Difference between revisions of "Clean Foggy Plastic"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Cleaning Plastic Cups and Blenders=== | ===Cleaning Plastic Cups and Blenders=== | ||
| − | #Soak your cups in vinegar. Fill a small bucket (or your sink) with white vinegar. Submerge your foggy glasses in the vinegar for five minutes. Remove them and check the results.< | + | #Soak your cups in vinegar. Fill a small bucket (or your sink) with white vinegar. Submerge your foggy glasses in the vinegar for five minutes. Remove them and check the results.<ref name="rf1">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a38591/how-to-clean-cloudy-drinking-glasses/</ref> |
| − | #Sprinkle baking soda on cups coated with vinegar. If the vinegar dip didn’t help clean your foggy plastic cups, sprinkle them with a handful of baking soda. Alternately, apply a dusting of baking soda to a damp sponge and scrub the cups. The baking soda and vinegar will react, dissolving the film that causes the plastic to appear foggy.< | + | #Sprinkle baking soda on cups coated with vinegar. If the vinegar dip didn’t help clean your foggy plastic cups, sprinkle them with a handful of baking soda. Alternately, apply a dusting of baking soda to a damp sponge and scrub the cups. The baking soda and vinegar will react, dissolving the film that causes the plastic to appear foggy.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Use a vinegar and water mixture. Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts. For instance, if you have a large load of foggy plastic, you might fill your sink with one liter of vinegar and one liter of water. Place your foggy plastic items in the water, and let them soak for one hour.<ref>https://www.hunker.com/12001918/how-to-clean-cloudy-plastic</ | + | #Use a vinegar and water mixture. Combine white vinegar and water in equal parts. For instance, if you have a large load of foggy plastic, you might fill your sink with one liter of vinegar and one liter of water. Place your foggy plastic items in the water, and let them soak for one hour.<ref name="rf2">https://www.hunker.com/12001918/how-to-clean-cloudy-plastic</ref> |
#*Scrub the plastic items with a damp rag until they become clear. | #*Scrub the plastic items with a damp rag until they become clear. | ||
#*Rinse the no longer foggy plastic in the sink under warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. | #*Rinse the no longer foggy plastic in the sink under warm water. Dry with a soft cloth. | ||
| − | #Use a baking soda paste. Instead of using baking soda and vinegar, mix equal amounts of water and baking soda to form a paste. For instance, you might mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Dab a paper towel into the baking soda paste. Apply the paste to a small area of the cloudy plastic using a steady circular motion.< | + | #Use a baking soda paste. Instead of using baking soda and vinegar, mix equal amounts of water and baking soda to form a paste. For instance, you might mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water. Dab a paper towel into the baking soda paste. Apply the paste to a small area of the cloudy plastic using a steady circular motion.<ref name="rf3">https://blenderladyblog.com/1537/clean-vitamix-container/</ref> |
#*As the paste removes the cloudiness from the inside of the blender or cup you’re cleaning, you will see the paper towel darken with grime. | #*As the paste removes the cloudiness from the inside of the blender or cup you’re cleaning, you will see the paper towel darken with grime. | ||
| − | #Try a lemon juice blend. Combine the juice of one lemon and two tablespoons of baking soda. Fill your foggy plastic cup or blender up the rest of the way with water. If you’re cleaning a foggy plastic blender, run the blender on high for a few seconds, then turn it off and remove the blade (if possible). With your cup or blender bottle still filled with the lemon juice mix, scrub the inside of it with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Pour the juice out when the fogginess has been corrected.< | + | #Try a lemon juice blend. Combine the juice of one lemon and two tablespoons of baking soda. Fill your foggy plastic cup or blender up the rest of the way with water. If you’re cleaning a foggy plastic blender, run the blender on high for a few seconds, then turn it off and remove the blade (if possible). With your cup or blender bottle still filled with the lemon juice mix, scrub the inside of it with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Pour the juice out when the fogginess has been corrected.<ref name="rf4">http://greensmoothiegirl.com/2012/08/22/what-to-do-about-my-cloudy-blender-jar/</ref> |
===Cleaning Foggy Headlights With Vinegar and Baking Soda=== | ===Cleaning Foggy Headlights With Vinegar and Baking Soda=== | ||
| − | #Clean the headlight with soapy water. Fill a spray bottle with a few drops of mild liquid soap and water. Spray the headlight with this soapy mixture. Alternately, you could fill a bucket with soapy water and dip a clean cloth in it, then wipe the headlight with the damp cloth.< | + | #Clean the headlight with soapy water. Fill a spray bottle with a few drops of mild liquid soap and water. Spray the headlight with this soapy mixture. Alternately, you could fill a bucket with soapy water and dip a clean cloth in it, then wipe the headlight with the damp cloth.<ref name="rf5">http://braunautomotive.brush.com/blog/diy-headlight-restoration-how-to-clean-foggy-headlights</ref> |
