17 Car Parts You’re Forgetting to Clean (But Definitely Shouldn’t)

You may think you’ve got a clean car—but have you really? While most drivers focus on the shiny exterior and vacuumed carpets, there are countless hidden spots where grime quietly builds up.

From door jambs to engine bays, dirt has a way of sneaking into the least expected places. Ignoring these commonly forgotten areas doesn’t just make your car look worse—it can lead to wear and tear, weird odors, and even mechanical issues.

If you want to keep your ride in top shape, it’s time to grab some cleaning supplies and tackle the spots most people overlook.

1. Seatbelt Straps – The Germ Magnets You Never Think About

Seatbelts do a great job keeping you safe, but they also trap sweat, food stains, and mystery grime over time. Most people never clean them, even though they touch your clothes and hands daily. A simple spray of fabric cleaner and a good scrub can keep them fresh and odor-free.

2. Door Jambs – The Hidden Dirt Collectors

Every time you open your car door, you’re greeted by a part of your car you rarely clean—the door jambs. Dust, leaves, and road grime accumulate here, making your car look older than it is. A microfiber cloth and some all-purpose cleaner will make them shine again in minutes.

3. Steering Wheel Buttons – The Bacteria Playground

You touch them every time you drive, yet they almost never get wiped down. Steering wheel buttons collect finger grease, crumbs, and germs, turning them into an unseen health hazard. A quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe can fix that in no time.

4. Air Vents – Blowing Dust Right at Your Face

Ever turned on your A/C and got blasted with dust? That’s because your air vents are hiding layers of dirt that nobody ever bothers to clean. A soft brush or a can of compressed air will clear out the debris and make your cabin air a lot fresher.

5. Under the Seats – The Land of Lost Snacks

If you’ve ever dropped a fry or a candy wrapper, chances are it’s still under your seat. This dark abyss is home to dirt, crumbs, and sometimes even forgotten change. A vacuum with a crevice tool will keep it from turning into a snack graveyard.

6. Fuel Filler Cap – The Forgotten Gas Station Zone

You touch it every time you refuel, but do you ever think about cleaning it? The fuel filler area collects dirt, spilled gas, and even mold, which can lead to unpleasant smells. A quick wipe with a damp cloth and some mild detergent will keep it looking fresh.

7. Engine Bay – Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Most people never pop the hood unless something’s wrong, but a grimy engine bay isn’t just ugly—it can trap heat and cause issues. A gentle rinse with a hose and some degreaser will keep it in top shape.

8. Inside the Glove Box – The Forgotten Storage Zone

Your glove box is a black hole for receipts, napkins, and random junk, but when’s the last time you actually cleaned it? A quick wipe-down and decluttering session will make it look brand new.

9. Trunk Carpet – A Dirt Magnet in Disguise

Your trunk carries everything from groceries to muddy shoes, yet it rarely gets cleaned. Over time, dirt embeds itself in the carpet, creating a permanent stain situation. A deep vacuuming session and fabric cleaner will bring it back to life.

10. Window Seals – The Secret Mold Hideout

Ever noticed weird streaks on your windows? Dirt and moisture build up in the rubber seals, leading to mold growth and unpleasant smells. A toothbrush and mild soap can clear out the gunk in no time.

11. Roof Liner – The Overlooked Dust Collector

Your car’s ceiling might look clean, but it collects dust, smoke, and even oil from your hair. A gentle wipe with a damp microfiber cloth can make a surprising difference.

12. Rearview Mirror Edges – The Smudged Frame Nobody Notices

While you clean your mirror, do you ever wipe the edges? Dust, fingerprints, and even sticky residue from air fresheners tend to gather there. A quick pass with glass cleaner will make it look spotless.

13. Parking Brake Handle – The Forgotten Grip

If your car has a manual handbrake, you probably touch it every day—yet it’s never wiped down. It collects skin oils, dust, and dirt over time, making it a hidden grime hotspot. A disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth will do the trick.

14. Cup Holders – The Sticky Disaster Zone

Between spilled coffee, crumbs, and condensation rings, cup holders turn into a sticky mess fast. A wipe with soapy water or a removable silicone liner makes cleaning a breeze.

15. Sun Visors – The Makeup and Fingerprint Zone

You flip them down all the time, but when’s the last time you actually cleaned them? Sun visors collect fingerprints, makeup stains, and dust, so a gentle fabric cleaner will keep them looking fresh.

16. License Plate – The Dirt-Covered Identity Card

Your car’s front and rear plates are constantly exposed to dirt, rain, and bugs, yet they’re rarely cleaned. A simple wipe with soap and water will keep them legible and looking good.

17. Side Mirror Housings – The Dust Traps

You clean your mirrors, but do you clean the plastic housing around them? These spots trap dust, dirt, and bugs, making them look dull. A quick polish with a microfiber cloth keeps them looking new.