I get it – headlight restoration is boring. But it’s a necessary evil, if you’re wanting to sell your car or just want your ride to look nice. Many people think if their headlights become cloudy – they need new headlights (which can be a fortune!).

That is absolutely NOT true and you can clean your headlights yourself using this method.

Headlight cleaner can work (have you seen the toothpaste hack?), and you can try that first if you like.

It depends on what you are looking to spend. When we get to this stage of grime (in the pics), we typically forgo the cleaner and go right to the kit. We know it’s going to work!

Professional Cost vs DIY

After a little investigating we discovered that headlight restoration is about $100 – $150, but a headlight restoration DIY kit is about $15 – $20, and it typically does 2 – 3 (even 4!) cars.

We have six cars – soon to be seven. So we DIY. Using the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit.

I think if you check out the results above (the before and after), you’ll see that this kit achieves perfect results! Forget all the other products out there . . . this is it.

We added a couple of things to get the headlights looking as crystal clear as possible. Are you ready to learn how to use the kit (and our modifications)? Keep reading!

Print

DIY Headlight Restoration

Use a headlight restoration kit to turn your head lights from drab to sparkly! Here's how to do it, plus extra tips and tricks.

Course Cleaning Tips

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 2 clean headlights

Cost $15

Equipment

• Drill with drill bits
• Spray bottle filled with water

Ingredients

• 1 3M Headlight Restoration Kit includes all the sanding discs referred to below
• Painter’s tape it comes in the kit but we used our own
• sandpaper 2500 – 3000 grit wet, extra step which we'll explain
• Cleaning solution/rubbing alcohol

Instructions

• Clean the headlight. I used a solvent and thinner solution, but rubbing alcohol would work as well.
  
• Tape off the both lights using painter's tape.
  
• Put the foam velcro buffing pad from the kit in the drill, then place the 500-grit sanding disc on the pad.
  
• Then spray water on the headlight and on your sanding disc. This will keep everything lubricated so it can flow and prevent scratching.
  
• Using a slow to medium speed on your drill, apply medium pressure and keep the pad flat on the headlight. Begin sanding, moving back and forth over the surface until you see the yellow UV damage and oxidation start to come off the surface. Reapply water as needed so that you are always sanding on a wet surface.
  
• Make three or four complete passes with your drill and sanding pad, adding water as needed.
  
• Spray water on the light and wipe off with a clean rag and this is how the headlight will appear. It will look worse before it gets better!
  
• Apply the 800-grit sanding disc from the kit and repeat the steps used with the 500-grit disc. Spray and wipe off the light again.
  
• Use the 2500 grit wet sanding paper – spray water on the headlight and directly on the sandpaper, then start sanding the light by hand. Use circular motion.
  
• When finished hand sanding, wipe the light dry and you will see that you are getting closer to the desired effect.
  
• Add on the 3M 3000 grit Trizact foam sanding disc. Use this disc as you did the other discs: keep the surface wet as you make 3 to 5 passes over the headlight.
  
• Keep applying water and passing over the headlight until you get the desired amount of clearing. Wipe off the light with a clean rag until dry.
  
• Using the foam polishing disc provided in the kit, apply a quarter sized dab of the Synthetic Wax Protectant (also provided in the kit) to the pad and smear on the light without the drill on. Begin polishing by turning the drill on. As you make more passes the light will become completely clear.
  
• When you are happy with the result, wipe clean with a clean rag. Remove the tape to finish.
  

Video

Notes

Step 2: The kit comes with tape – however, we needed a wider tape due to the chrome rim around these particular headlights. So we used a wider painter’s tape that we already had.

Step 5: The sanding disc may occasionally load up with material; use your spray bottle to clean off the disc. It will look like you’re applying paste but that is just headlight grunge!! :0

Step 6: If you damage the tape while sanding, repair the tape before continuing so you don’t sand the trim around the light.

Step 9: We added this step outside of the kit to increase the crystal-clearity (yes I made that up) even further.

Ready to clean other stuff around your home? We’ve got lots of cleaning posts here on the blog, and here are some of my favorites:

• Amazing House Cleaning Tips You’ll Use
• Decluttering Challenge with Free Printable
• Two Ingredient DIY Carpet Deodorizer – That Works!

The post Best DIY Headlight Restoration Kit for Crystal Clear Lights appeared first on DIY Candy.

I love making my own homemade cleaners. As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I have an allergy to a lot of cleaning products. Okay “allergy” might be extreme, since I’ve never been tested . . . but I know they give me headaches.

Sometimes I still purchase cleaning products, but for the most part I try to make my own whenever possible. As you can imagine, it’s really important to me that the recipes work. And this DIY soft scrub is one of my favorite recipes!

It’s an all-purpose cleaner that works on lots of surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. This scrub cleans sinks, bathtubs, floors, showers, and even pots and pans.

