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A litter box that is cleaned inconsistently—or cleaned with the wrong products—can quickly become a source of odors, tracked litter, stains, and stress for your cat. Worse, a cat that dislikes a dirty or strongly scented box may start eliminating elsewhere in the house. Learning how to clean a litter box properly is less about harsh chemicals and more about a simple routine: scoop often, wash thoroughly when needed, dry completely, and refill with fresh litter. In 2026, the best approach is still the practical one: keep the box clean enough that your cat will willingly use it every day.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Cat litter scoop — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What You Need
| Item | Why | Optional? |
|---|---|---|
| Cat litter scoop | Separates urine clumps and solid waste from clean litter. Choose a scoop with slots sized for your litter type. | No |
| Trash bag or small lined waste bin | Gives you a contained place to discard waste immediately and helps control odor. | No |
| Disposable or washable gloves | Protects hands during scooping and deep cleaning. | Recommended |
| Unscented dish soap | Removes residue without leaving a perfume that may bother your cat. | No |
| Warm water | Helps loosen stuck-on litter and wash away residue. | No |
| Soft sponge or nylon scrub brush | Cleans corners and the box bottom without deeply scratching plastic. | No |
| Enzyme cleaner labeled for pet messes | Useful for accidents on the floor, box exterior, or nearby walls. | Yes |
| Baking soda | A small amount can help with odor in some boxes, though it should not replace scooping. | Yes |
| Litter mat | Captures litter tracked from your cat’s paws before it reaches the room. | Yes |
A high-sided open box can make everyday cleanup easier while reducing scattered litter. For example, a 19-by-15-by-11.75-inch plastic box provides a manageable footprint for many adult cats, while a stainless steel high-sided box can resist odor absorption and staining better than older plastic. Expect basic high-sided plastic options to fall around $15 to $25, while simple stainless steel boxes commonly run about $25 to $40.
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Step-by-Step
See also: How to Remove Litter Box Odor Buildup (2026): Step-by-Step • How to Fix a Jammed Automatic Feeder (2026): Step-by-Step
1. Set up a safe cleaning area (2 minutes)
Put on gloves and keep your waste bag or covered trash bin close by. If possible, clean the box in a utility room, bathroom, garage, or other area with a washable floor. Keep food-preparation surfaces separate from litter-box tools.
If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have a condition that makes infection more concerning, ask someone else to handle litter-box cleaning when possible. If you must do it yourself, wear gloves, wash hands carefully afterward, and avoid touching your face while cleaning.
2. Scoop waste every day (3 to 5 minutes per box)
Use the scoop to remove feces and urine clumps. Lift the scoop slowly and give it a gentle shake so clean litter falls through the slots. Deposit waste directly into a trash bag, tie it securely, and place it in an outdoor garbage container if practical.
Do not flush clumping litter, clay litter, or waste down the toilet unless both the litter manufacturer and your local wastewater authority explicitly permit it. Many litters expand or form dense clumps when wet, which can contribute to plumbing blockages.
For one cat, scoop at least once daily. Twice daily is better for odor control and is especially helpful with clumping litter. In a multicat home, scoop morning and evening at minimum.
3. Check the litter depth and top it off (1 minute)
After scooping, level the remaining litter and add enough fresh litter to maintain roughly 2 to 3 inches of depth. Most cats can dig and cover comfortably at this depth without sending excessive litter over the sides. Very deep litter may seem generous, but it can make clumps harder to locate and encourages more wasteful digging.
Keep the same litter type and fragrance level whenever possible. A sudden switch from unscented clumping litter to a heavily perfumed or sharply textured option can cause some cats to avoid the box.
4. Empty the box completely for a full wash (5 to 10 minutes)
How often you do this depends on the litter and number of cats, but the washing process is straightforward. Pour all used litter into a sturdy trash bag. Use the scoop to dislodge material stuck in corners, seams, or along the bottom.
Take the empty box to a bathtub, deep utility sink, or outdoor washing area. Avoid using a kitchen sink. If there is a detachable scoop holder, hood, rim, or liner frame, separate it so each piece can be washed properly.
5. Wash with warm water and mild, unscented soap (5 minutes)
Fill the box with warm water and add a small amount of unscented dish soap. Use a soft sponge or nylon brush to scrub the base, corners, sides, rim, and any crevices. Focus on urine residue, which can form a sticky film and hold odor even after litter is removed.
