How to Eliminate Cat Box Odor

Whether you are a one-cat household, or have multiple feline pets, keeping the litter box free of odor is a constant battle. And when the smell bothers us, it is far more offensive to the cats actually using the box in question. Even after scooping, smells can linger in both the cat box and the surrounding air. However, with a bit of diligence and even common household products, cat box odors can be a thing of the past.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter scoop
  • Unscented clumping litter (recommended)
  • Hot water
  • Mild detergent, such as dish soap
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the litter box in a nonpublic area of the house, if possible. This could include a basement, laundry room or garage, if you can provide a cat door for accessibility. Bathrooms with fans or window ventilation are also good places to hide the cat's bathroom.

    • 2

      Use an unscented clumping litter, rather than gravel. Clumping litter absorbs moisture and odors, and when scooped regularly, can eliminate most odors altogether.

    • 3

      Scoop the litter twice a day to remove solid waste in gravel litter, and large, wet lumps in clumping litter.

    • 4

      Wash the litter box thoroughly once or twice a week with hot water and soap, if you are not using a liner, when gravel litter is completely changed. Clumping litter should be changed every three to four weeks, and the box should be washed after emptied if you do not use a liner.

    • 5

      Spray or wash the box with undiluted vinegar, after washing with soap and water, and allow to air dry.

    • 6

      Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the litter box before adding fresh litter. Additionally, sprinkle baking soda into the litter between box washings to absorb urine and odors.