How to Clean a Litter Box: Step-by-Step Guide
Cleaning a litter box regularly helps control odor, keeps the litter area cleaner and gives your cat a more inviting place to eliminate. The basic routine is simple: scoop waste at least once a day, replace soiled litter as needed, and periodically empty and wash the entire litter box.
How often you need to clean depends on the type of litter you use, how many cats share the box, the number of litter boxes in your home and how quickly the litter becomes soiled.
How Often Should You Clean a Litter Box?
A litter box should be scooped at least once a day, with urine clumps and feces removed completely. Many boxes benefit from being scooped more frequently, especially in multi-cat homes. The entire box should also be emptied and washed periodically rather than continually adding fresh litter on top of old litter.
| Litter Box Task | General Schedule |
|---|---|
| Scoop urine and feces | At least once daily |
| Remove spills or accidents | As soon as noticed |
| Add fresh litter | As needed |
| Clean litter from surrounding floor | As needed |
| Wash the litter scoop | Regularly |
| Replace all litter | Based on litter type and condition |
| Wash the entire litter box | Regularly and whenever heavily soiled |
There is no single cleaning schedule that works for every litter box. A box shared by several cats will usually need more frequent attention than one used by a single cat. The type of litter also makes a difference because clumping litter, non-clumping litter, pellets and crystal litter handle urine differently.
Pay attention to the condition of the litter as well as the calendar. Persistent odor, saturated litter, excessive crumbling, litter stuck to the bottom of the box or waste that can no longer be removed cleanly are all signs that it is time for a more thorough cleaning.
What You Need to Clean a Litter Box
You do not need a long list of cleaning products to keep a litter box clean. For routine cleaning, a few basic supplies are usually enough:
- Litter scoop
- Waste bag or disposal container
- Disposable gloves
- Warm water
- Mild, unscented soap
- Dedicated sponge or cleaning brush
- Paper towels or washable cleaning cloth
- Fresh cat litter
Strong fragrances are not necessary for a clean litter box. The goal is to remove urine, feces, dirty litter and residue, rather than cover odors with perfume.
If you use a commercial litter box cleaner, choose one intended for use around pets and follow the manufacturer’s directions. This is also a natural place to feature a cleaning product you have personally tested or a sponsored product when relevant.
How to Clean a Litter Box Step by Step
For a full litter box cleaning, remove all waste and old litter, wash and rinse the box, allow it to dry completely, and refill it with fresh litter. The entire process is straightforward, but cleaning the corners, scoop and surrounding area is easy to overlook.
1. Scoop Out Urine and Stool
Start by removing all feces and urine clumps. Check the corners and along the edges of the box for smaller pieces of soiled litter that may have broken away from larger clumps.
2. Empty the Old Litter
Pour the remaining litter into a waste bag or appropriate disposal container.
Do not flush cat litter or pour it down household drains unless the litter manufacturer specifically states that the product is suitable for that type of disposal.
3. Remove Litter Stuck to the Box
Loosen litter stuck to the bottom, sides and corners before washing.
Be careful when scraping plastic litter boxes. Deep scratches can create harder-to-clean surfaces where residue and odor may persist.
4. Wash the Litter Box
Wash the box with warm water and a mild, unscented cleaner. Clean both the inside and outside rather than focusing only on the area that holds the litter.
Pay particular attention to:
- Corners and seams
- The entrance to the box
- Handles
- The underside of the box
- Lid edges and joints on covered boxes
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse away soap, loosened debris and cleaning-product residue.
A litter box does not need to smell strongly of cleaning products to be clean. Thoroughly removing the source of the odor is more important than adding fragrance.
6. Dry the Litter Box Completely
Allow the box to dry before adding new litter.
This is particularly important with clumping litter. Adding it to a damp box can cause fresh litter to immediately stick to the bottom and sides.
7. Add Fresh Litter
Once the box is completely dry, refill it with fresh litter.
