How to Clean a Cat Litter Box: Tips for Odor-Free Maintenance

July 2, 2024/26 Comments/in Cleaning, Pets /by Mary Hunt

Maintaining a clean cat litter box is crucial for a fresh-smelling home and a happy cat. In this guide, we’ll show you how to clean a cat litter box efficiently, from selecting the right type of box to using effective odor control products like Nok-Out. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cat’s litter box stays clean and odor-free.

I don’t currently own a cat, but I have in the past, and let me tell you, few odors are as tough to tackle as those from a cat’s litter box. Poor maintenance can bring tears to your eyes, and not just yours—your kitty will be just as miserable. Cats have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, so a dirty litter box isn’t just unpleasant for you; it’s downright offensive to them. Keeping that litter box clean is crucial for both your comfort and your cat’s happiness.

Why Cats Hate Dirty Litter Boxes

Cats absolutely detest dirty litter boxes, and if theirs isn’t up to their high standards, they’ll find alternatives—like your laundry basket or that cozy corner of the carpet. Your cat’s sense of smell is far stronger than yours. While a litter box might seem reasonably clean to you, it can be overwhelmingly stinky to your cat. To put it in perspective, the human nose has about 5 million olfactory receptors, but a cat’s nose boasts up to 200 million. That’s even more than dogs! So, keeping the litter box spotless isn’t just a nice-to-do; it’s a must for a happy, comfortable kitty.

Choosing the Right Litter Box for Your Cat

Start with a plain rectangular litter box, making sure it’s large enough for your cat to move around comfortably without any overhang. If the box is too small, you’re asking for trouble—think cat litter everywhere except the box or, worse, a box that your cat refuses to use. It’s essential to have a box that can hold enough litter to keep the bottom from getting too soiled and wet between cleanings. If the box is too small or you have too many cats per box, be prepared for your pets to find other places in the house to do their business. A properly sized box is key to keeping both your home clean and your cat happy.

How Many Litter Boxes Should You Have?

The rule of thumb for indoor cats is one litter box per cat plus one extra. So if you have one cat, you need two litter boxes. Got three cats? You’ll need four boxes. With multiple cats, it might seem like you’re running out of logical places to put all those boxes.

That’s when a “litter station” can be a game-changer. By placing the boxes side-by-side, you can accommodate more than one cat at a time. This setup also makes it easier to scoop and clean since all the boxes are in one convenient area. It’s a win-win for you and your feline friends!

Best Locations for Litter Boxes

Choosing the right spot for your cat’s litter box is crucial. You want it as far away from family and food activities as possible—no one wants to eat dinner with a whiff of litter box in the air! Keep it away from doors and windows, too. Cats crave privacy, so avoid high-traffic areas like the kitchen. The more secluded the spot, the happier your kitty will be. Think of it as their private restroom retreat!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Cat Litter Box

Until someone figures out how to successfully potty-train cats—including teaching them to flush—the best option is to keep your cat’s litter box clean and odor-free with Nok-Out.

NOK-OUT Pet Deodorizer and Cleaning Spray, 32 Ounces

Once your cats are happy with their litter and the boxes are well-placed, you’re ready to put Nok-Out to work. Trust me, Nok-Out was the only way we could keep our litter box odor under control—and I’m talking about no odor at all.

NOK-OUT Pet Deodorizer and Cleaning Spray, 32 Ounces

Step 1: Spray it with Nok-Out

Spray the bottom of the clean litter box with Nok-Out. Do this every time you change and clean the box, which should be frequently. Nok-Out is perfect for litter boxes because other cleaners can leave a disinfectant or masking odor that repels cats.

Step 2: Fill the box with litter

Consider using clumping unscented litter. You won’t need a pan liner, and unscented litter tends to be preferred by most cats, which means they’ll use it happily.

Fresh Step Clumping Unscented Cat Litter, 2-Pack

Non-clumping litter is more challenging because, depending on the number of cats, it will likely need to be emptied and the box washed more often as urine will eventually collect at the bottom. And that odor? Yikes! It will be so bad it’ll bring tears to your eyes.

Start with about two inches of litter and adjust until you find the right depth for your cat. Most litter manufacturers recommend using two to three inches. However, if your cat is a deep scratcher, you may want to settle on three to four inches. You don’t want your cat to feel like they need to dig to the bottom to get the job done.

Once the box is filled with clean, fresh, unscented litter, level it off so the cats have a nice, smooth surface to dig in.

