I Tried 5 Viral TikTok Car Cleaning Hacks — One Ruined My Paint

TikTok and YouTube have become the modern age’s town squares. Scroll for five minutes and you’ll find everything from gourmet recipes to DIY home improvements. Somewhere in there, between dance trends and conspiracy theories, you’ll also stumble upon hundreds of “life‑changing” car cleaning hacks.  In 2025 I finally gave in to curiosity. Could everyday household items really restore foggy headlights, make dashboards shine, or erase scuffs better than products made for the job? My feeds promised that toothpaste, olive oil, WD‑40 and even dish soap could save me money and give my sedan a showroom finish. I decided to spend a week testing five of the most viral car‑cleaning hacks.

I’m not a professional detailer—just a regular car owner who genuinely enjoys keeping a daily driver tidy.  Armed with an old toothbrush, a bottle of olive oil, a can of WD‑40, dish soap, a Magic Eraser and a healthy sense of humor, I set out to see whether the internet’s tips were genius or foolish. Let’s just say not every hack had a happy ending.

Hack #1: Toothpaste on Foggy Headlights

If you search “headlight restoration” on TikTok, you’ll find endless clips of people squeezing toothpaste onto dull lenses and buffing away the haze. The premise is simple: toothpaste contains mild abrasives that gently scour off the oxidized layer and leave clear plastic underneath. The promise: sparkling headlights with materials you already have at home.

How I Did It

1. Prep the area: I parked in the shade and taped off the paint around my headlights to avoid accidental scratches.
2. Apply toothpaste: Using a microfiber cloth and a pea‑sized amount of plain white toothpaste, I spread a thin layer over each headlight lens.
3. Buff in circles: With an old toothbrush, I scrubbed in small circular motions for about five minutes per headlight. The toothpaste turned a greyish color as oxidation came off.
4. Rinse and repeat: I rinsed with water, wiped clean and repeated the process once more for stubborn spots.
5. Admire (and sniff) the results: The headlights looked noticeably clearer, though the minty smell was unexpected!

The Real Result

To my surprise, the toothpaste hack did improve clarity—for a while. The previously yellowish lenses were brighter, and the night drive felt safer. However, the shine didn’t last. Within a couple of weeks the haze returned. Professional detailers point out that toothpaste is a quick fix at best. The mild abrasives buff away the surface oxidation, but they don’t protect the plastic from ultraviolet damage. Absolute Perfection Mobile Detailing notes that although toothpaste can temporarily clear mild haze, the clarity fades within weeks, it doesn’t provide UV protection, and it can leave uneven spots if you aren’t careful .

I also learned that some people try things like bug spray and WD‑40 on headlights, but detailers warn that these household hacks “might look good in a TikTok video but rarely hold up in real life” . Bug spray can melt the plastic lenses and damage surrounding paint. WD‑40 may leave oily residue. The bottom line? Toothpaste works as a temporary cosmetic fix, but it isn’t a substitute for a proper headlight restoration kit with UV sealant.

Professional Takeaways

• Use toothpaste only for a short‑term boost. It’s ideal if you’re selling the car or taking photos, but don’t expect durability.
• Avoid bug spray and abrasive powders. Products like bug spray or baking soda scratch or melt plastic lenses .
• Protect the paint: Tape off the surrounding paint, rinse thoroughly and reapply a UV coating or wax.
• For lasting results, invest in a headlight restoration kit. Kits include progressively finer sanding discs and UV sealant to keep lenses clear longer.

Hack #2: Olive Oil on the Dashboard

The next viral hack promised that a pantry staple would make my interior look like new. Videos show creators pouring olive oil onto a cloth and wiping their dashboards until they gleam. The logic is that oil can condition vinyl and plastic surfaces, just like it moisturizes skin.

How I Did It

1. Dust first: I vacuumed the vents and wiped dust off the dash with a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Test spot: Because oil can stain, I followed the advice from CarParts.com and tested a small, hidden area first. They recommend applying oil to a microfiber cloth (never directly to the dash) and waiting a few minutes .
3. Apply the oil: After the test area looked OK, I put two drops of extra‑virgin olive oil on the cloth and gently wiped across the dashboard and center console.
4. Buff off excess: I then used a dry cloth to buff away any visible residue.

The Real Result

Initially my dashboard looked darker and shinier. It even smelled like an Italian kitchen, which was both delightful and slightly weird. Unfortunately, after driving around for a day, dust particles clung to the surface like magnets. By the end of the week, the dash felt greasy and looked uneven. The CarParts.com article explains that olive oil can leave a greasy residue that attracts dust and dirt and can stain the seats or dashboard if applied incorrectly . That’s exactly what happened to me.

A few days later the oil had settled into streaks, and I had to clean the interior again—this time with a proper dashboard cleaner. My radio buttons were still slightly oily, and the steering wheel had a faint slickness. The hack did more harm than good.

