Headlight Restoration with WD-40 & Toothpaste: HACKS TESTED

We put these common household items to the test to see if they can revive your vehicle's headlights. You might be surprised what we found.
Segments:
00:00 Intro
01:09 WD-40
02:46 WD-40 w Drill
03:36 WD-40 w/ Steel Wool
04:39 WD-40 Results
05:31 Toothpaste
07:45 Toothpaste w Drill
09:06 Toothpaste results
09:49 Outro
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#Hacks #Headlights #CarRestoration
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[@mycokakar9066]

We have a product rep here !! Could see the bias from the start !!

[@mosab84]

Very sloppy "Test". The toothpaste works because it has tiny crystals inside that have a similar effect to polish or high-grit sanding paper. Applying it in that sloppy "edge" drill way would never work, it needs to be handled like polish. Use whitening toothpaste (more crystals in that) and some water, it works like a charm but only stays that way if you seal it with clear coat. It's totally not worth the hassle with kits like Sylvanna being $20 but in a pinch it WILL work. Just don't do it like ol' Cole here.

[@JayWest14]

I agree. He doesn’t seem like he gives it an honest try. It seems like he sets the experiments up to fail. I did notice he wiped down the WD-40 with a paper towel and then used the same paper towel to wipe the other areas off. This would seem like it would contaminate the other tests with oil.

[@sluggy1]

So what's an efficient way to do it all? I'm thinking I'll use tooth paste to get it clean.. Then like what kind of clear coat? Like clear coat spray paint? Or would it be best to like sand it? and does sanding only the outside work or is the sun damage on the inside?

[@jerkface8051]

@@sluggy1 Tbh about it, non of this stuff really works. It’s best to take it and get it done. The guy in the video seems to just be testing some stuff out and he appears to know what he’s talking about, but definitely don’t listen to the guy from the top comment in this section. He’s definitely not telling you how to do it right. The best advice that anyone could give you, is to go have it done professionally. Mosab up there is talking about “sloppy test,” yet he’s also mentioning how “white toothpaste” has more crystals. Don’t buy into that. That dude is probably some kid in his mom’s basement.

[@MrTiggerr84]

Quite the contrary!

[@grandwonder5858]

Yep! The toothpaste only works if you brush it with a toothbrush or some kind of a small brush and then wash it off with some clean water. This fool only applies the toothpaste onto the surface of the headlight and that’s it! What makes him think solely applying toothpaste onto anything would work? Is that how he brush his teeth by apply toothpaste into his teeth only? Without any brushing whatsoever!?

[@jamiecrouch9069]

Didn't clean the buffing pad after putting wd 40 on it, probably used the wrong type of buffing pad. The key to polishing anything is how slick you can get it and it take heat to raise the scratches up to be cut out. Always us a buffing compound with the matching pad and stage up .just keep in mind to use low speed with plastic to prevent melting

[@beverlymares1102]

Did that went out the day and they were the same again!!!!!

[@paulmartin8759]

Any tips for cleaning the INSIDE of 2002 Toyota Camry headlight lenses?

[@NicknameSID]

More action and less talking, unfortunately everyone is busy these days and we like (straight to the point) kind of thing, but thanks for showing us. Also, you look like the man in the British advertisement about Mr Muscle 😂👍🏽🐸🐸

[@RiddlerG3]

Can you feel the pain from how half 🍑 his work was? Cause I sure feel like properly doing something anything just to calm myself down

[@voltixD]

Lol

[@Gmoneygrip1960]

Ya I pickup up on that instantly! Not much mechanical aptitude...

[@donteadoss]

Saw Craig in the stillshot doing manual work and knew the dialogue would be funny, so I had to check it out regardless! 😂 Never knew WD-40 could be used for that; honestly, I used DEET (mosquito repellent) when I was younger on my vehicles’ headlights - it was a temporary solution but definitely made them look clear and new every time.

[@STV-H4H]

This guy should clean the dirt and grime off first. Starting with the dirty surface isn’t a good way to make the test look effective. Using coarse abrasive steel wool is as effective as using some dirty sponge with sand on it. Starting the steel wool method means working your way from the beginning to the ultra fine. But I’d never waste the hours on it that such a process requires. Mothers msg and wheel polish was effective. But in overall, the toothpaste (first part of my attempt was a gel toothpaste, the second round when I decided to try for a more thorough treatment, I used Colgate with baking soda formula) and it was very effective. Took about 20-30 minutes each, plus the extra time raping off the paint around the lamp assembly. I wouldn’t follow this guys advice to fill my dogs water dish.

[@rbouknight921]

It would probably take a few passes of scrubbing to make a difference. You have to get through layers of dirt, fading and gouges. Good idea though.

