instructions from a popular YouTube video.

Here's what we did:

  1. Clean the headlights: We started by cleaning the headlights with soap and water to remove any dirt and grime.
  2. Apply the toothpaste: We applied a generous amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth and then rubbed it onto the headlights in a circular motion.
  3. Rinse and dry: We rinsed the headlights with water and then dried them with a clean cloth.

The Results

So, did it work? The answer is: kind of. The toothpaste did seem to remove some of the surface oxidation, and the headlights did look a little bit clearer after we were done. However, the results were not as dramatic as the videos on social media would have you believe. The headlights were still a bit cloudy, and we could still see some of the yellowing.

The Verdict

While the toothpaste hack may provide a temporary improvement in the appearance of your headlights, it's not a long-term solution. The mild abrasives in toothpaste are not strong enough to remove all of the oxidation, and the results are likely to be short-lived.

A Better Solution

If you're serious about restoring your cloudy headlights, a dedicated headlight restoration kit is a much better option. These kits contain a variety of sanding discs and polishing compounds that are specifically designed to remove oxidation and restore your headlights to their original clarity. A headlight restoration kit will provide a much more dramatic and long-lasting result than the toothpaste hack.

The Bottom Line

The toothpaste headlight cleaning hack is a bit of a myth. While it may provide a slight improvement in the appearance of your headlights, it's not a long-term solution. If you want to restore your cloudy headlights to their original clarity, a dedicated headlight restoration kit is the way to go.