Professional Takeaways

• Olive oil isn’t designed for cars. While natural oils can break down some stains , they’re not formulated for vinyl or plastic. They leave residue that attracts dust.
• Use specialized interior products. Quality dashboard cleaners are affordable and contain UV protection, anti‑static properties and pleasant scents. High‑quality dashboard cleaners typically cost between $10 and $130 , and a little goes a long way.
• Test any product on a hidden area first. Whether it’s oil or a commercial product, always test for discoloration .

Olive oil belongs in the kitchen, not on dashboards. Lesson learned!

Hack #3: WD‑40 to Clean and Shine Paint

One hack that truly intrigued me was using WD‑40—yes, the lubricant in the blue can—to remove tar and grime and even give dull paint a quick shine. TikTokers swear by spraying it on their car and wiping it off for an instant gloss. WD‑40 is known for penetrating oil and water, so could it double as a detailing spray?

How I Did It

1. Spot cleaning tar: My car had a few stubborn spots of road tar near the wheel wells. I sprayed a small amount of WD‑40 onto a microfiber cloth and gently rubbed the tar. It dissolved quickly.
2. Adding shine: Emboldened by the success, I lightly misted a section of the hood and wiped it down. The paint looked shiny and felt smooth.
3. Observation period: I left the WD‑40 residue on part of the hood and washed the other side normally with car shampoo for comparison.

The Real Result

WD‑40 did loosen the tar without scrubbing. On the hood, it created a glossy finish that looked almost like a quick detailer had been used. But a few hours later, that same area attracted dust and pollen. The oily film also smeared when it rained, creating streaks. Body shop experts warn that WD‑40’s effects are temporary and that it can leave a greasy residue if not wiped properly . It is not a substitute for wax or sealant . Frequent use may even degrade the clear coat or paint if not thoroughly cleaned off after use .

After a day in the sun the WD‑40 area looked dirtier than the rest. When I finally washed it, the water didn’t bead up because I had stripped away the wax underneath. The lesson? WD‑40 is great for loosening stuck residues but not for regular detailing.

Professional Takeaways

• Use WD‑40 sparingly for removing tar, sap or adhesive residue . Rinse and wash the area afterward.
• It’s a temporary fix. It will temporarily add shine but is not a substitute for proper wax or sealant .
• Residual oil attracts dirt. If you don’t wash it off thoroughly, the residue will collect dust and grime .
• Use proper automotive products. For shine and protection, invest in dedicated paint sealants or ceramic coatings. They last longer and protect the finish.

Hack #4: Washing the Car with Dish Soap

When people run out of car shampoo, they sometimes reach for the dish soap under their kitchen sink. On social media, I saw creators claiming dish soap cuts through grease and leaves a squeaky‑clean shine. As someone who once used Dawn on greasy baking trays, I understood the appeal. But would it treat car paint the same way?

How I Did It

1. Mix the soap: I filled a bucket with water and added a few squeezes of blue dish soap.
2. Wash normally: Using a microfiber mitt, I washed the car in the shade, starting from the roof down and rinsing frequently.
3. Rinse thoroughly: I rinsed the soap off with a hose and dried the car with clean towels.

The Real Result

My car looked incredibly clean and felt free of grease. The dish soap cut through road grime quickly. But when I dried the car I noticed the paint no longer felt “slick.” Water stopped beading on the surface; instead, it formed sheets and dried slowly. Two days later the paint looked a bit duller. That’s because dish soap isn’t designed for automotive finishes; it removes not only dirt but also wax and sealant, leaving the paint unprotected. According to Kelley Blue Book, non‑abrasive dish soaps can remove grease in a pinch, but repeated use can degrade the clear coat prematurely . Dish soap is so effective that it will strip previously applied wax or sealant and leave the paint vulnerable . The article also notes that car wash soaps are formulated with lubricants that lift dirt safely, whereas dish soap lacks these lubricants and increases the chance of fine scratches and swirl marks .

I also discovered that dish soap is alkaline (high pH), which can dry out rubber trim and accelerate oxidation . After my experiment I had to reapply wax and recondition the trims. In other words, dish soap might be acceptable if you intend to strip old wax before polishing, but it’s not a good regular wash solution.

Professional Takeaways

• Use dish soap only to strip old wax before polishing or applying a new protective coat .
• Do not use it regularly. Repeated use degrades the clear coat and removes wax .
• Dedicated car wash soaps are pH‑neutral and lubricated, reducing the risk of scratching .
• Always reapply protection (wax or sealant) after using dish soap.

Hack #5: Magic Eraser on Paint and Interior Surfaces

This final hack seemed almost magical—until it wasn’t. Magic Erasers (melamine foam sponges) are famous for removing scuffs from walls and shoes. In the auto world, viral clips show people using them to rub away tree sap, scuffs or brake dust on wheels. Melamine foam acts like a very fine sandpaper, so I approached this one with caution.

