Removing suntan lotion from paintwork and headlamps

Future auto detailer in the making?

Try using rubbing alcohol and water with a little liquid soap. The alcohol may cut the chemicals in the sunscreen and the soap and water my help clean it off. This may work. Do not use Goobegone or anything caustic as the plastic will cloud up and you will not be happy. You could also call an expert auto detailer if you have a reputable one in your area.

Hope this helps, Good luck!

 

Try warm, sudsy water (Dawn works well) with a few drops of ammonia added (just a few).

 

I take it the toothbrush put scratches all over your plastic headlight covers. Without looking out it, it would only be a guess, but any of the top three headlight restoral kits would help. Here's a LINK to an article on the subject at AUTOGEEK.Com.

I'd get a mild kit and do it maybe two or three times. Don't want to rush the fix.

 

It depends on the damage done by the suntan lotion. The Meguiars kit is for restoring badly sun damaged lenses. For old clouldy lenses, they'll look a lot better, but for clear new lenses you'll likely be disappointed. Consider it major surgery that should only be used as a last resort.

 

Toothbrush!?! That had to cause more damage than the lotion!

 

A spray suntan lotion also has solvents and propellants in the formula. Those can have an evil effect on clear plastics (insect repellant is even worse). You may have damage that is hard to polish out. Call your insurance agent and see if your coverage will replace the damaged headlamps. That would be easier than trying to repair them.


Tom

 

Sunscreen contains metal oxide suspensions such as zinc and titanium - these contribute to its opacity. Maybe on a whim try a solution such as CLR which can remove other types of inorganic scum?

 

OP, Any updates?