Only a month in and I already have scratches on the headlamps. Or more accurately they're more like permanent smudges. They didn't come out with a hand wash.

I couldn't get a good pic, but what can I do about them and how can I protect the headlamps without buying expensive film?

 

Did you try a cleaner wax or non-abrasive polish?

 

There's a billion sprays, I never know which one to use on what. So are you suggesting a general spray wax or a quick detailer (or are those the same thing?). I'm new to detailing.

 

I've always used a Quick Detailer-----Mothers or Meguires and have never had scratches on my plastic lenses. Ever. Just spray it on, get the bugs/smudges out with a soft clean towel, buff it dry. That's my method.

 

Just use toothpaste... Seriously.

 

Toothpaste will take a very clouded light and make it much better but it will not be as clear as what these light assemblies are when new. If you use it on a new light, it will end up slightly dull/cloudy.

 

From what I've read, Toothpaste is a great temporary fix for headlights... BUT because of its abrasive properties, it will strip the anti-glare/UV protective coating off of the lights too. So it's really not best to use on newer cars. You really shouldn't be using it, unless you're going to sand an older lens down, and refinish it.