| − | #Mix vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl. Pour a few tablespoons of vinegar into the bowl. The baking soda and vinegar, when mixed, will produce a fizzing reaction.< | + | #Mix vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bowl. Pour a few tablespoons of vinegar into the bowl. The baking soda and vinegar, when mixed, will produce a fizzing reaction.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*There is no need to carefully measure the volume of baking soda and vinegar you mix. Just add both in approximately equal amounts. | #*There is no need to carefully measure the volume of baking soda and vinegar you mix. Just add both in approximately equal amounts. | ||
| − | #Wipe the headlight clean using the mixture. Dip a clean cloth into the fizzing vinegar and baking soda. Wipe the headlight off using the same back-and-forth motion that you did when cleaning it with soapy water. The mixture will help your discolored, grimy plastic headlight get clean.< | + | #Wipe the headlight clean using the mixture. Dip a clean cloth into the fizzing vinegar and baking soda. Wipe the headlight off using the same back-and-forth motion that you did when cleaning it with soapy water. The mixture will help your discolored, grimy plastic headlight get clean.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Don’t worry about hurting yourself when dipping your hand in the fizzy mixture. The combination of baking soda and vinegar won’t hurt you. | #*Don’t worry about hurting yourself when dipping your hand in the fizzy mixture. The combination of baking soda and vinegar won’t hurt you. | ||
#*When you’ve finished cleaning the headlight with the vinegar mix, wipe the headlights dry with a damp cloth or sponge. | #*When you’ve finished cleaning the headlight with the vinegar mix, wipe the headlights dry with a damp cloth or sponge. | ||
===Cleaning Foggy Headlights With Sandpaper=== | ===Cleaning Foggy Headlights With Sandpaper=== | ||
| − | #Soak your sandpaper in water. Before cleaning your foggy headlights, place the sandpaper in water. You should have at least one piece of 1000 grit paper and one piece of 2000 or 3000 grit paper. Allow the sandpaper to soak for 15 minutes.< | + | #Soak your sandpaper in water. Before cleaning your foggy headlights, place the sandpaper in water. You should have at least one piece of 1000 grit paper and one piece of 2000 or 3000 grit paper. Allow the sandpaper to soak for 15 minutes.<ref name="rf6">http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/how-to-polish-and-restore-your-hazy-headlights-the-righ-1662470011</ref> |
| − | #Tape off the area surrounding the headlights with painter’s tape. Before you begin cleaning foggy plastic headlights, you’ll need to protect the metal area surrounding the headlight with tape. Painter’s tape is usually blue, though it might be available in other colors, and works just as regular masking tape does. Apply the tape in a border around the headlight you wish to clean.< | + | #Tape off the area surrounding the headlights with painter’s tape. Before you begin cleaning foggy plastic headlights, you’ll need to protect the metal area surrounding the headlight with tape. Painter’s tape is usually blue, though it might be available in other colors, and works just as regular masking tape does. Apply the tape in a border around the headlight you wish to clean.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Spray the headlight with water and soap. Fill a spray bottle with water and a bit of car soap. Spray the headlights liberally with the mixture. Alternately, you might dip a cloth into the soapy water and wipe the headlight down using that.< | + | #Spray the headlight with water and soap. Fill a spray bottle with water and a bit of car soap. Spray the headlights liberally with the mixture. Alternately, you might dip a cloth into the soapy water and wipe the headlight down using that.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Sand the headlight. Spray the headlight with the water and soap mixture while simultaneously rubbing it with the 1000 grit sandpaper. Move your hand from one side of the headlight to the other with firm, even pressure. Continue spraying the headlight with the soap mixture throughout.< | + | #Sand the headlight. Spray the headlight with the water and soap mixture while simultaneously rubbing it with the 1000 grit sandpaper. Move your hand from one side of the headlight to the other with firm, even pressure. Continue spraying the headlight with the soap mixture throughout.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Inspect the headlight. After you’ve sanded the entire surface of the headlight, wipe it off with a clean, dry towel. Conduct a visual inspection of the headlight. The surface should be free of scratches and damage. The plastic will still look foggy. If some scratches or damage are still visible, spray the headlight again with water while sanding it down with 1000 grit sandpaper.< | + | #Inspect the headlight. After you’ve sanded the entire surface of the headlight, wipe it off with a clean, dry towel. Conduct a visual inspection of the headlight. The surface should be free of scratches and damage. The plastic will still look foggy. If some scratches or damage are still visible, spray the headlight again with water while sanding it down with 1000 grit sandpaper.