[@GEOsustainable]

Maybe , but there are easier ways.

[@teresasanchez8853]

The toothpaste works better with a tooth brush and some water. I use a sprsy bottle, you don't want it to dry up. Plus you have to brush for about 5 minutes then rinse it off with water. That worked for me, but it is temporary, it lasted for about 3 weeks. So after every car wash I i now use some wd40, I spray a small micro fiber cloth and polish it as pat of the car wash. They look great good as new.

[@spiralnapkin]

Just fo a proper restoration and you don't have to keep doing all that.

[@crazybutcool5150]

Hemmroid cream scrub it on with a tampon works pretty good.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

We used to clean up scratches on watch face glass with toothpaste. Was slow but it worked

[@paulbruto4897]

I did my headlights with turtle wax and a slow buff for very short period! they are still very clear can help by a wet rub with 2000 grit before buffing!

[@JJs_playground]

I really thought Cooley would have done this test.

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

He did.

[@Tboyhoot777]

I am amazed at the lack of common sense. Anyway thanks for the video and a thumbs up to you, because i'm nice!

[@koblih69]

Yes the only way is to sand down the oxidized layer and polish the plastic.

[@snagglepu]

Love your videos

[@melissadorsey834]

Do the lemon and baking soda test.

[@Ka3Ty]

If you are not going to use the effort required to get through all of the haziness, of course it's impossible to work. If you continuously wet sand until its smooth and highly polished like new it has no choice but to work, you can't stop after one application of buffing if it needs 10 times that amount.

[@gwynjames]

Have used wd40 and it does work

[@ThatOneChannelinAZ]

I remember you from that car show with the beard and asian girl. that was a great show.

[@neshobanakni]

Dude! You need a hat as your signature. I recommend a snap-brim driving cap. Combine that with a one or two-day beard stubble. You will go from geek to Jason Stathem.

[@devony.3707]

I hope that brand of car lift is paying you to film under it like that haha

[@mattsbrute]

Use "OFF" bug spray. Works way better than anything shown here.

[@nermallover]

my dad showed me that a couple weeks ago and it actually worked pretty well

[@McCurtainCounty888]

Don't. It MELTS the plastic

[@nermallover]

@@McCurtainCounty888 no it didn’t lmao

[@washaw67]

DEET is a plasticizer and can damage certain rubber, plastic, vinyl, or elastic materials such as contact lenses, eyeglass frames and lenses, watch crystals, combs, painted and varnished surfaces, and certain synthetic or treated fabrics. DEET does not damage natural fibers including cotton and wool.

[@mikimoto99]

All these quick fix methods are very short lived! A Mickey Mouse attempt at best. The correct method is to sand the surface with various grits and then polish and seal with a product like Maguires headlight coating 👍🏻

[@richgran]

Does it matter if you use a Rigid vs a Ryobi drill?

[@pastorjoesackett]

Yes. Around 100 bucks more for Rigid, but specifically designed to clean headlights with steel wool velcroed to the grill

[@josephnai9942]

Honestly I can't believe you ask the question of rigid or Ryobi wow you and the guy you want to test out to get together

[@vinnieboyett1136]

I used valve lapping compound on my headlights, then cleared them with 2k clear coat. Easy as pie

[@paulhamilton5634]

Using the heat gun to dry with just distorts the glass. Should towel dry.

[@brettkrueger9464]

Tooth paste works if applyed and cleaned properly i have used and know it works apply wax after and it works like clear coat

[@edwardrogers-wright1604]

... do you mean car polish wax?

[@brettkrueger9464]

@@edwardrogers-wright1604 yes you got to do it every couple of months but it does work

[@explainet]

Man you both look and sound like Kevin Dorfman from Detective Monk... xD

[@CTP8585]

I thought you would show us the effect of WD 40+ toothpaste but you did not OR I felt asleep and missed it???

[@NickDrinksWater]

this is all i use, every couple months ill put a glob of toothpaste on a wet sponge and scrub it then rinse and wipe it off, looks almost new again and lasts awhile

[@bigmandanc]

I use the toothpaste method every 6 months on mine, works beautifully if DONE PROPERLY. You didn't scrub it long enough, it needs to be very wet and it needs doing twice. Failed test

[@cheryl1763]

Try a bug spray that has 80% deet, sit for 5 minutes then wipe off. Its also good for taking of permanent marker from stolen items.

[@michaelrodriguez3028]

I could use some stolen items

[@larsonfamilyhouse]

Same @@michaelrodriguez3028

[@spiralnapkin]

Terrible advice. You're ruining the housing.

