How to Clean Your Cat Litter Box

Cats take readily to litter boxes, with cat owners rarely even needing to house train them. However, some maintenance is necessary. A dirty cat litter box is unpleasant both for you and for the cat. Regularly removing excrement and cleaning the box completely every few weeks is normally sufficient to keep odors to a minimum.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • Tongs or scoop
  • Plastic bags
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Cleaning cloths
  • Paper towels
  • Baking soda
  • Litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on rubber gloves before attending to the litter box. Cat waste can carry diseases. Only use this gloves for the litter box; don't use them for washing dishes or any other purpose. Alternatively, use disposable gloves and throw them away after use.

    • 2

      Remove all the messes from the litter tray with tongs or a plastic scoop daily. New types of cat litter clump around moisture, so you can remove urine as well as droppings. Place the messes in a plastic bag and tie the top tightly before disposing of it in the general trash. Do not compost carnivore waste unless you have specialty composting facilities.

    • 3

      Empty all the litter into a garbage bag once a week and replace it with fresh litter.

    • 4

      Clean the box thoroughly once a month or every couple of weeks. Fill the box with hot water and allow it to soak for a few hours if there is any dried-on excrement.

    • 5

      Make a solution of hot water and dishwashing liquid in a bucket. A few squirts of dishwashing liquid are plenty. Wipe the box down with the solution and rinse. It is easiest to do this outside with a hose. Stronger chemicals are off-putting to cats and may be toxic. Vinegar, however, is suitable as mild disinfectant.

    • 6

      Dry the box with paper towels. Sprinkle a layer of baking soda in the box, to minimize odors, and add fresh cat litter.