Skip bleach, ammonia, strongly perfumed disinfectants, and essential-oil cleaners. Ammonia smells similar to urine and can be irritating. Bleach should never be mixed with ammonia-containing residue or other cleaners. Strong scents can also make the box unpleasant for a cat’s sensitive nose.
6. Rinse and dry the box completely (5 to 15 minutes)
Rinse until no soap film remains. Towel-dry the box, then allow it to air-dry fully before adding litter. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can turn fresh clumping litter into cement-like lumps on the bottom of the pan.
If time is tight, dry thoroughly with clean towels and inspect the corners. Stainless steel boxes generally dry quickly and do not absorb odor, while plastic boxes may need extra attention around scratches and molded seams.
7. Refill, reassemble, and clean the surrounding area (3 minutes)
Return the box to its usual location and add 2 to 3 inches of fresh litter. Replace the scoop in its holder or store it nearby, not inside the litter itself. Sweep or vacuum scattered litter, then wipe the floor around the box with a pet-safe cleaner if there are urine splashes or tracked waste.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after removing gloves. Wash reusable scoops, mats, and cleaning tools regularly as well.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until the box smells bad: By the time you notice an odor, your cat has likely noticed it for much longer.
- Using heavily scented cleaners or litter: Fragrance often masks the problem for people but can discourage cats from using the box.
- Adding fresh litter without removing old waste: Topping off alone dilutes odors but does not remove bacteria, residue, or soiled litter.
- Scrubbing plastic with abrasive pads: Deep scratches trap odor and residue, shortening the useful life of the box.
- Using a box that is too small: A cat should be able to turn around and dig comfortably. A practical guideline is a box about 1.5 times your cat’s body length, excluding the tail.
- Keeping too few boxes: Aim for one box per cat, plus one extra. Two cats generally do best with three boxes placed in separate, accessible areas.
How Often
Scoop clumping litter once or twice daily. Remove solid waste from non-clumping litter daily, stir the litter, and replace soiled material as needed. For a single cat using clumping litter, fully emptying and washing the box every 2 to 4 weeks is a reasonable starting point. With two cats sharing one box, plan on a full change and wash about every 1 to 2 weeks.
Non-clumping clay litter usually needs a more frequent complete replacement—often every 3 to 7 days—because urine remains in the litter rather than forming removable clumps. Wash the scoop weekly, clean the litter mat weekly or whenever visibly soiled, and vacuum around the box every few days if tracking is an issue.
When to Call a Pro or Replace
Call your veterinarian promptly if your cat suddenly stops using the box, strains to urinate, urinates tiny amounts frequently, cries while urinating, has blood in the urine, or repeatedly eliminates outside the box. These can be signs of urinary, digestive, mobility, or stress-related problems—not simply a behavior issue. A male cat that is straining and producing little or no urine needs urgent veterinary care.
Replace a plastic litter box when it has deep scratches, permanent odor after washing, cracks, warped edges, or residue that will not come off. Many plastic boxes last about 1 to 2 years with consistent care, though heavy use may shorten that timeline. Replace a scoop when its edges crack, its slots deform, or waste repeatedly sticks to it. Stainless steel boxes can last longer, but replace them if seams fail, sharp edges develop, or corrosion appears.
FAQ
Should I use a litter-box liner?
Only if your cat tolerates it. Liners can make full litter changes faster, but many cats claw through them, and torn plastic can trap urine underneath. A liner should never replace regular washing.
Can I use vinegar to clean a litter box?
Plain white vinegar diluted with water can help with mineral deposits, but rinse thoroughly afterward. Never mix vinegar with bleach or other cleaners. For routine washing, unscented dish soap and warm water are usually enough.
How do I get rid of litter-box odor without adding perfume?
Scoop more often, use enough litter, wash the box on schedule, and make sure there are enough boxes for the number of cats. A small amount of baking soda may help, but persistent odor usually means the box, litter, or surrounding area needs deeper cleaning.
Is a covered litter box easier to keep clean?
It can contain scattered litter, but it may also trap odors inside where your cat stands. If you use one, scoop it at least daily and wash both the base and cover. Many cats prefer an open, high-sided box with good airflow.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Cat litter scoop.
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