Why Keeping a Cat Litter Box Clean Matters
A cat litter box is essential for any household with felines. Whether they’re kittens or seasoned litter tray users, they need somewhere appropriate to relieve themselves—and you’d much rather it be the litter box than your brand-new carpet.
Knowing how to clean cat litter isn’t the most glamorous skill, but it’s crucial for maintaining a clean home and helping keep your pets healthy. Once you develop a routine, it becomes a quick and simple task.
Remember to clean your scooper regularly. Since you’ll be using it daily, give it a spray with a disinfectant such as Domestos Bleach Spray once a week when cleaning the litter box itself. This helps eliminate germs and bacteria. Always follow the product label instructions and safety guidelines.
How Often Should You Clean a Cat Litter Box?
Scooping solids and clumps of urine from the litter box daily is usually enough to keep it fresh. However, you should still perform a thorough deep clean every week.
If multiple cats use the same litter box, you may need to clean it more frequently—typically two to three times per week, depending on usage.
How to Clean Cat Urine and Faeces from the Litter Box Daily
Before you begin, put on rubber gloves and a mask to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, a virus that can be contracted through cat faeces. If you’re pregnant, it’s best to ask someone else in the household to clean the litter tray.
For daily cleaning, all you need is a litter scooper.
- Use the scooper to remove any faeces or clumps of urine from the litter.
- Place the waste into a disposable bag.
- Dispose of the bag in an outdoor bin rather than an indoor kitchen bin.
- Top up the litter if necessary.
How to Deep Clean a Cat Litter Box Weekly
When it’s time for the weekly deep clean, follow this simple seven-step method. It’s best done outdoors, but you can also use a kitchen sink if you disinfect the area thoroughly afterward.
Remember to wear rubber gloves and a mask throughout the cleaning process.
Open a disposable bag as wide as possible and carefully empty the litter box into it. If working indoors, keep a dustpan and brush nearby in case of spills.
- Use your scooper to scrape away any dried litter stuck to the box.
- Sweep any spilled litter into the bag, seal it, and place it in an outdoor bin.
- Spray the box with a commercial bleach such as Domestos Bleach Spray and wipe it down using a clean sponge or cloth. Alternatively, use warm water and dishwashing liquid for a gentler option. Clean both the inside and outside thoroughly.
- Rinse the box well to remove all traces of bleach or soap.
- Allow the box to dry completely. Air drying is ideal, but paper towels can be used if you’re short on time.
- Ensure the box is fully dry before adding fresh litter to prevent sticking.
- Refill the box with clean litter and return it to its usual location.
Cat Litter Box Smell Hacks
Regular cleaning is the best way to control litter box odours, but these additional tips can help keep unpleasant smells under control for longer.
- Add baking soda: Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the tray before adding fresh litter. Its absorbent properties help reduce odours.
- Try a different litter: Some litters are specifically formulated to combat odours. Wheat-based litters can naturally control smells, while clumping litters are often more effective at trapping odours than non-clumping varieties.
- Keep the area ventilated: Make sure the room where the litter box is located has good airflow.
- Avoid enclosed spaces: Don’t hide the litter box in a dark, confined area, as this can worsen odours. Place it in a well-ventilated location and open a window regularly when possible.
Keep Your Home Fresh and Your Cat Healthy
Now that you know how to clean a cat litter tray properly, you can keep your home smelling fresh while ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for your pet.