sidwynder

The moment you first realise your headlights are actually cloudy can be a sobering one.
Now you have some choices to make and it is imperative that you choose wisely.
You check on line only to find a lot of opinions from a lot of would be experts.
Now you are not only sober but confused as well.

99% of the solutions involve using some sort of abrasive on your headlights, from tooth paste to sandpaper.
The short term consensus is "that abrasives works". Removing the bad plastic.

A more long term approach is void of any abrasives and the term "bad plastic" is ridiculed. A DIY deoxidizer removes only the clouding from the headlight without damaging the plastic.:

Neither is permanent. Clouding is oxidation, a natural progression of plastic's aging process when exposed to the weather. IT COMES BACK OVER TIME.

You need to decide which method would be best for you long term in addition to how much the actual headlight will be effected by any repetitive actions.

Are you going to keep the car or sell it?
In many cases the first casualty of an abrasive cleaning will be the protective UV layer, the headlight will eventually become a permanent yellow which cannot be removed forcing replacement.

The cost in time is incalculable.
Labor cost is another factor to consider.
Would you consider this method safe enough to use on your eye glasses?

Choose wisely.