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If the headlights are only slightly foggy, you can try and restore them using an abrasive, like toothpaste, and lots of scrubbing. First, clean the headlights with Windex or soap and water. Then, using a soft cloth, rub a fingertip amount of toothpaste onto the wet headlight. (Toothpaste with baking soda works best.) Start scrubbing. Keep the surface wet and apply more toothpaste as needed. Once you’ve removed the protective coating, apply a sealant.

How to clean foggy headlights using a DIY headlight-restoration kit:

When choosing a restoration kit, look for one that contains several grades of sandpaper, a plastic cleaner/polish, polishing cloths and a protective coating. One kit usually has enough to clean two headlights.

Noble has the following advice when using a DIY headlight restoration kit:

Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Don’t improvise.

Don’t rush through it. Depending on how foggy headlights are, this could take 15-20 minutes per headlight. Remember, you’re rubbing away years of oxidation AND the original protective coating.

As you sand, run your hands over the wet headlights. If you feel rough spots, sand until smooth.
Be careful not to scratch the car’s paint while sanding. Some kits recommend taping around the headlights to help. But be careful: The tape itself may lift off the paint on some older cars.

Keep it wet. Use a spray bottle, a bucket of water or a hose to wet surfaces while sanding.

Trust the kit. The headlights will look hazy after sanding but they’ll be clear after applying the coating.

Make sure the headlight is completely dry before applying the protective sealant.

Allow the sealant to dry for several hours — better yet, overnight — before using the car. You don’t want bugs or dirt sticking to your newly restored headlight.

Some kits require reapplication of protectant every 1-3 years, depending on weather, temperature extremes and if the car is kept inside a garage or not.