[@sherrymesser9282]

The only thing out there shining in the dark over glassy highways are people using four or more LED headlights that blind the heck out of everyone else.😊

[@TheUltimateGhostface]

Tooth paste mixed with plenty of lemon juice ( straight from a cut lemon ) + soap + healthy amount of backing soda work good . Mix it all up together than scrub with a new scotch bright pad let it soak for 20 minutes. Rinse dry and youll see a big diddernce. Then follow up with a buffing wheel and carnuba wax . It works.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Where's Cooley???

[@61jason61]

the untouched part of the lens is the '' control '' its the one your working from

[@williesjohnson2673]

cooley, cooley, cooley . . .

[@digitaldoc100]

I had success with baking soda as a paste with water. Made it about 90% better, but had to do it a few cycles.

[@Tyler1330]

Yup others vids I watched used tooth paste but mixed with soap, baking soap & pure lemon not just tooth paste. Facts / information not presented here.

[@digitaldoc100]

@@Tyler1330 Definitely need to try a few things. I cleared up my 4Runner's headlights, and while I would have guessed it would need to be repeated periodically, it actually stayed clean for years until I sold it. With the cost of a new headlight assembly, it was time well spent!

[@edwardrogers-wright1604]

​@@digitaldoc100... cleared up, how?

[@digitaldoc100]

@@edwardrogers-wright1604 The haze over the lens was gone.

[@stfuplsok]

Try baking soda with WD-40 or vinegar.

[@nob12346]

the wd 40 removed the yellow - green tint but its still crusty

[@jeremywayne5665]

Off deepwoods green can. Spray on let sit 1 minute wipe off and repeat once more then rinse. I’ve showed this too many of my friends and they are all amazed on how it works. It has to be (OFF Deepwoods) in the green can.

[@07wrxtr1]

Ignore everything here: watch the headlight restoration pro. You’re welcome! 😀

[@uroshavalon]

Waste of time, done so sloppy that nothing would help. A big no no for a test like this.

[@CentralCanada]

Barehanded application of wd-40 yoooowser !

[@andybales7318]

WD40 definately shines headlights up...however, gotta do it frequently

[@SecondComingTwice]

WD-40 isn't actually a lubricant per se. The W and D stand for "water displacement"

[@sherrymesser9282]

The way you used the drill probably scratched it worse. Suppose to puff not sand...

[@martynwarren3192]

Maybe if you put some time and effort into it you might get sone positive results.

[@blacksheep2449]

Hell , " no. " Heaven ," yes".

[@charlescoker7752]

I suspect those videos that use WD 40 , and just spray on and wipe off and have fantastic results are. They start with a clear lense. Spray some thing that looks like a oxidized light. Then the WD 40 just wipes what was sprayed on right off. All for the purpose of making You Tube videos. You Tube viewers pass it around to their friends. More views for their channel.

[@pcno2832]

4:43 "still pretty hazy"?? Well, it looks better than the untreated section, but it looked even better at 2:22, before you washed it off and that's the point. I always wipe it dry and leave any WD-40 that's left. Washing it off will wipe the WD-40 out of the cracks and make the surface hazy again.

[@TheIndianscout]

Start with 600 or 800 grit sandpaper and water.Keep lens and paper wet at all times.Then hit it with a 2000 grit sandpaper and water.Clean lens with alcohol then clear coat it is the best way.

[@ef3371]

Project farm does a far more thorough test. Sylvania won by a big margin.

[@LoanSSev]

Try them both my headlight still the same.

[@morecrapforputdowns]

Where is our man Cooley?!?

[@Tboyhoot777]

If you've ever sanded anything, you know you use finer and finer grit. The concept here is the same. The steel wool is fine if you don't stop with that grit or use finer sandpaper or finer steel wool polishing out the previous scratches. You should be explaining this, not me lol.

[@61jason61]

trick is don't wash it before the mot test lol. gonna get mine through mot test with toothpaste lol

[@user-ps1gx5os8p]

Hi I am tried dose not work

[@sugerbear81]

Genius it might work a little better if you actually put the polishing pad to the lens

[@byteafterbyte]

This video was a waste of time! Even a legitimate restoration kit would not work by polishing for a minute or two. You seem to have never even used one. The toothpaste method will definitely work but will take more time than a kit because the kit includes sandpaper to start with before reaching the polishing stage.

[@AtticTapes14]

The toothpaste did work a bit on the far right

[@adriyanmusic]

WD40 plus 1200 sand paper then again the same process with 2000 sand paper will do the job perfectly

[@DeadKennedys-eo1oo]

Poindexter rides again

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

Toothpaste WILL work -- I've done it. Just has to be abrasive.

[@midlands8819]

Any particular type of toothpaste works best?

