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Toyota Camry: How to Clean Foggy Headlights

Foggy headlamps can quickly mar your driving experience. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to clean them up. Here are some tips to help freshen up your headlights.

By Kate Halse - July 27, 2015
Contributors: J Sparrow

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

Over time, the headlights on your Toyota Camry are bound to get dimmer and more difficult to see out of. A foggy coating can reduce light output, making it trickier to see at night or, of course, in fog. Fortunately, you don't have to spend hours on headlamp restoration. This DIY project is also quite friendly on the wallet.

Materials Needed

  • Fine grit sandpaper (400-1500)
  • Headlight restoration polish
  • Hose or spray bottle
  • Clean cloth (optional)

Step 1 – Begin sanding the headlights

For best results, you will need to get the sandpaper wet to really get all the dirt and grime off the headlights. Spray or hose down the headlight with soapy water to get it wet, then use the fine grit sandpaper to sand the lens. Be sure to keep the headlight wet as you sand.

Figure 1. Foggy headlamps.

Step 2 – Remove the orange/yellow layer

To get the headlights really clear, you'll need to continue sanding until the yellow or orange hue is gone. The best way to do this is to pre-soak the sandpaper in wet, soapy water before sanding down the headlights. Some owners prefer to soak the sandpaper over night, while others soak it for a few hours. Continue to remove the grime with sandpaper, spraying the headlight or piece of sandpaper to keep it wet along the way.

Figure 2. Sand until yellow layer is removed.

Step 3 – Apply restoration polish

Using a clean cloth, apply a coating of the polish compound. This part is important, as the compound helps to remove very fine scratches that can remain, even after using the wet sandpaper to get rid of the clouded surface.

Figure 3. Apply headlight restoration polish.

Note

Most of the time dirt and grime will accumulate on the outside of the headlight. There are instances when condensation affects the lenses from the inside. If this is the case, you will need to remove the bulbs, or the headlight assembly, and use a blow dryer to air out the headlight.

Featured Video: How to Clean Foggy Headlights

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