1. Preparation:
* Park in a shaded area: Direct sunlight will cause your cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
* Gather your supplies: You'll need:
* Mild dish soap: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
* Warm water: Use a bucket or spray bottle.
* Soft cloths or microfiber towels: Avoid abrasive sponges or paper towels. Multiple clean cloths are recommended.
* Soft-bristled brush: An old toothbrush works well for hard-to-reach areas.
* Plastic polish (optional): For heavier restoration of clouded lenses. Look for products specifically designed for plastic headlight restoration. Meguiar's and Turtle Wax are popular brands.
* Protective eyewear: To protect your eyes from cleaning solutions.
2. Cleaning:
* Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the headlight lenses with warm water to remove loose dirt and debris.
* Apply soap: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently apply the soapy mixture to the headlight lenses.
* Scrub (gently!): Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime, particularly in the crevices. Avoid excessive scrubbing, which can scratch the plastic.
* Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the lenses thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
* Dry: Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to gently dry the lenses, wiping in a circular motion to prevent streaks.
3. Optional: Restoring Cloudy Headlights
If your headlights are cloudy or yellowed, you'll need to use a plastic headlight restoration kit. These typically involve:
* Cleaning: This often involves a more aggressive cleaning than the basic method above, potentially using a more specialized cleaner.
* Sanding: This uses progressively finer-grit sandpaper to remove the clouded surface layer of the plastic. This step requires careful technique to avoid sanding too deeply and damaging the lens. Follow the instructions of your chosen kit precisely.
* Polishing: A polishing compound is then used to smooth the surface and restore clarity.
* Sealing (optional): Some kits include a sealant to protect the restored lenses from future clouding.
4. Post-Cleaning Inspection:
* After cleaning, inspect the headlights carefully to ensure all dirt and grime have been removed.
* If any areas are still dirty, repeat the cleaning process.
Important Considerations:
* Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives: These can damage the plastic lenses.
* Don't use high-pressure water: This could force water into the headlight assembly and damage internal components.
* Be gentle: Avoid excessive scrubbing, which can scratch the plastic.
* If you're unsure about restoring clouded headlights, consider taking your vehicle to a professional detailer. Improper restoration can lead to irreversible damage.
By following these steps, you should be able to clean your 1999 Ford Windstar's headlight assemblies effectively and safely. Remember to prioritize gentleness to prevent damage to the plastic lenses.
