Ideas for Cleaning Hazy Headlamp Covers

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Bruce Warner, Feb 20, 2015.

  1. Bruce Warner

    Bruce Warner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2015
    8
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello, new Prius owner here. The '04 I just bought has the typical old, hazy headlamp covers, and I'd like to get them looking as new as possible -- plus removing the haze helps the lights shine brighter, increasing safety and visibility. I read somewhere that baking soda (or basic baking soda toothpaste) clears this right up, super easy-peasey. So, I tried it, and some of the haze came off, but most of the haze is still there.

    Any other suggestions on cleaning/removing haze from headlamps? Should I take the covers off and clean the insides? What has worked for you?

    I don't want to spend $$$ if possible (otherwise, they'll probably just sit there as-is)
     
    #1 Bruce Warner, Feb 20, 2015
  2. *Goldfinger*

    *Goldfinger* Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2013
    80
    19
    0
    Location:
    Sheffield, England
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    #2 *Goldfinger*, Feb 20, 2015
  3. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2014
    1,612
    1,144
    0
    Location:
    Franklin TN
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Honestly the "as seen on TV" item 'Wipe New' actually works really well. My grandfather had me try it and now I'm a believer! $10 at Walmart. give it a shot
     
    #3 Aaron Vitolins, Feb 20, 2015
    Bruce Warner likes this.
  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,365
    3,608
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    There's a couple of Meguiars products on Amazon, I am using the lesser strength version as my fogging is mild.
     
    #4 wjtracy, Feb 20, 2015
  5. Bruce Warner

    Bruce Warner New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 8, 2015
    8
    4
    0
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Thanks both of you! Looks like with the toothpaste method, I didn't follow up very well, and certainly didn't wax it. I'll try that, and if it doesn't work, will try one of the other methods. :D
     
    #5 Bruce Warner, Feb 20, 2015
  6. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    1,686
    340
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I got the kit that is sold at NAPA, which has various grit pads for an electric drill, and some rubbing compounds. Very good results.
     
    #6 nh7o, Feb 20, 2015
  7. Genghis John

    Genghis John Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2015
    7
    3
    0
    Location:
    Fayetteville, Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I used 25% DEET anti-bug spray, and it made the lenses clear as new. I've heard WD-40 does the same thing, but have not tried it.
     
    #7 Genghis John, Feb 24, 2015
  8. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
    11,365
    3,608
    1
    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    ...and no skeeter splats either?
     
    #8 wjtracy, Feb 24, 2015
  9. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2009
    5,131
    1,346
    0
    Location:
    Wilmington, NC
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Sam's Club here does the headlights for $28 and gives you a 5 year warranty.
     
    #9 jdcollins5, Feb 24, 2015
  10. nh7o

    nh7o Off grid since 1980

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2011
    1,686
    340
    0
    Location:
    Hawaii
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Various oily or waxy substances will fill in the surface erosion pits on the plastic and make things clear looking again, but only for a brief time based on how long it takes for evaporation or UV breakdown to occur. In a hot and sunny place that may quite brief. Actual sanding and polishing will be longer lasting as it gets down to a new plastic surface.
     
    #10 nh7o, Feb 24, 2015
    Genghis John likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)