G0RSQ

That will be an MOT failure if you are in UK.

First thing to do is give the belt a good wash.

Pull it right out, and put as much as possible in a bucket of hot water and washing detergent (ask your wife where she keeps it ). Soak what you cant get in.

Leave to soak and occasionally agitate the water.

Leave for at least an hour, before removing rinsing and leaving out to dry.

It will be a lot better at retracting after that.