Headlight Restoration: Why Dish Soap and Salt Are Not a Good Idea

Introduction

Headlights are an essential component of any vehicle, providing visibility and safety during nighttime driving. Over time, headlights can become cloudy, yellowed, or hazy, which not only diminishes their aesthetic appeal but also reduces their effectiveness. As a result, many car owners look for DIY solutions to restore their headlights. However, using dish soap and salt on headlights is not a good idea. In this article, we will explore why this popular household method falls short in achieving effective headlight restoration.

Headlight Restoration…. Dish Soap and Salt Used on Headlights Is Not a Good Idea

While dish soap and salt may seem like readily available items to clean and restore headlights, they can actually do more harm than good. Here’s why this DIY method is not recommended:

1. Ineffectiveness in Removing Oxidation: Headlights often suffer from oxidation due to exposure to UV rays and other environmental factors. Dish soap and salt, when combined, do not possess the necessary properties to effectively remove oxidation from the surface of the headlights. Oxidation requires a more specialized approach, such as using dedicated headlight restoration products or kits.

2. Potential Damage to the Headlight Surface: Dish soap is primarily designed for removing grease and grime from dishes, not for cleaning automotive surfaces. While it may appear gentle, dish soap can contain ingredients that are too harsh for the delicate materials used in headlights. The abrasive nature of salt, when combined with dish soap, can create micro-scratches on the headlight surface, further deteriorating its clarity and appearance.

3. Lack of Long-Term Protection: Headlight restoration is not just about cleaning the surface; it also involves providing a protective layer to prevent future damage and discoloration. Dish soap and salt, being household items, do not offer any lasting protection to the headlights. The restored clarity and cleanliness achieved through this method are short-lived, as the headlights will quickly revert to their cloudy state.

4. Limited Effectiveness for Severe Damage: In cases where headlights have severe damage, such as deep scratches or cracks, dish soap and salt will be ineffective. These DIY ingredients are not designed to address significant headlight issues. It is crucial to assess the extent of damage and consider professional assistance or alternative restoration methods, depending on the severity of the problem.