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

@@midlands8819 Crest pro-health advanced sensitive enamel shield

[@TitaniumTurbine]

@@midlands8819 Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste is abrasive and working for me.

[@eugenewilson9677]

Paper towel is made out of wood so it will scratch plastic✌🏼

[@GEOsustainable]

I heard chocolate works, but, no way am I giving up any chocolate.

[@marinameloncholia886]

😂

[@tomholman2881]

WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant ; removes lubricant from bearings etc

[@debrapolenz2928]

WHAT?

[@datacipher]

Have your uncle Red do it and then we might believe you’re being sincere.

[@edduproducers8242]

Yes but for a week 😂

[@georgefinn683]

I think rubbing toothpaste had clear difference????

[@KenLirette]

You forgot the "elbow grease" ingredient. :)) Do you "rep" any headlight restoration products? ...you seem a bit biased. I think spending a bit of time with WD 40 and a drill with a good brush or pad would be very effective. Afterward, UV blocking products are cheap and easily found at Walmart or any auto parts shop. Not the best test in my view.

[@mewregaurdhissyfit7733]

Ive got a 2012 vehicle, and the headlights are pretty bad. I've had them professionally restored, I've used toothpaste, I've used Turtle Wax restorer, Ive used other restorers and other home methods. Most do NOT work, and the ones that do slightly work, only last about 3-6 months. Instead of wasting all that money on restorers, its better to just buy brand new headlights. I sure miss the days of glass headlights. No muss, no fuss. Just Windex and a paper towel did the trick every single time.

[@btbd2785]

None of these work. Use a proper headlight restoration kit like you said. The ones that have sanding discs, then use a polish. Finally spray a specific headlight clear coat.

[@glennp1690]

What a TOOL

[@BlokkBlizavel]

The way you talk erks me, I really just watched this video hoping that car would fall and hurt you 😂

[@jonesy4588]

neither one will clear off a headlight , car makers should sued for making these plastic covers

[@ANTULIOMORA]

🤔

[@bruceferrell3394]

Don't do this. It will yellow your headlights within 6 months. You will be buying new one's. There are good products out their made for this reason.

[@ag_ronin4934]

I feel like you got paid to make these look like they don't work.. half assed on the cleaning, used a dirty polishing bit when drilling with toothpaste AND used a heat gun for some reason...and the toothpaste with paper towel was OBVIOUSLY much clearer. Thought i was insame until i came to the comments lol

[@Gmoneygrip1960]

How about getting the right @##% and do it the right way...

[@thomaswitgen4832]

Was wanting to something that works,wasted my time thanks.

[@TitaniumTurbine]

No problem! Come back again soon! 😊

[@dtxofficial2102]

You did it wrong. Your suppose to let the toothpaste sit for about 5 min then rubb away then clean it off. But ok.

[@rodanegordon1619]

Put more effort in di ting man.

[@rickjohnson6711]

it dont work

[@sergeant5848]

You didn't use enough WD40. As other youtubers have shown, it works if you spray a minimum of half a can on the lens, wait 10 seconds for a significant amount drip off, then hit it with a cloth.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Lot of talk and very little said.

[@swimpsmagbayao9513]

This guy is half assed...the polishing works...start with 400 up to 3000...then polish compound

[@MrTheophilos13]

This person I think is blind even in video we can see the difference with toothpaste

[@rickjames5998]

Craig Cole = Brian Cooley Jr.

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

Not even close.

[@GEOsustainable]

Old wives tail. It doesn't work. I tried it.

[@STho205]

Toothpaste quickly removes the hairspray on a fresh lens for DIY video click bait. So will soapy water. It won't clear aged and brown coatings away. Those videos are frauds. WD-40 is a quick temporary varnish. Same look as spraying clear coat. Real plastic polish and a buffing wheel is best. If the lenses are brown, sandpaper first. Finish it with a clear headlight spray.

[@_MIKIMOTO_]

Do not use WD-40 in your headlights 💀

[@ReodorF1]

Who is paying for this test? toothpaste works

[@w1nn19]

TLDW: neither are effective

[@GXKid06]

Cooley already did a video on this not watching the rest of the video.

[@TitaniumTurbine]

Good job, thanks for letting us know… we were all very concerned for you.

[@Focalcaribou]

he is bull shitting I've seen plenty ppl do it with toothpaste and he didn't do it right

[@brucelee3376]

those kits are garbage too- it turned out the same as your video, foggy ...........

[@ramsinks]

Or, you could use some muscle with buffing compound.... with a rag...... for $5. n00b

[@guygatineau281]

His methodology is kind of...biased!

[@davea5150]

Wet sand paper using different grits in steps. Then clean the lens well and dry. Then use spray clear paint after the last grit 1000 sandpaper.