Between full cleanings, you can top up litter as needed after scooping. However, continually adding clean litter should not replace periodically emptying and washing the box.
8. Clean the Scoop and Surrounding Area
Finish by cleaning the litter scoop and removing tracked litter from the floor and litter mat.
Check underneath the box as well. Small amounts of litter, urine or other debris can collect underneath it unnoticed. If the litter box still smells after it has been thoroughly cleaned, the odor may actually be coming from the surrounding floor, mat or another urine-contaminated surface.
Related guide: If urine odor remains outside the litter box, see How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell for cleaning different surfaces and finding hidden contamination.
How to Deep Clean a Litter Box
Daily scooping removes urine and feces, but residue can gradually build up on the litter box itself. A deep clean means completely emptying the box, washing every surface, cleaning the surrounding area and replacing the old litter with fresh litter.
For a full litter box cleaning:
- Empty all the litter. Dispose of the old litter and check the bottom of the box for damp or stuck-on material.
- Remove stuck-on residue. Gently loosen litter from the bottom, sides and corners without scratching the surface.
- Wash the inside. Use warm water and a mild, unscented soap or appropriate pet-safe cleaner.
- Wash the outside and bottom. Urine, litter dust and debris can collect on surfaces you do not normally see.
- Clean corners and seams. Pay extra attention to areas where residue can accumulate.
- Rinse thoroughly. Remove all soap, cleaner and loosened debris.
- Dry completely. A dry surface helps prevent fresh litter from immediately sticking to the box.
- Wash the litter scoop. The scoop can hold odor and contaminated litter even when the box is clean.
- Clean the litter mat. Shake out loose litter and wash the mat according to its care instructions.
- Clean underneath the box. Vacuum or wipe the floor to remove tracked litter, dust and debris.
- Inspect the litter box. Look for cracks, deep scratches or damaged areas that have become difficult to clean.
- Refill with fresh litter. Once everything is completely dry, add clean litter and return the box to its usual location.
What Should You Clean a Litter Box With?
For routine cleaning, warm water and a mild, unscented soap are usually all you need. The goal is to physically remove waste and residue, not cover litter box odors with fragrance.
| Cleaning Product | What Cat Owners Should Know |
|---|---|
| Mild unscented soap | A simple choice for routine washing when thoroughly rinsed |
| Pet-safe cleaner | Use according to the manufacturer’s directions |
| Enzyme cleaner | Most useful when urine has contaminated flooring, carpet or other surfaces outside the box |
| Vinegar | Can be useful for household cleaning, but should not be relied on as a universal disinfectant |
| Bleach | Usually unnecessary for routine litter box washing |
| Strongly scented cleaners | Can leave a strong fragrance behind after cleaning |
| Essential-oil cleaners | Require caution because some essential oils can be harmful to cats |
If you are dealing with urine that has soaked into the area around the litter box rather than the box itself, see my How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell guide for cleaning different surfaces.
What About Disinfecting the Litter Box?
Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing. Cleaning physically removes litter, feces, urine and organic material. Disinfection uses a specific product and procedure to reduce or destroy microorganisms.
Most routine litter box maintenance should focus on keeping the box clean. Disinfection becomes more important when a cat has certain infectious diseases or parasites.
If your cat has been diagnosed with a contagious condition, ask your veterinarian which disinfectant to use and follow the recommended dilution, contact time and cleaning frequency. Different organisms respond to different disinfectants, so there is no single disinfecting method that is appropriate for every situation.
How Often Should You Completely Change Cat Litter?
How often you need to completely change cat litter depends on the type of litter, number of cats, size of the litter box and how quickly the litter becomes soiled. Daily scooping can extend the useful life of many litters, but adding fresh litter indefinitely is not a substitute for periodically emptying and cleaning the box.
Clumping Litter
Clumping litter allows urine and feces to be removed during daily scooping, leaving the clean litter behind. Top up the box as needed, but completely replace the litter when it develops persistent odor, becomes heavily contaminated or can no longer be scooped effectively.
