1. Steering Wheel
It is the first thing you grab when you slide into the driver’s seat, yet it is also one of the germiest parts of any rental car. Countless hands have been on it before yours, and cleaners often miss small crevices where dirt and bacteria hide. A quick wipe with a disinfectant before you hit the road can make a big difference. Focus on the top, bottom, and sides where fingers naturally rest. It only takes a moment, but that moment can give you peace of mind for the entire drive, knowing you have a cleaner, safer start to your trip.
2. Gear Shifter
The gear shifter may not seem like a big concern, but it gets handled almost as much as the steering wheel. Shifting into drive, reverse, or park means repeated contact, often without anyone thinking to clean it beforehand. Since it is small, germs can collect in tight spaces around the edges. Before you start your journey, give it a quick wipe with a disinfecting cloth, paying attention to every side. This small step can help reduce your exposure to whatever the last driver left behind, making your trip feel more comfortable and keeping your hands cleaner during your time on the road.
3. Door Handles Inside and Out
Door handles see a lot of action from the moment you unlock the car to the moment you leave it. Every renter, cleaner, and staff member has touched them, often without a thought about hygiene. Exterior handles get exposure to weather, while interior handles collect oils and dirt from hands. A quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe before your first use can help you avoid picking up unnecessary germs. It is a simple, easy habit that takes only seconds but can make a huge difference in keeping you healthier while traveling and making your rental experience feel much more comfortable.
4. Seatbelts and Buckles
Seatbelts are essential for safety, but their cleanliness often gets overlooked. They are touched by nearly everyone who gets in the car, yet they are rarely given the same cleaning attention as other parts. The buckles, in particular, can hold grime around the release button and metal clasp. Taking a moment to clean the buckle and the section of belt you pull can make buckling in feel much more reassuring. It is a quick step that protects you from lingering dirt or bacteria and ensures your comfort and peace of mind as you settle in for a safe, clean ride.
5. Touchscreens and Buttons
Touchscreens and buttons for GPS, radio, and climate control are high-contact areas that quickly gather fingerprints, smudges, and bacteria. Every driver adjusts settings differently, meaning those surfaces see a lot of touching without much cleaning in between. Use a screen-safe wipe or a lightly dampened microfiber cloth to clean them before use. Pay attention to buttons near the steering wheel or on the console, as they are easy to forget. This keeps your hands cleaner during the drive and makes using the car’s features more pleasant. Clean controls can make the ride smoother and more enjoyable from start to finish.
6. Cup Holders
Cup holders might seem harmless, but they are magnets for spills, crumbs, and sticky residue. Even a quick glance can reveal spots left behind from the last renter’s coffee or soda. Wiping them out before placing your drink or snacks ensures you are not setting anything into a germy puddle. A napkin or disinfectant wipe works perfectly for the job. This small cleaning habit helps avoid unpleasant smells, prevents sticky messes on your cups, and makes the space more inviting. It is one of those quick wins that can make your rental car feel much fresher in just a moment.
7. Seats (Especially Fabric)
Fabric seats absorb everything from sweat to food smells, and even quick cleaning between rentals cannot always remove what is left behind. Leather or vinyl surfaces are easier to wipe, but fabric holds onto whatever has touched it. If you are concerned, you can place a clean cover or light blanket over the seat before sitting. A fabric-safe disinfectant spray can also help freshen things up. Taking this small step can make long drives feel more comfortable and help you avoid contact with stains or odors left by previous drivers. A clean seat truly changes the feel of a ride.
8. Floor Mats and Carpets
Floor mats and carpets collect everything your shoes bring into the car, from dirt and mud to bits of food. In rental cars, they are rarely deep-cleaned between customers, which means you could be stepping into layers of someone else’s mess. Before settling in, shake out or quickly wipe down the mats if possible. You can also place a temporary cover like a paper mat or towel to keep your shoes from sitting on built-up grime. This simple move keeps the space under your feet fresher and makes your driving environment feel much cleaner and more comfortable right away.
9. Air Vents
Air vents can hide dust, allergens, and even traces of mold, especially in cars that have sat unused for a while. When you turn on the fan or air conditioning, those particles can blow directly into your face. Before starting your drive, gently wipe across the surface of the vents and consider running the air for a moment with the windows down to flush it out. This is a quick habit that can make breathing in the car more pleasant. It also helps keep the air smelling fresh so your trip feels healthier and more enjoyable from the very beginning.
10. Trunk Interior
The trunk often gets overlooked during cleaning, yet it carries luggage, groceries, and sports gear that can leave behind dirt or spills. In a rental, this means you could be placing your clean bags on a less-than-clean surface. A quick wipe of the trunk floor or laying down a towel before loading your items can keep your belongings free from contact with grime. This small step can make unpacking later much more pleasant and keep your clothes or gear fresh. It is a simple way to start your trip with a cleaner, better-prepared space for all your belongings.
11. Key Fobs
Key fobs pass through many hands before they reach yours, from rental agents to cleaners and other staff. They are rarely disinfected, yet you handle them throughout your rental period. Taking a moment to wipe down the fob before attaching it to your keys or putting it in your pocket helps keep your hands cleaner during the trip. This small action is quick and easy but can give you peace of mind. Just like with other surfaces, starting clean means traveling with more comfort and confidence, knowing you have done your part to make the ride safer and healthier.
Fast Facts to Know: More than 2 million rental cars are in circulation across the U.S. at any time; Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis collectively serve over 100 million customers annually; most rental cars receive a visual and quick surface clean between uses, not a full sanitization; CDC studies show that steering wheels and gear shifts can carry hundreds of times more bacteria than public elevator buttons.
Pro Tips to Stay Clean on the Road: Pack a travel hygiene kit with sanitizing wipes, gloves, and a mini disinfectant spray; do your own two minute clean before driving off, especially on high touch surfaces; if you are immunocompromised or cautious, bring a seat cover or disposable barriers; keep windows slightly open for airflow if the car has sat unused.
This story 11 Dirtiest Parts of a Rental Car and How to Protect Yourself was first published on Daily FETCH
