How often should I clean a cat litter box?

Scoop solids and clumps at least once a day. Deep clean—emptying all litter and washing the tray—should be done weekly, or every two weeks if using high-quality silica litter and depending on the number of cats.

How do I clean the litter box?

Empty the box completely. Wash with hot water and an unscented, neutral soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove residue and dry completely before refilling with fresh litter. Never use bleach or ammonia.

How can I prevent bad litter box odors?

Scoop daily, deep clean weekly, use enough litter (5–7 cm / 2–3 in), and sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the clean, dry base before adding litter.

What product should I use to clean a litter box?

An unscented, neutral detergent is best—cats are sensitive to strong smells. Diluted white vinegar is also excellent to disinfect and neutralize odors. Avoid products with bleach, ammonia, or strong citrus fragrances.

How to Clean a Cat Litter Box: A Complete Guide to Eliminating Odors

Person wearing gloves cleaning a cat litter tray with a sponge

Sharing your home with a cat brings joy—and responsibility. One of the most important tasks for your pet’s wellbeing (and your home’s harmony) is proper litter box hygiene. Cats are extremely clean animals, and a dirty tray can cause stress and behavior issues. Knowing how to clean a cat litter box correctly is essential.

This guide explains the ideal cleaning frequency, a step-by-step deep-clean method, and the best tricks to keep bad odors at bay.

How Often Should You Clean the Litter Box?

Litter box care has two different rhythms—and both matter.

Daily scoop (non-negotiable): At least once a day, remove solid waste and clumps with a scoop. This simple habit is the most effective way to prevent odors and keep your cat happy.
Deep clean (weekly or biweekly): Empty the tray completely, wash, and disinfect. Weekly is ideal; if you use high-quality silica litter, you can stretch it to every two weeks.

Deep Clean: Step by Step

Once a week, set aside 15 minutes to reset your cat’s litter tray—your nose (and your cat) will thank you.

Supplies You’ll Need

Rubber gloves
Sturdy trash bag
Unscented neutral soap (or white vinegar)
A sponge or brush reserved only for this task
Paper towels or an old cloth
Fresh litter

Cleaning Process

Empty the litter: Wearing gloves, pour all used litter into the trash bag and seal it well.
Wash the tray: In the shower or outdoors, wash with plenty of hot water and neutral, unscented soap. Scrub corners and base thoroughly with the sponge or brush.
Disinfect & neutralize odors: For extra disinfection, spray a 1:1 mix of water and white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. Vinegar neutralizes urine ammonia odors effectively.
Avoid bleach & ammonia: Never use bleach, ammonia, or strong-scented cleaners (pine, citrus). Bleach + ammonia can create toxic gases, and intense scents may make your cat avoid the box.
Rinse thoroughly: Rinse with plenty of water to remove any soap or vinegar residue.
Dry completely: Crucial step. Dry the tray perfectly with paper towels or a cloth. A damp box breeds bacteria and makes fresh litter clump.
Refill with fresh litter: Add a 5–7 cm (2–3 in) layer. Less than this allows urine to reach and stick to the base.

Freshly cleaned cat litter box being refilled with new litter

Foolproof Tricks to Prevent Litter Box Odor

Alongside regular cleaning, these tips keep the environment fresh:

Baking soda: Before adding fresh litter, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the clean, dry base. It’s a safe, natural deodorizer.
Smart placement: Put the box in a well-ventilated, quiet, easily accessible spot for your cat.
Choose quality litter: Good clumping litters encapsulate odors better. Test a few until you find what works best for you and your cat.

Pet hygiene affects the whole home. If you’re battling hair on clothes and sofas, don’t miss our guide on removing pet hair from clothes.

Litter Box Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you clean a cat litter box?

Scoop daily. Deep clean weekly, or every two weeks with silica litter and depending on the number of cats.

How do you clean a cat litter tray?

Empty completely, wash with hot water and neutral, unscented soap, rinse very well, and dry thoroughly before refilling. Avoid bleach and ammonia.

How do you prevent bad litter box odor?

Scoop daily, deep clean weekly, maintain a 5–7 cm litter depth, and sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the base before adding litter.

What product should I use to clean the litter box?

Neutral, fragrance-free detergent or diluted white vinegar. Avoid bleach, ammonia, or strong citrus scents—cats can be very sensitive to them.

A clean litter box is an act of love for your cat and a gift to your home. With this routine, living together becomes fresher and more pleasant for everyone.

What About Your Pet’s Blankets and Beds?

Litter box hygiene is only part of the equation. Pet blankets, beds, and fabric toys also need regular deep cleaning to remove hair, odors, and bacteria. At LaColada Self-Service Laundry Ponferrada, our large-capacity washers are perfect to leave all your pet’s textiles spotless. Bring them in and give them new life!

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