Save $6.04

Fresh Step Clumping Unscented Cat Litter, 2-Pack

Step 3: Spray again with Nok-Out

Next, lightly spray the top of the litter with Nok-Out.

Maximize Your Nok-Out: A Cost-Effective Solution

Did you know you can double the life of your Nok-Out solution? By diluting Nok-Out 50:50 with water, it retains its full effectiveness for treating cat litter. This means one gallon of Nok-Out can stretch to two gallons, making it an incredibly cost-effective and efficient way to keep your cat’s litter box odor-free. Try this dilution method to get more bang for your buck while maintaining a fresh-smelling home.

Step 4: Remove solids

Properly disposing of your cat’s waste is essential, and odor can be an issue. However, it will be much easier if you are disposing of clumps frequently and treating the urine-soaked litter with Nok-Out.

Every time you remove solid wastes—multiple times a day or as clumps appear—smooth and spray the litter surface again.

Nok-Out is odor-free and leaves no smells that will offend the cats. It has residual effects that continue to combat odors long after the litter is dry. This will extend the life of your litter, keep the box sanitary, and keep your cats happy. Nok-Out destroys everything in cat urine that causes odor and potential disease problems.

Essential Tools for Cat Litter Box Maintenance

Litter Genie

Litter Genie Cat Litter Box Waste Disposal System

The Litter Genie simplifies scooping and litter disposal, making the whole process much easier. Here’s how it works: Insert the roll of plastic bag material inside the Genie, tie a knot at the end, secure it to a wheel, and turn the handle half a turn. Open the top, drop in all the scoopings, and turn the handle again—the waste is safely concealed at the bottom of the Litter Genie, keeping odors trapped inside. On trash day, simply remove the bag and discard it in the garbage can. If you’ve ever used a Diaper Genie, you’ll find the Litter Genie equally ingenious!

Save $2.16

Litter Genie Cat Litter Box Waste Disposal System

Cat Box Liners

Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners, 5-Pack

While plastic cat box liners aren’t essential, they do make emptying a litter box of used non-clumping litter neater. If you use non-clumping litter and change it frequently, liners can be convenient. However, if you follow the Nok-Out protocol described above, where you scoop out solids, treat the remaining litter with Nok-Out, and only replenish with fresh litter as needed, liners may not be necessary.

Jonny Cat Litter Box Liners, 5-Pack

Safe and Effective: Why Nok-Out is Ideal for Pet Owners

Nok-Out is absolutely safe around pets and children, making it a trusted choice for households. The active ingredient in Nok-Out is chlorine dioxide (ClO2), a powerful yet safe disinfectant. In its natural state, ClO2 is a gas, but Nok-Out has stabilized it in a water base, making it easy to use. This stabilization transforms it from a toxic, short-lived gas to a non-toxic, long-lasting liquid.

According to the EPA, Nok-Out has the lowest toxicity rating, ensuring it won’t harm your pets or family. Unlike bleach, which can produce harmful by-products and is corrosive, ClO2 is a selective oxidizer that effectively eliminates odors and disinfects without causing damage. This makes Nok-Out a superior, environmentally friendly alternative for maintaining a clean and healthy home.

MORE: The Effect of Chlorine Dioxide on Your Pet

Question: Cat owners, what’s your best tip for how to clean a cat litter box and keep it odor-free? Share your secrets with us.

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26 replies

Jill Mick says:
July 3, 2024 at 11:39 am

Having had cats for quite a few years one thing has become very obvious to me. The better the cat food you feed the less litter box odor. I started out with a cheap food but when I switched to a better and yes more expensive food I had very little odor. What goes in comes out!
Reply
alien18302 says:
July 3, 2024 at 3:50 am

robin–thanks for the tip, putting used litter in garden to deter pests
kat–thanks for the tip, using pine litter
l–thanks for the practical source.
i have two cats, two litter boxes. one is in the laundry room and one is in my son’s room [he has an extra incentive to keep it clean. we put a layer of baking soda, 2-3 inches of clumping litter and more baking soda. the idea of buying anything else is repugnant to me, as like many folks, i’m on social security. so i save bread bags, produce bags, and any other small plastic bag i get and i scoop the clumps and poop into that, tie the top shut and throw it away. something i don’t see addressed very often is never flush cat waste! somehow it ends up in the ocean [maybe just the bacteria?] and gives sea otters toxoplasmosis. this is killing them and endangers them as a species.
mary–you don’t ‘own’ cats; they own you. in ancient egypt, they were worshiped as gods. they have not forgotten this and expect it from us.
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Vickie says:
November 20, 2023 at 11:47 am