Non-Clumping Litter
Non-clumping litter absorbs urine rather than forming removable clumps. Because urine remains within the litter, the entire contents generally need to be replaced more frequently than with a well-maintained clumping litter.
Pine and Other Pellet Litters
Pellet litter behaves differently as it absorbs moisture. Pine pellets, for example, typically break down into sawdust after becoming wet. Remove feces regularly and remove or sift out the broken-down material according to the type of pellet system you use.
Crystal Litter
Crystal litter absorbs moisture rather than forming traditional urine clumps. Products vary considerably in how they are designed to be maintained, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for stirring, scooping and complete replacement.
The better rule is to watch the litter, not just the calendar. If it remains noticeably dirty or smells after scooping, it is time to replace it.
How to Keep a Litter Box From Smelling
The best way to control litter box odor is to remove the source of the smell rather than trying to cover it with fragrance. A properly maintained litter box should not require heavy perfumes to make the surrounding room tolerable.
- Scoop frequently. Removing urine and feces quickly prevents odor from accumulating.
- Remove saturated litter. Do not leave heavily soiled or broken-down litter in the box.
- Replace the litter when needed. Fresh litter cannot indefinitely compensate for old, contaminated litter.
- Wash the litter box itself. Residue can remain on the bottom, sides, corners and seams even after the litter is removed.
- Keep the scoop clean. A dirty scoop can become an overlooked source of odor.
- Clean the litter mat. Mats can trap litter, urine and other debris.
- Clean underneath and behind the box. Move the litter box periodically and clean the entire surrounding area.
- Look for urine outside the box. Persistent odor may actually be coming from flooring, carpet, baseboards or another nearby surface.
- Use an appropriately sized litter box. A box that is too small can make it easier for urine and feces to end up on the sides or outside the box.
- Replace a box that can no longer be cleaned effectively. Deep scratches, cracks and damaged surfaces can make residue and odor increasingly difficult to remove.
If you have cleaned the litter box thoroughly and still smell cat urine, the odor may be coming from contamination outside the box. My How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell guide explains how to find hidden urine and treat different surfaces.
Why Does My Litter Box Still Smell After Cleaning?
If a litter box still smells after you have emptied and washed it, the odor may not be coming from the litter itself. Urine and waste can collect in scratches, underneath the box or on nearby surfaces that are easy to overlook.
Common sources of lingering litter box odor include:
- Scratched plastic. Deep scratches can hold residue and become increasingly difficult to clean.
- A dirty litter scoop. The scoop comes into direct contact with urine clumps and feces and needs regular cleaning too.
- Saturated litter. Adding fresh litter does not always eliminate odor from older litter underneath.
- Urine underneath the box. Small amounts can seep or spray beneath the box without being immediately visible.
- A dirty litter mat. Mats collect litter, dust and sometimes urine.
- Waste trapped in seams. Covered and multi-piece boxes can have small areas that are easy to miss.
- Urine on walls or baseboards. This is particularly worth checking if a cat urinates high against the side of the box.
- An accident on carpet or flooring. Even a small amount of dried urine can continue producing noticeable odor.
If the litter box itself is clean but you can still smell urine, check the surrounding floor, carpet, baseboards and furniture.
How to Clean Around a Litter Box
Cleaning the box is only part of litter box maintenance. The floor, litter mat and space underneath the box can collect litter, hair, dust and urine, so these areas need attention too.
Clean Up Tracked Litter
Sweep or vacuum litter that has been kicked or carried outside the box. Lightweight litter can travel surprisingly far, while longhaired cats may carry litter away on their paws and coat.
If tracked litter and cat hair are a constant problem in your home, see my Best Vacuum for Cat Hair guide for vacuums designed to handle the debris that comes with living with cats.
Wash the Litter Mat
Shake or vacuum loose litter from the mat first, then clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The correct method will depend on whether you have a rubber, fabric, foam or other washable mat.