It is a VERY gentle abrasive, so it’s not going to scratch any surfaces. Yet it is aggressive enough to remove soap scum, burned on grit, and other harder-to-clean spills.

You’re going to be cleaning the bathroom or the kitchen sink in no time with this recipe!y.

Is this recipe antibacterial?

It is not. You would have to add bleach to it (see above). Tea tree is also a natural antibacterial if you’d like to add that as your choice for essential oil.

How do I apply this scrub?

Use a sponge to apply! Let sit, and then you can use a sponge or old toothbrush to scrub into surfaces and clean. Rinse out the sponge and wipe away the cleaner from the surface, then rinse.

Gather These Supplies

• Mason jar – clean and dry
• Spoon or popsicle stick
• Baking soda – 1 cup
• Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap – 1/4 cup
• Essential oil – 10 to 15 drops of tea tree or your choice of scents (optional)
• Water – enough to make a paste, about 1/4 to 1/3 cup

Store your magic cleaner creation in a mason jar! Make sure it’s tightly sealed and out of the reach of children. It’s all natural, but you still don’t need anyone getting into it.

I could say I wish there were more to this recipe, but it cleans perfectly as-is! Get the printable how to below:

Print

Homemade Soft Scrub

Make your own soft scrub using simple supplies. This is a natural recipe that is budget friendly!

Course Cleaning Tips

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 1 jar

Cost $2

Equipment

• Mason jar
• Spoon or popsicle stick

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup Pure Castile soap
• 15 drops Essential oil(s) 10 to 15 drops, optional
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

• Combine the baking soda with the Castile soap in a measuring cup. Stir, stir, stir to make a thick paste.
  
• Add the water. Continue mixing until your scrub is a paste consistency that can be applied easily to a surface.
  
• Also add a small amount of essential oils (optional) at this time. Stir again. Store in a mason jar.
  

Notes

To use, apply to a surface with a sponge, scrub in, and wipe away. Then rinse with warm water.

Did you enjoy this homemade soft scrub recipe? If so, leave me a comment – plus I’d love for you to check out these other posts:

• DIY Carpet Deodorizer with Two Ingredients (It Works!)
• Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (Costs Pennies!)
• DIY Granite Cleaner Recipe (All Natural & Works Great!)
• Two Ingredient Window Cleaner Recipe

The post Easy DIY Soft Scrub Recipe for a Natural Clean appeared first on DIY Candy.

We have a brand new home and brand new carpet – yet we still use carpet deodorizer. Why? Because we have three pets. Pets that love to go outside.

And while we wash them regularly, it rains here a lot in the Pacific Northwest, and that sometimes causes a doggy smell to occur. When we get pet odors in the carpet fibers, we bust out the homemade carpet freshener.

I’ve found that vacuuming alone doesn’t always work, even with a fabulous vacuum that cleans well. Sometimes you need a little something extra to battle those odors!

I decided it was time to make my own freshener for my carpet with natural ingredients. I totally support having a room that smells good and not like wet dog, but I needed something that didn’t give me a headache.

This was the happy medium. Not only that, but I got my baking soda (the main ingredient!) at Costco for just under $7 for a 13.5 pound bag. Score!

Is Homemade Carpet Freshener Safe for Kids and Pets?

Your kids are going to be fine. The ingredients are pure baking soda but also essential oils.

For pets, certain essential oils are not safe. See the list here. Lavender is a favorite of mine that is safe for cats and dogs. If you have any concerns or your pet is sensitive, ask your vet.

You also need to remember that baking soda is a leavening agent. When it’s combined with heat in your pet’s stomach in large amounts, it will release dangerous gasses and can cause problems and even heart failure.

If you apply this to your carpet and leave it, section off the area so that your pet can’t access the mixture. My pets had no interest in this, but that doesn’t mean yours won’t.

Not only is this recipe all natural (so no toxic chemicals), but it’s very effective. You are going to love the smell it disperses throughout your home!

Gather These Supplies

• Pure baking soda – i’m partial to lemongrass, peppermint, or lavender
• Essential oil
• Dredge shaker – or old plastic parmesan cheese container, or mason jar

Tips on Usage

To use, sprinkle on the carpet or rug and let sit for 15 minutes. Then vacuum up immediately.

For tougher odors, you can leave this mixture on the carpet up to 24 hours. This powder is especially great for picking up wet spills or grease that you haven’t had a chance to get rid of. It leaves them smelling oh-so-fresh.

Will This Remove Stains?

No – this is a freshener – not a stain remover. Check out this homemade stain remover or how to remove pet stains from carpet.

Print

DIY Carpet Deodorizer

Make this DIY carpet freshener with just a few simple ingredients! This deodorizer will make your entire home smell great.

Course Cleaning Tips

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 1 jar

Cost $4

Equipment

• 1 Dredge shaker

Ingredients

• baking soda
• Essential oil(s) s

Instructions

• Fill the shaker about halfway full of pure baking soda.
  
