We love having our car clean and we love home tricks, and the truth is, over the years, car headlights lose their shine and start to look bad. The sun, humidity and road dirt end up leaving them opaque, yellowish or cloudy. The problem is not only aesthetic because visibility when driving at night is also reduced and, with it, safety.
Until recently, the solution was to spend money on professional polishing or on fairly aggressive chemical cleaners… But we like our grandmothers’ tricks more and now a home remedy has gone viral on TikTok that promises results in seconds using something as simple as half an orange and a bit of baking soda.
How the trick works
Content creator Bee (@simplybiancaalexa) uploaded a video that went viral, with a very simple step by step:
- Cut an orange in half.
- Sprinkle baking soda over the pulp.
- Squeeze a little so the juice mixes with the powder.
- Rub directly over the headlight with circular movements.
- Wipe with a dry cloth to remove the residue.
The result is instant, visibly clearer and brighter headlights thanks to the action of the citric acid in the orange and the abrasive effect of the baking soda.
Why it works better than a commercial cleaner
The products sold in stores usually contain chemicals like ammonium sulfate, they are more expensive, less environmentally friendly and, on top of that, they end up in the water when rinsed… But this mix of fruit and baking soda is cheap, eco-friendly and safe, and you can repeat it as many times as you want.
According to the creator, using this method regularly can save up to $900 in ten years by avoiding shop polishing and industrial products.
Shock on TikTok
Simply “wow” can be read in several comments on the video, many have tried it and have seen that it really works. Beyond the viral aspect, this small discovery is making many drivers rethink the maintenance of their cars!
Safety and warnings
Not all home mixes are safe. Experts remind that combinations like bleach and vinegar generate toxic gases, so do not play if it is not safe!!
Other home tricks for the car
- Cleaner windshields with vinegar and water: If you mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, you have a very effective homemade cleaner. It removes lime stains, insect remains and improves visibility without scratching the glass.
- Goodbye to bad smells with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the upholstery, let it act for a few minutes and then vacuum. It works wonders to neutralize odors of humidity, tobacco or food.
- Cut a potato in half and rub it on the inside of the windshield. Leave a thin layer that prevents the glass from fogging up on cold days. Simple and still works!
- A few drops of olive oil on a cloth are enough to bring back the shine of the dashboard. It also acts as a natural protector against dust and dryness.
- If you do not want to find the lock frozen, apply a bit of gel alcohol or petroleum jelly. It prevents it from getting stuck and lets you open the car without problem.
- Cola soda (no free promo here), thanks to its phosphoric acid, helps loosen embedded dirt on the wheels. Just apply it, let it act for a while and rinse.
- White toothpaste, rubbed with a soft cloth, polishes small scratches on the paint and brings back shine to the bodywork, dad will not find out that we bumped the car a little in the parking lot, we promise it 😉