Pay attention to the underside as well. Urine or moisture trapped between the mat and floor can create an odor even when the top looks clean.
Check Under and Behind the Litter Box
Move the entire litter box periodically instead of cleaning only the visible floor around it.
Look for:
- Tracked litter
- Litter dust
- Urine
- Small pieces of waste
- Moisture underneath the box
Wipe hard flooring clean and allow the area to dry before putting the litter box back.
Clean Urine Outside the Litter Box
If you find urine on the floor, carpet, wall or baseboard, treat the contaminated surface rather than simply washing the litter box again.
Urine that has reached carpet or another porous material can penetrate below the visible surface, which is one reason the smell may return after ordinary surface cleaning. For a complete cleaning method, see How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell.
Litter Box Odor vs Household Cat Odor
If your home still smells after the litter box has been cleaned, the litter box may not be the only source. Cat odor can also come from urine accidents, litter dust, hair and dander, dirty fabrics, carpets and poor ventilation.
Start by identifying the source. A strong urine smell requires finding and cleaning the contaminated surface, while airborne hair, dander and fine particles require a different approach.
An air purifier can help capture airborne cat hair, dander and some particles, but it cannot clean a dirty litter box or remove urine that has soaked into carpet, flooring or furniture. See my Best Air Purifier for Cat Hair guide if airborne cat hair and dander are part of the problem in your home.
Cleaning Traditional vs Automatic Litter Boxes
The basic principles of litter box cleaning remain the same, but the process varies depending on the type of box you use.
Traditional Litter Boxes
Most traditional litter boxes can be emptied, washed, rinsed and dried by hand. Clean the entire box, including the outside and bottom, and check the manufacturer’s instructions before using cleaning products on specialized materials or coatings.
Covered Litter Boxes
Covered boxes have more surfaces where litter dust and residue can accumulate. In addition to the litter pan, regularly check and clean the:
- Lid
- Entrance
- Corners and seams
- Handles
- Interior walls
- Filters or vents, when applicable
Remove the lid during a full cleaning so you can reach areas that are easy to miss during everyday scooping.
Automatic and Robot Litter Boxes
Automatic litter boxes still require regular cleaning. Waste drawers, sensors, moving parts and interior surfaces can accumulate litter, dust and debris even when the machine handles daily scooping.
Cleaning requirements vary considerably between models, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific litter box, particularly before cleaning sensors or mechanical components.
If you are considering switching from a traditional box to an automatic system, see my Best Automatic Litter Box guide for a closer look at the available options.
What If Cat Urine Has Soaked Into Carpet?
If a litter box accident reaches carpet, the urine may travel through the carpet fibers and into the backing or padding underneath. This is why an area can smell clean initially and then develop a noticeable urine odor again later.
Cleaning the litter box will not solve odor that has already reached the carpet. The contaminated area needs to be located and treated separately.
For the full removal process, see How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell, including what to do with fresh, dried and hidden urine.
For homes dealing with repeated pet stains or larger carpeted areas, my Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains guide covers machines and cleaning options designed for pet messes.
Common Litter Box Cleaning Mistakes
Even with regular cleaning, a few common habits can allow odor and residue to build up. Most are easy to correct once you know what to look for.
| Common Mistake | Better Approach |
|---|---|
| Waiting until the litter box smells | Scoop at least daily and clean before odor builds up |
| Continually adding fresh litter to dirty litter | Replace the litter completely when it becomes soiled or difficult to maintain |
| Cleaning only the inside | Wash the exterior, bottom, edges and other dirty surfaces |
| Forgetting the litter scoop | Wash the scoop regularly along with the box |
| Ignoring the litter mat | Remove trapped litter and clean the mat regularly |
| Never moving the litter box | Check and clean underneath and behind it |
| Covering odor with fragrance | Locate and remove the actual source of the smell |
| Leaving cleaner behind | Rinse the box thoroughly before drying and refilling |
| Keeping a damaged litter box | Replace boxes that have become difficult to clean |
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming a stronger fragrance means a cleaner litter box. Removing urine, feces and contaminated litter is far more important than masking the resulting odor.