I have started using a different litter and it seems to take ANY smell away. It’s Arm & Hammer. It works very well covering all the smell.
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Barbara says:
November 19, 2023 at 6:06 pm

Presently there are two cats and three litter boxes in my home. The boxes are scopped out 3-4 times a week and freshened with new sand. I use Tidy Cats clumping, as recommended by my cat’s breeder. Every two weeks, or so, I empty all the boxes entirely and give them a good scrubbing with dish liquid. Yes, Mary I use your favorite Blue Dawn. All the boxes then go out on the porch to dry and air out.

Have used this plan for ages without any problems
Hugs those kitties!!
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Chris C says:
May 31, 2023 at 4:39 pm

Thee best litter box is a stainless steel food service pan with 6 inch sides. Stainless doesn’t scratch or hold odors like plastic can. Initial cost may be a bit more, but you won’t have to replace it for several years.

Also highly recommend Dr. Elsey’s clumping cat litter. Little or no dust and a 40 lb. bag runs about $20.

3 cats, 4 boxes (2 automatic) in 3 different locations. Use old lidded cat litter buckets for dirty litter.
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- lighthsecats says:
  November 19, 2023 at 4:02 pm
  
  I do the same with the buckets except I use my walmart bags (doubled) in the bucket, dont fill too full, pull out and dispose. for cat boxes I use the Sterilite storage (low sided) but like your idea of the stainless better. also empty litter from box once a week, wash with hot water, dry then refill. I also use pooph if needed in between. but I always scoop each time I go in the bathroom…..
  Reply
- .lighthsecats says:
  March 9, 2026 at 12:59 pm
  
  right on, used dr elseys before, done like. there is absolute NO DUST FREE litter out there!! drives me nuts! they advertise 99.99% dustr-free..my patootie. have 2 boxes, 1 extra for 2 cats, and the 6inch sided stainless is great. BUT if you get the ones for cats, they are NOT very big in size – even the largest. tried also looking on webstaurant and those are not really any longer/wider. need wider/longer. I’ve also used sterilite storage containers for year with other cats – great sizes, last quite awhile til scratched at bottom – then throw out. cheaper sometimes. BTW anyone got any ideas for a simple raised box for cats, since us oldies dont bend down so well anymore? lol, thanks loads
  Reply
Emily Booth says:
August 22, 2020 at 6:01 pm

I had 2 cats, one of who was a breast cancer survivor. I changed their kitty litter to S’Wheat Scoop which I used for many years. When that size bag became unavailable, I switched to a pine product which smelled great. I had always cleaned out the kitty litter box 3X a day, before leaving for work, getting home and before bed. Leaving excrement in the kitty litter box leads to odor. Because I had a cat who had cancer, I washed the litter box every month or two. I soaked it in hot water & Mr. Clean for about a 1/2 hour, then rinsed it with hot water, letting it sit for a 1/2 hour. I had 2 litter boxes that were very deep. My cats liked the deep litter, around 4″ deep, but then I kept it clean. Cats like clean.
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Marlene D'Aboy says:
August 21, 2020 at 10:52 am

Somehow I taught Ben to go outside instead of using the litter. He had a kitty door near the litter box and I moved the litter outside of the door. After awhile I removed the box altogether. No problems. When we got Jerry from the Humane Society, Ben taught him to go outside. I didn’t have to do a thing. There were no accidents. Have to say I am not a cat person but my husband was. One thing about Jerry that I have to mention. When we were looking at animals we were told not to go to close to the cat in the back of the room because he had been untreated and was very scared. What would you have done? Probably what I did. I went up to the box and kneeled in front of it just watching the cat. Then softly spoke a few words. He looked up and I kept talking. Slowly he crept to the front, just looking at me, then put his paw through the wire and on my cheek. It was love at first site for the both of us. He doesn’t like visitors to the house and will run and hide. My husband and Ben are no longer with me but Jerry gives me all the love he can give.
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A-A says:
August 21, 2020 at 10:31 am

Forget the expensive short sided, even the deeper, cat litter boxes! We have been using various deep plastic storage tubs as cat boxes for years now. Just put a big rag rug (because it’s textured and knocks the litter off their feet) under the tub add about 4 inches of scoopable litter and it saves lots of cleanup mess.
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Robin says:
August 21, 2020 at 10:28 am

