7 Surprisingly Dirty Places In Your Car You Might Never Think To CleanSouthern LivingBrandee GruenerFri, September 18, 2026 at 2:28 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleCredit: port-o / Getty ImagesChances are you've noticed the dirty drink holders in your car, and it's obvious that the floor mats need a good cleaning. But other nooks and crannies in our vehicles get a lot less attention. A run through the car wash will never wipe the stickiness from seat belts or clean out the tracks under your adjustable seats. At least once a year, you should clean these forgotten areas so you don't have to live with bad smells, poor air quality, mechanical problems, and pests.These six places you're forgetting to clean in your car could use some serious TLC. Here are a few tips on when and how to clean them.Door PocketsCrumbs, dirt, and grit hide deep in the wells of door pockets, but unless you bend over and take a look, you may not ever see it. Vacuum the door pockets with your crevice tool at least once a season; do it monthly if you have kids who like to stuff drinks in the doors. After vacuuming, use a damp, soapy cloth to wipe away any stickiness.Seat Belts And BucklesMost of us have never cleaned the seat belts and buckles in the car, despite the fact that grimy hands deposit oils and dirt on these every single day. The buildup can lead to stains, discoloration, and locker-room odors in your vehicle. This can also be a safety issue, because sticky, clogged seat buckles are more difficult to secure.AdvertisementAdvertisementClean seat belts twice a year or anytime you notice a spill. To do this, pull the belt all the way out and use a clip to keep it from retracting. Spray belts with an upholstery cleaner, lightly scrub them with a brush, then towel them dry. You can spot treat stains with soapy water or a seat belt cleaning product. Pry debris out of buckles with a small brush, then wipe them with a cloth dampened with soapy water.Under SeatsIt's amazing what can roll underneath our seats, never to be seen again: receipts, pencils, wrappers, water bottles, French fries. Eventually, those leftover chicken nuggets can really start to smell. Get under there to vacuum once a season, or at least once a month if you have kids or grandkids riding with you. While you're at it, clean the tracks under adjustable seats so they can continue sliding smoothly. If the vacuum doesn't do an adequate job, spray the tracks with an all-purpose car cleaner, then use a brush to dislodge or scrub off anything that is stuck.Door JambsDoor jambs collect dust, dirt, leaves, and rocks. In winter, a fine layer of rock salt also coats door jambs. You should clean door jambs to avoid ruining your paint job and tracking grit into the car. Brush or vacuum dirt and debris out of door jambs every month. Give them a good wipe down every three or four months while you're detailing your car.Air VentsDirty air vents can really impact the air quality in your car. If you have allergies, you may find yourself sneezing every time you take a drive. Change your cabin air filter at least once a year so you're not breathing in dust and pollen. Then, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and dust from the vents inside your car.Windshield CowlThe panel under your windshield wipers is known as the cowl. The piles of leaves, acorns, and pine needles that collect here can cause problems when they block drains and vents. Rainwater can back up onto the floorboards or electronics, and rotting leaves will force musty air into the AC system of your car. Open the hood from time to time and remove all debris from the cowl. You may need to do this every month in the fall.SunroofIt's easy to forget about your sunroof until it starts leaking or grinding open and shut. To avoid this, inspect and clean the channel around your sunroof at least once a year. Open the sunroof and use a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris from the tracks. If you suspect you have clogs in the drain holes, use compressed air or a thin, flexible cable to clear the clogs.Read the original article on Southern Living