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Spray the headlight with soapy water. Spray the headlight with more of the soapy water. Alternately, you could use a damp sponge saturated with soapy water to wipe the headlight down.< | + | #Spray the headlight with soapy water. Spray the headlight with more of the soapy water. Alternately, you could use a damp sponge saturated with soapy water to wipe the headlight down.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Wipe the headlight down with finer grit sandpaper. Continue spraying the headlight with soapy water. Use 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper to further reduce the plastic headlight’s fogginess. Move the sandpaper from side-to-side while spraying constantly with your other hand.< | + | #Wipe the headlight down with finer grit sandpaper. Continue spraying the headlight with soapy water. Use 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper to further reduce the plastic headlight’s fogginess. Move the sandpaper from side-to-side while spraying constantly with your other hand.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Check the headlight’s appearance. Once you’ve rubbed the finer grit sandpaper across the headlight’s surface, dry it with a clean cloth. The headlight lens should have a uniform and slightly cloudy appearance.< | + | #Check the headlight’s appearance. Once you’ve rubbed the finer grit sandpaper across the headlight’s surface, dry it with a clean cloth. The headlight lens should have a uniform and slightly cloudy appearance.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*If the headlight’s surface is not uniform in appearance, wipe the headlight down again with 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper while spraying it with soapy water. | #*If the headlight’s surface is not uniform in appearance, wipe the headlight down again with 2000 or 3000 grit sandpaper while spraying it with soapy water. | ||
| − | #Polish the headlight. Apply two small dabs of regular polish to a rotary sander-polisher equipped with a four-inch (eight-centimeter) polishing pad. Wipe the pad about the surface of the headlight before turning it on. Then, set the polisher to a speed between 1500-1800 rotations per minute and move the pad slowly across the surface of the headlight.< | + | #Polish the headlight. Apply two small dabs of regular polish to a rotary sander-polisher equipped with a four-inch (eight-centimeter) polishing pad. Wipe the pad about the surface of the headlight before turning it on. Then, set the polisher to a speed between 1500-1800 rotations per minute and move the pad slowly across the surface of the headlight.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*Use only a slight pressure when applying the polisher pad to the headlight. | #*Use only a slight pressure when applying the polisher pad to the headlight. | ||
#*This step will remove any haziness that remains from the sanding process. | #*This step will remove any haziness that remains from the sanding process. | ||
| − | #Inspect the headlight. If the initial coat of polish does not improve the foggy plastic, wait a few moments to allow the plastic headlight to cool. Apply another two small dabs of polish to the polishing pad, then polish the headlight with the rotary sander-polisher again.< | + | #Inspect the headlight. If the initial coat of polish does not improve the foggy plastic, wait a few moments to allow the plastic headlight to cool. Apply another two small dabs of polish to the polishing pad, then polish the headlight with the rotary sander-polisher again.<ref name="rf5" /> |
| − | #Apply a finishing polish. Applying a finishing polish will further refine the plastic headlight’s clarity. Once you’ve successfully polished the headlight, apply two small dabs of finishing polish to a clean four-inch (eight-centimeter) rotary pad. Just as before, wipe the rotary pad about the surface of the plastic headlight before turning the rotary sander-polisher on. Set the polisher to 1200-1500 rotations per minute. Turn the polisher on and move it slowly and evenly across the surface of the headlight.< | + | #Apply a finishing polish. Applying a finishing polish will further refine the plastic headlight’s clarity. Once you’ve successfully polished the headlight, apply two small dabs of finishing polish to a clean four-inch (eight-centimeter) rotary pad. Just as before, wipe the rotary pad about the surface of the plastic headlight before turning the rotary sander-polisher on. Set the polisher to 1200-1500 rotations per minute. Turn the polisher on and move it slowly and evenly across the surface of the headlight.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#*When you’re done, wipe the headlight off with a dry hand towel. Remove the tape surrounding the edges of the headlight. | #*When you’re done, wipe the headlight off with a dry hand towel. Remove the tape surrounding the edges of the headlight. | ||
#*At this point, no fogginess should remain and the plastic headlight should be clear. If some fogginess remains, apply another coat of finishing polish, then wipe it away with a clean hand towel. | #*At this point, no fogginess should remain and the plastic headlight should be clear. If some fogginess remains, apply another coat of finishing polish, then wipe it away with a clean hand towel. | ||