• Add about 20-30 drops of essential oil to the container.
  
• Shake the container, then repeat step one and two so that the container is full to the top with baking soda. Let the mixture sit for a day or two so the oils have a chance to spread out.
  
• To use your natural carpet deodorizer, sprinkle on the carpet or rug and let sit for about 10 minutes. Vacuum up immediately.

Video

Have you tried this? How do you keep your carpets fresh? Let me know if it worked great in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out the following household posts:

All Purpose Cleaner • Cleaning Tips • DIY Soft Scrub • Granite Cleaner • Liquid Laundry Detergent • Window Cleaner

The post DIY Carpet Deodorizer (Two Ingredients & It Works!) appeared first on DIY Candy.

Skills Required: None. This is unbelievably simple to make. You’ll be boiling water, cutting soap, and mixing everything together.

Ready to take control of your laundry routine with a fun, easy DIY project? Summer in Georgia brings the heat, and with it, an endless cycle of laundry.

If you find yourself running the washing machine more than ever, why not mix things up and save some money with your very own homemade liquid laundry detergent?

This homemade liquid laundry detergent recipe is not only economical but also a breeze to make. It uses simple, easily accessible ingredients like Borax, Kirk’s Castile Soap, washing soda, and a few cups of water.

These materials that promise to tackle even the toughest of stains without the harsh chemicals found in store-bought brands.

Ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to reduce their household’s chemical exposure, this detergent skips the dyes, fragrances, and additives typical of commercial options. And if you’re missing that fresh, just-washed scent, pop in a few drops of your favorite essential oils.

One of the greatest perks of this liquid detergent, aside from its effectiveness and skin-friendliness, is its compatibility with HE (high-efficiency) machines.

Designed to produce low suds, it meets the specific needs of these machines, ensuring a smooth run with every load. Plus, it leaves no residues like some powdery detergents do, so you can say goodbye to undissolved bits on your freshly washed clothes.

While this DIY mix comes with heaps of benefits, here’s a quick heads-up: it’s a good idea to be around the house the first time you use it, just to ensure everything goes smoothly with your particular model of washing machine. Though I’ve yet to hear any mishaps, it’s always best to play it safe!

So, are you ready to stir up your own batch of homemade liquid laundry detergent? Let’s dive into the how-to and start transforming your laundry days. Get ready to enjoy clean, fresh clothes without the hefty price tag of commercial detergents. Let’s get crafting!

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Borax
• 3 Tablespoons Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (or baking soda)
• 3 Tablespoons Kirk’s Castile Soap (12-ounce bar is more than enough)
• 4 cups boiling or very hot water

Other Materials

• Large measuring cup
• Spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• 2 glass mason jars, at least 16 ounces each

Tips and Tricks for This Recipe

Optional: microwave a bar of soap in five second increments for a total of 20 seconds. After each five seconds, flip bar of soap onto the other side. This softens the soap so cutting it is easier!

To use your detergent: pour 1/4 cup into your washing machine’s liquid dispenser. Launder as usual.

If the soap gets solid, microwave the jar!

You just made detergent for 16 loads – for only $!!!! (prices calculated by what I paid for my ingredients and could vary slightly). It’s a great way to save money, especially these days.

Note: One bar of soap will make about 3 – 4 batches.

Print

Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent

Learn how to make homemade laundry soap liquid the easy way – no chemicals, cheap, effective!

Course Cleaning Tips

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 16 loads

Cost $1

Equipment

• Measuring cup(s)
• Spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• 2 glass mason jars at least 16-ounces each

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons Borax
• 3 Tablespoons washing soda
• 3 Tablespoons Kirk’s Castile Soap or Fels Naphtha Soap
• 4 cups hot water

Instructions

• Open the soap and microwave in five second increments for a total of 20 seconds. After each five seconds, flip bar of soap onto the other side. Using a sharp knife, cut soap into small pieces, about 1/4" in size until you have 3 tablespoons.
  
• Boil 4 cups of water and add soap to the water. Stir until soap is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
  
• Add Borax and washing soda and stir until completely dissolved.
  
• Pour your laundry detergent into mason jars and add lid and ring.
  

Video

Notes

Use caution when handling your hot mixture. Set aside to cool and the jar will actually seal.

If the mixture gets solidified, simply microwave it in the jar, lid removed. Be careful when handling.

Have fun making this DIY laundry detergent recipe! If you are looking for supplies, this is a great way to purchase the borax and super washing soda and soap together at a discount. I’d also love for you to check out these other handy dandy home related posts:

• DIY Granite Cleaner Recipe (All Natural)
• DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe with Four Ingredients
• House Cleaning Tips You’ll Use Again & Again!
• DIY Soft Scrub for All Natural Bathroom Cleaning

The post Homemade Liquid Laundry Detergent (for Pennies!) appeared first on DIY Candy.