Damn! Why my cat litter box is so dirty and stinks very badly? I don’t know how to clean a litter box; it is too hard. Should I get a covered litter box to hinder the smell?
Even after cleaning a litter box with so many expensive detergents, I still can’t beat the smell or could get rid of the stains.
Many cat owners come across such situations on a daily basis, and cleaning a litter box is quite a tough task as they don’t know how to clean a litter box properly!
Well, calm down because this article is just for you. We have given steps on how to clean a litter box easily!
How to Clean a Litter Box?
The best way to clean a litter box is to wash the litter box thoroughly with unscented dish soap, detergents or cleaning chemicals, and hot water. After that, Rinse the box completely and dry with paper towels. Once a week, you can dump the entire box and soak it in hot water for a few minutes.
Let’s run to learn steps on how to clean a litter box properly!
Cleaning a litter box will now become way too easy for you. Just make sure you don’t miss any steps that are given below.
1. Get a Trash Can
Before you clean the cat litter box, make sure you keep a separate trash bag to dump the used litter.
You don’t need to buy a new trash bin; you can simply use an old plastic bucket. And exclusively use it for dumping used cat litter only. Remember to keep the trash receptacle close while unloading because it reduces the risk of spreading germs and bacteria, which can make you sick.
2. Scoop Out Used Litter Solids
Scooping cat litter regularly is important. If you don’t, then it will stink of the cat’s urine and poop. It can make your whole house smelly. Therefore, make sure you daily remove the used litter, or if not possible, then do at least every other day.
Buy a good-quality litter scooper to remove the used solids. If you are using clumping litter, then it would be a mess-free and manageable task to clean. You can save a lot of time while scooping.
Clumping litter absorbs pee quickly and solidifies into a lump. So, while cleaning a litter tray, the only thing you need to do is remove the clumps. However, if you use non-clumping litter, cleaning the litter box will be difficult.
3. Vacant the Litter Box
Properly clean the litter box by unloading the used litter in the trash bin or the waste bag! Then wash off the box once every week. But, if you have many cats in your house, then you have to clean the box at least two or more times a week.
Make sure you clean the trash bin close to the litter box while cleaning the litter box so that you don’t spread the litter on the floor.
Always use gloves and a mask while dumping litter in the trash bin. It works to prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis, which is caused by cat feces!
4. Time to Wash Cat’s Litter Box
Now, it’s time to scrub the cat litter box. You can either sink the box in the water or simply use a hose according to your comfort.
Experts suggest that washing litter boxes once a week, but few experts believe in cleaning litter boxes once a month. It depends on how many cats use the litter box and how many times they go for defecation, plus what type of litter your cat likes.
Scrub the litter box thoroughly with warm water and chemical-free dish soap, or get a specific special litter box cleaner!
Wait! Do you want to make homemade cat litter cleaners?
Then simply mix baking soda in warm water and give it a mix. Then spread that solution on the surface of the box. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse its residue very well.
If your cleanser is scented, there is a higher chance that your cat may like it and refuse to use it.
PRO TIP: Avoid litter cleanser, which contains ammonia or citrus acid. Cat doesn’t like their smells. And, if you clean it with that, then they might not use their litter box again till the smell doesn’t fade away. Or even after the box is clean from top to bottom, or you have changed the litter.
5. Dry the Litter Tray Properly
Once done with the scrubbing part now it’s time to dry the litter tray thoroughly.
Bear in mind that you have to completely wipe off the water from the litter box; otherwise, the cat litter will cling in the litter box and won’t peel off easily.
And, in case your cat likes clumping litter, and you pour that in the wet litter tray, the entire box may become worthless.
Either you let it air dry or wipe it with paper towels or napkins.
6. Sprinkle Baking Soda
Baking soda is a wonderful and effective powder available easily in every house.
After completely drying the litter tray, you can sprinkle this magical baking soda in the litter box. It helps to control the unpleasant smell of the litter box.
It is advised to spread baking soda before loading litter into the box. It helps to absorb pee in case you use non-clumping cat litter. Now, you can add new litter for about 2-3 inches, and it is ready for use!
Give a glance look at
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FAQs
How to clean a litter box with bleach?
You must first clean the litter tray with water and mild soap before using bleach. Then, in a bowl, combine 3/4 cup ordinary bleach with a little water. Allow it to sit for about five minutes before scrubbing the area thoroughly with a sponge.
Rinse it with water and let it sun dry and wipe the sides and bottom of the box with a paper napkin and yes, it’s ready to use. Now you can add fresh litter to the box.
How to clean a litter box with vinegar?
It’s easier to clean the litter tray with vinegar. And it’s better than chemical cleaners. Simply first remove all the used litter and waste in the garbage box. Then put one small cup of vinegar in the tray, leave it for around 15 minutes, pour some warm water, and scrub the bottom and the sides properly. Let it air dry.
What are the tips and precautions one must take while cleaning a litter box?
Get acknowledge and read the warnings signs:
1. If a woman is pregnant, then they should not clean kitty waste or litter trays.
2. Make sure you don’t use hard chemicals while cleaning the litter tray.
3. Use a face mask and gloves while cleaning the litter box as the dust can pass through your nose and may ruin your health.
4. You can put a litter box in a peaceful place like a laundry room or bathroom, and you should also avoid buying the wrong litter so that she doesn’t defecate outdoor.
5. To reduce the mess, you can use plastic litter box liners.
How to Clean a Cat Litter Box?
The best way to clean a litter box is to wash the litter box thoroughly with unscented dish soap, detergents or cleaning chemicals, and hot water. After that, Rinse the box completely and dry with paper towels. Once a week, you can dump the entire box and soak it in hot water for a few minutes.
Summing It All Up!
Choose enzyme-based products to clean the furniture or carpets if, by chance, your cat leaves waste on them. You can retrain her to avoid such mess or keep track of her toilet business habits.
Well, cleaning a litter box is a hectic task, and we understand stain and unpleasant scents may persist even after cleaning it so many times.
Therefore, if you want to know how to clean a litter box appropriately, read the steps given above. We have given the best way to clean the litter box.
If you have any doubt regarding this or want to add your review, do leave a comment below!
Till then, take care of your kitty health and keep your feline’s litter box clean!
References
- Keeping Odor Away With a Clean Litter Box – PetMD
- Solving Litter Box Problems – Denver Dumb Friends League
- How to Clean Your Cat’s Litter Box – Pet Smart