It’s easy for your car to become a place where you leave things you don’t want to carry. An extra pair of shoes, a half-finished drink, a few grocery bags, or whatever else gets tossed in the back seat can sit there for weeks without much thought.

But your car isn’t always the best place to store everyday items. Temperatures inside can get surprisingly hot or cold, and things left behind can become damaged, create unpleasant smells, or even attract unwanted attention.

If it’s been a while since you cleaned out your car, here are 12 things to check for.

Food and Drinks

Forgotten snacks, unfinished coffee, and leftover takeout can quickly make your car smell unpleasant, especially in warmer weather. Spills and crumbs can also attract insects or rodents, so make it a habit to remove food and drinks when you get home.

Makeup and Sunscreen

High temperatures can cause makeup to melt, separate, or change texture, while improperly stored sunscreen may lose some of its effectiveness. Instead of keeping these products in your glove compartment, carry a small bag that you can bring inside.

Important Paperwork

Don’t use your glove compartment to store checks, bank statements, bills, or other documents with sensitive information. If someone breaks into your car, those papers could put your personal information at risk, so keep unnecessary documents at home.

Bottled Water

Keeping bottled water in your car is convenient, but prolonged exposure to high temperatures and sunlight can affect its taste and quality. Plastic bottles can also leak, especially after freezing and thawing, so consider bringing an insulated reusable bottle instead.

Electronics and Charging Cables

Extreme heat can shorten the lifespan of batteries in phones, tablets, and portable chargers, while freezing temperatures can temporarily affect their performance. Leaving electronics in plain sight can also attract thieves, so bring them inside.

Loose Change and Cash

A few dollars sitting in your cup holder might not seem like much, but visible cash can give someone a reason to break into your car. Keep money and other valuables out of sight rather than leaving them scattered around the console.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable shopping bags can collect food residue, spills, and moisture after multiple grocery trips. Wash fabric bags regularly, wipe down insulated bags, and let everything dry completely before storing them again.

Spare Clothes and Shoes

An extra sweatshirt or pair of sneakers can come in handy, but damp clothing and sweaty shoes can develop musty odors when left in a closed vehicle. Heat and sunlight can also damage certain fabrics and footwear materials, so check your spare items occasionally.

Car Cleaning Supplies

Some cleaning products aren’t designed to sit in a hot trunk or freezing car for extended periods. Containers may leak, formulas can deteriorate, and pressurized products can become hazardous in extreme heat, so check the labels for proper storage instructions.

Wet Umbrellas

Keeping an umbrella in your car makes sense, but tossing it onto the seat while it’s still wet can leave moisture trapped in the upholstery. Let it dry completely before putting it back in the car to avoid musty smells and mildew.

Medications

Prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, which may affect their quality or effectiveness. Check the storage instructions and avoid leaving them in your car unless the packaging specifically allows it.

Aerosol Cans

Spray deodorant, air fresheners, and other aerosol products can become dangerous when exposed to excessive heat because their containers are pressurized. Rather than leaving them in the trunk or glove compartment, store them somewhere with a more consistent temperature.