When Should You Replace a Litter Box?
There is no universal rule that says a litter box must be replaced every six months or every year. The condition of the box matters more than its age.
Consider replacing a litter box when you notice:
- Deep scratches that are difficult to clean
- Cracks or splits
- Warped surfaces
- Damaged seams or joints
- Persistent odor after thorough washing
- Rough or damaged areas that continue holding residue
- Damage that makes the box difficult to use or clean
Size matters too. Kittens can quickly outgrow smaller boxes, and a cat should have enough room to enter, turn around, dig and position comfortably.
A well-made litter box that remains intact and easy to clean does not need to be discarded simply because it has reached a particular age.
Litter Box Cleaning Schedule
A simple schedule makes litter box maintenance easier to manage. Daily scooping should form the foundation, with the box and surrounding area receiving additional cleaning as needed.
Every Day
- Scoop urine clumps and feces.
- Remove visible messes.
- Check the condition of the litter.
- Add fresh litter when needed.
- Sweep or vacuum heavily tracked litter.
Regularly
- Wash the litter scoop.
- Clean the litter mat.
- Vacuum or clean around the litter box.
- Move the box and check underneath it.
- Wipe dirty exterior surfaces.
- Check for urine around the box, walls and baseboards.
- Monitor for persistent odor.
During a Full Litter Change
- Empty all remaining litter.
- Remove stuck-on residue.
- Wash the inside and outside of the box.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely.
- Wash the scoop and litter mat.
- Clean underneath and around the box.
- Inspect the box for scratches, cracks or damage.
- Refill with fresh litter.
Free Printable Litter Box Cleaning Schedule
For an easy reference, download the Litter Box Cleaning Schedule and keep it with your cat-care supplies. It includes the daily, regular and deep-cleaning tasks needed to keep the litter box and surrounding area clean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Litter Box
How often should you clean a litter box?
Scoop a litter box at least once a day and clean the entire box regularly. Merck Veterinary Manual recommends daily scooping and says the whole box should be cleaned at least weekly, with more frequent cleaning when several cats use the same box. The litter should remain dry, clean and free of persistent odor.
How often should you scoop a litter box?
At least once daily. Daily removal of feces and urine clumps keeps the box cleaner and makes it easier to notice changes in your cat’s urination or stool. In multi-cat households or heavily used boxes, scooping more than once a day may be necessary.
How often should you completely change cat litter?
There is no single schedule for every litter. Clumping, non-clumping, pellet and crystal litters are maintained differently. Change the litter often enough that it remains dry, clean and free of persistent odor, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the specific litter you use. More cats generally means more frequent replacement.
What is the best thing to clean a litter box with?
For routine cleaning, keep it simple. Cornell recommends scrubbing the litter box with a gentle detergent, drying it and refilling it with clean litter. You generally do not need heavily fragranced products for ordinary maintenance. Rinse away cleaner residue and allow the box to dry before adding fresh litter.
Can you wash a litter box with dish soap?
A mild, unscented soap can be used for routine litter box washing. Use warm water, scrub away residue and rinse the box thoroughly so soap does not remain on the surface. Avoid assuming that stronger or more heavily scented cleaning products will produce a cleaner box. Physical removal of waste and residue is the priority.
Can you clean a litter box with vinegar?
Vinegar can be useful for some household cleaning, but it should not be treated as a universal litter box disinfectant. For ordinary maintenance, a gentle detergent and thorough rinsing are sufficient. If you need to disinfect a box because of a diagnosed parasite or infectious disease, use the specific cleaning protocol recommended by your veterinarian.
Can you use bleach to clean a litter box?