How I Did It

1. Test on an interior scuff: I wet the Magic Eraser and gently scrubbed a small scuff on a plastic kick plate. It removed the mark effortlessly.
2. Emboldened, tackle exterior paint: A week later I noticed a faint paint transfer on my rear bumper from a grocery cart. Remembering those TikTok videos, I dipped the eraser in water and rubbed softly on the mark.

The Real Result

At first the paint transfer disappeared. Then my stomach dropped. Under direct sunlight I saw dull streaks where glossy paint used to be. The Magic Eraser had abraded the clear coat. According to YourMechanic, a wet Magic Eraser is equivalent to 3,000 to 5,000‑grit sandpaper, and a dry eraser can behave like 800‑grit sandpaper . Using a Magic Eraser on car paint will scratch the finish .  The article explains that melamine foam is industrial strength; when used on paint it can cause severe scratches. Even on interiors, detailers advise against using it on large areas because the sandpaper‑like quality can strip dye from plastic dashboards and remove protective coatings from leather seats . The only time to use a Magic Eraser in a vehicle is on minor scuffs of hard plastic, and even then, one should soak the eraser thoroughly, scrub very softly and test on an out‑of‑the‑way spot first .

My bumper now had hazy patches that my fingernail could catch on. YourMechanic suggests if your fingernail catches, the scratch likely requires professional repair . That’s exactly where I ended up—at a body shop. The quick hack turned into a $300 paint correction. Lesson learned the hard way.

Professional Takeaways

• Never use a Magic Eraser on painted surfaces. It’s essentially sandpaper and will scratch the clear coat .
• Be cautious on interiors. It can strip color from plastic and leather . Use only on small scuffs, with light pressure and lots of water .
• For paint scuffs, use proper scratch removers or polishing compounds. They are designed to remove transfer without damaging the clear coat.

The One That Went Wrong

If the above section didn’t make it clear enough, the Magic Eraser was the hack that went horribly wrong. I still remember the moment. I stepped back from my bumper feeling like a DIY hero, only to see dull streaks in the sunlight. The panic hit like a bucket of cold water. Did I just ruin my paint? I tried to buff it out, but the haze stayed. After some frantic Googling, I discovered all those warnings about Magic Erasers basically being sandpaper . The memes in my head went from “nailed it” to “please don’t tell my insurance agent.”

I booked a paint correction appointment the same day. The technician raised an eyebrow, saw the eraser on the passenger seat and sighed. “You’ve been on TikTok, haven’t you?”

A few hours and a couple of hundred dollars later, my bumper was restored. The technician explained that many viral hacks cost customers more than professional detailing ever would. I laughed at my own misadventure—after all, if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ll cry. And I vowed never to use kitchen sponges on car paint again.

Lessons Learned & Professional Tips

Testing these hacks gave me a new appreciation for actual detailing products and professional advice. Here’s what I took away:

• Temporary fixes aren’t real solutions. Toothpaste and olive oil may offer quick cosmetic improvements, but their effects fade quickly and often create new problems like uneven spots, greasy residue or dust attraction  .
• Household products aren’t formulated for automotive materials. Dish soap strips wax and protection , WD‑40 leaves greasy residue and can damage clear coat with frequent use , and Magic Erasers scratch paint .
• Always test in a hidden spot. Whether you’re using olive oil, WD‑40 or a new cleaner, test on an inconspicuous area and wait to see if there’s discoloration  .
• Invest in the right tools. A proper headlight restoration kit provides UV protection and longer‑lasting clarity. Use pH‑neutral car wash soap with lubricants to minimize scratches . Choose dedicated interior cleaners instead of dish soap or all‑purpose cleaners, which can strip protective layers and damage surfaces . For scuffs on paint, use automotive scratch removers or polishing compounds instead of Magic Erasers.
• Protect your finish. After any cleaning, apply wax or sealant to protect paint. Consider ceramic coatings or professional detailing for long‑term protection.
• When in doubt, consult a pro. There’s a reason professional detailers exist. The cost of a proper detailing job is often less than fixing mistakes from a viral hack gone wrong.

Conclusion: Think Twice Before Trying That Viral Hack

The allure of viral car cleaning hacks is strong. Social media makes them look quick, cheap and satisfying. But as my week of experimentation showed, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Toothpaste might temporarily clear your headlights, olive oil might make your dash shine for a day, and WD‑40 can remove tar—but these hacks have downsides that TikTok rarely mentions. Dish soap strips away the wax that protects your paint , and the Magic Eraser? Well, that hack turned into an expensive lesson when it ruined my paint .

In the end, the takeaway is simple: treat your car with the same respect you’d give to any valuable possession. Use products designed for automotive surfaces, follow professional guidance, and resist the temptation to turn your vehicle into a science experiment. Next time you see a viral hack promising “super‑easy detailing,” enjoy the video—but maybe keep the olive oil in the kitchen and the Magic Eraser away from your paint.

If you truly want your car to sparkle and last, consider booking a professional detailing service. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you.

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