How to Clean a Litter Box? Step-by-Step Advice for Every Cat Owner

Keeping a cat’s litter box clean doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few smart habits and the right supplies, it’s easy to create a fresh, happy space for cats—and a nicer home for everyone. This guide brings together simple routines and practical tips for every kind of cat parent, whether living in a cozy apartment or a busy multi-cat household.

How to Clean a Litter Box (Step by Step)

We all know that felines are sensitive to their environment, so regularly cleaning the litter box isn’t just about keeping the air fresh—it also helps prevent litter box refusal. For plastic boxes or those that have been used for a long time, daily cleaning once or twice is recommended. Stainless steel boxes are easier to clean, so every two days can work for those. If you have multiple cats or an XXL litter box, it’s best to increase your cleaning frequency as needed. Here are a few everyday cleaning steps worth reviewing—see if there’s anything you might be overlooking:

1. Use a scoop to promptly remove clumps of feces and urine, and toss them straight into a trash bag. Tie it off right away to keep any odors from spreading. An iron or stainless steel scoop can make removing stubborn urine clumps much easier.
2.  After scooping, gently shake the litter box to even out the remaining litter. Top it off with fresh litter so the height stays consistent—cats can be sensitive if the depth changes too much. It helps to keep a mark on the side each time you add new litter so you don’t accidentally change the level.
3. Quickly wipe down both the inside and outside walls of the box. Pet safe wipes are great for this—they clean and help eliminate odors at the same time!

How to Deep Clean a Litter Box

Daily scooping is great for surface maintenance, but it’s not enough on its own—that’s why every one to two weeks, it’s smart to give the entire litter box a deep clean, especially if you’ve got several cats at home or use a larger XXL box.

Here’s a rundown of the full cleaning routine, and you’ll find our detailed video below if you want to follow along:

1. Start by scooping out any big clumps, then dump all of the used litter and seal the trash bag tight so no odor escapes.
       
   2. Take off the lid and rinse the box with warm water. Using a pet-safe, neutral cleaner is best—skip the bleach and harsh disinfectants for your cat’s safety. If you’re using a stainless steel cat litter box, a quick rinse will take care of most messes and save you some effort.
   Check out our guide for more tips on picking the right litter box for your cat.
       
   3. Scrub down the bottom, corners, and edges—these are your cat’s favorite “bathroom” spots, so make sure there’s no grime or lingering smells left behind.
       
   4. After washing, let the box air dry completely. If you spot any places that still feel dirty, grab pet safe wipes for a second pass and more odor control.
       
   5. Once the box is totally dry, refill with fresh litter, making sure it’s the same depth as your usual daily top-ups. Don’t get lazy with this step—cats really do notice!
       

And that’s a wrap—the litter box is now good to go until the next deep clean.

How Often to Change Cat Litter

Clumping litter needs to be scooped out once or twice every day; each time, you’ll want to promptly remove any clumped urine or feces with a scoop. About every one to two weeks, it’s important to dump out all the litter, give the box a deep clean, and start fresh. This routine helps prevent odors and bacteria from building up in the bottom of the box.

For non-clumping litter, daily scooping is still a must, but because this style absorbs moisture and can gather smells more quickly, you’ll want to fully swap out the litter and clean the box every five to seven days.

Crystal litter should be checked daily for and removal of solid waste or any saturated clumps. Every two to four weeks, all of the litter should be switched out, and the box cleaned, ensuring its high absorbency and odor-blocking features continue working as intended.

 Apartment and Multi-Cat Tips

If you’re living in an apartment or have a smaller space, it’s easiest to clean your cat’s litter box in the bathtub, shower, or any laundry area with a drain—this keeps things tidy and prevents litter from clogging up the floor. If you have space, consider having a few litter boxes on rotation so your cat always has a clean spot, even when one’s being washed.

Make sure to seal dirty litter and clumps in a trash bag right away to keep odors contained and keep your hands clean. High-sided boxes with low entrances, paired with a waterproof mat, help cut down on scattered litter and make floor clean-up much simpler. Litter box liners are also helpful; just pull them out with the used litter when it’s time to change, and you’ll keep lingering moisture and odor at bay. Whatever you try, comfort for your cat should always come first.

For multi-cat homes, go by the “cats plus one” rule—each cat ought to have its own box, plus an extra. If you want more tips on litter box placement for multi-cat households, check out our guide.

FAQs and Common Owner Concerns

How do you keep litter box odors under control?  

After every clean, sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of the box—it’s a classic way to knock down smells, and you can pair that with pet-safe wipes or a mild, unscented cleaner for extra freshness.

Is it okay to change the litter less often with a big box?  

Nope! No matter how big your litter box is, you still need to swap out the litter on a regular schedule to prevent lingering smells and bacteria. While stainless steel boxes last longer and are easier to keep clean, skipping changes is never the answer.

Can cleaning too much cause problems?  

If you go overboard with harsh disinfectants or strong scents, cats might avoid the box altogether. It’s safest to stick with unscented, pet-friendly cleaners. And if your cat really dislikes cleaning products, try using all-natural, plant-based pet wipes instead—they get the job done without any worry.