Bleach is generally unnecessary for ordinary litter box cleaning. More importantly, disinfectant effectiveness varies depending on the organism involved. For example, CAPC notes that Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are resistant to most household disinfectants. If disease or parasites are involved, follow your veterinarian’s specific disinfection instructions rather than choosing a disinfectant yourself.
How do you deep clean a litter box?
Empty all litter, remove stuck-on residue and wash the inside, outside, bottom, corners and seams. Rinse thoroughly and allow the box to dry completely. While it dries, wash the scoop and litter mat and clean underneath the box. Inspect the box for cracks or deep scratches before refilling it with fresh litter.
How do you disinfect a litter box?
First remove feces, litter and other organic material and thoroughly clean the box. If disinfection is necessary because your cat has an infectious disease or parasite, ask your veterinarian which disinfectant to use, at what concentration and for how long. Different organisms respond differently to disinfectants, so there is no universal litter box disinfection method.
Why does my litter box still smell after cleaning?
The smell may be coming from somewhere other than the fresh litter. Check the scoop, litter mat, underside of the box, surrounding floor, seams, scratches, walls and baseboards. Urine that has reached carpet or another porous surface can also continue smelling after the litter box itself has been cleaned.
See my How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell guide if you suspect hidden or dried urine.
How do you remove urine smell from a litter box?
Empty and wash the box thoroughly rather than simply adding more litter. If a plastic box continues smelling after cleaning, inspect it for deep scratches or damage. Cornell recommends replacing old boxes that smell or are cracked. If the box is clean but urine odor remains, investigate the surrounding floor, mat and other nearby surfaces.
Should you wear gloves when cleaning a litter box?
Wearing disposable gloves reduces direct contact with feces and contaminated litter, particularly when dealing with diarrhea, parasites or illness. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward even if you wore gloves. Merck recommends avoiding direct contact with feces and practicing good hygiene when handling animal waste.
How do you clean a litter box used by multiple cats?
The cleaning method is the same, but frequency usually needs to increase. Scoop at least daily and more often when necessary, replace dirty litter promptly and clean the box before odor builds up. Providing enough boxes also helps. Cornell recommends one litter box per cat plus one additional box.
How do you clean an automatic litter box?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific automatic litter box. Empty and clean the waste drawer and approved washable surfaces while checking for litter or debris around sensors and moving components. Do not immerse electrical or mechanical components unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
See my Best Robot Litter Box guide if you’re comparing automatic litter box options.
Is it safe to clean a litter box while pregnant?
Because of the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant people should avoid cleaning cat litter when possible and have another household member do it daily. Merck and CAPC recommend daily feces removal because Toxoplasma gondii oocysts require time after being passed to become infectious. If avoiding the task is not possible, follow current guidance from your healthcare provider.
Related Cat Litter & Cleaning Guides
Keeping the litter box clean is only one part of managing litter, tracking and odor in a home with cats. These guides cover the problems that often come next.
Download the Free Litter Box Cleaning Schedule Guide Here.
Litter Box & Cat Litter
- Best Cat Litter Boxes for Odor Control
Compare cat litter boxes for odor control, comfort and everyday maintenance. - Cat Litter Guide
Learn how clumping, non-clumping, crystal, pine and other cat litters differ and what those differences mean for cleaning. - Best Robot Litter Box
Compare automatic litter boxes for easier scooping, waste removal and daily litter box maintenance.
Cat Urine & Odor
- How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell
Learn how to find fresh, dried and hidden cat urine and remove odor from carpet, furniture, mattresses, hardwood, concrete and other surfaces. - Best Carpet Cleaner for Pet Stains
Compare carpet cleaners for cat urine, pet stains and messes that have reached beyond the litter box.
Litter, Hair & Everyday Cleaning
- Best Vacuum for Cat Hair
Compare vacuums for picking up cat hair, tracked litter and everyday debris from carpet and hard floors. - Best Air Purifier for Cat Hair
Learn how air purifiers can help manage airborne cat hair, dander and particles, and what they cannot remove.
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