I recently found Wheat litter (sWheat Scoop) as I was looking for something a little more environmentally friendly. I LOVE it. I admit, I’m horrible about cleaning the litter box. This litter clumps and stays clumped so I can clean ALL the dirty litter at once. I found other clumping letter fell apart and ended up back in the box. I also use this to deter lawns pests (moles, etc) by putting the used kitty litter in their holes. I only have one cat right now and she goes in and out. BTW I have never had more than one bos per cat. I’d never heard of having one extra before. Good to know, as I am thinking about adding some kittens to our family in the spring.
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Norma-Jean says:
August 21, 2020 at 5:53 am

I use a newspaper pellet type litter (I buy the generic unscented type from PetSmart.) There is no dust (my litter box is in the basement and everything was COVERED with litter box dust from Tidy Cat Scoop litter), and very little scattered pellets outside the litter box. I sprinkle baking soda on the bottom and the put in the litter. I sprinkle more baking soda on the top. I scoop out the solids everyday, and change the litter once a week. I love the idea of Nok-Out, but this litter is designed to absorb liquids. The pee makes the litter all crumbly, not a solid pellet any longer. I often add a little more litter to the box during the week. Works for me and for my cat.
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Kat says:
August 20, 2020 at 6:49 pm

I inherited 3 cats and we use 2 litter boxes. I get a free cardboard tray from Costco (you find them under the paper napkins) that I set the litter boxes in and that helps to cut down on litter tracking and being kicked out of the boxes. We used to use 2 covered boxes and Scoop Away litter from Costco but it got to the point that I could almost taste the litter from the dust smell. Then my boss told me about Feline Pine. I was skeptical but gave it a try and we LOVE it. It is a pine pellet that disintegrates into saw dust when peed on. Once we knew that the cats would use the new litter we invested in their special boxes that have a 2nd box inside that is a grid that the saw dust falls through to the bottom of the box.The poop has to be scooped out which we do at least 2 times a day. We place each box inside a kitchen trash bag and then put the 2nd tray inside of it. We “change” the litter 2 times a week which is super easy because we just pull off the trash bag that has the wet saw dust in it and discard. We only have to add a very small amount of litter to the boxes maybe once a week. There is no dust or smell other than fresh poop which we scoop and discard ASAP. At first the litter is expensive because you have to fill both boxes but after that you use very little of it. We bought a 26 pound bag back in mid March and still have at least half a bag. I am so happy with this litter and we are definitely saving money with it. Google Feline Pine for lots of information about it.
Reply
- L says:
  August 22, 2020 at 6:41 am
  
  You can get 50 pound bags of pine at any hardware store for about 6 dollars. It’s the exact same thing as feline pine. It’s what I use. It’s marketed as a product to use in horse stalls.
  Reply
  - Kat says:
    August 22, 2020 at 2:37 pm
    
    Thanks for that info L. Even cheaper! I like it.
  - Marcia says:
    November 19, 2023 at 2:41 pm
    
    i have been using the pine pellets for 3-4 years now. so much better than cat litter – no dust. cats liked it and there is no odor. plus, as you said, it’s only about 6 bucks. pine pellets are the best.
Margaret says:
August 20, 2020 at 11:48 am

We had three cats and the litter box situation was difficult as two were senior cats. We have a large area that was unfinished in the basement so I bought a wading pool at the end of the season. Lots of room, easy to get into and always a clean spot can be found. Years later it is still my litter box!
Reply
- Slack Tony says:
  October 8, 2021 at 2:53 am
  
  If you have more than one kitty, you’ll need more than one litterbox. Cats don’t like sharing bathrooms! Ideally, you would need one box per kitten and at least one extra.
  
  Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Rochester, NY animal clinic, we here to help!
  Reply
Julie says:
August 20, 2020 at 10:47 am

I used Scoop Away for years which I found heavily scented and way too dusty (I literally could not breathe). I switched to Arm & Hammer about 6 months ago and found no scent at all and have not noticed any dust to breathe (that was my goal). I scoop daily and use a small Dollar Store wastebasket lined with a 4-gallon trash bag and a homemade cardboard lid to keep odors inside. It works perfectly!
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Shauna Gray says:
August 20, 2020 at 10:21 am

Another DVM weighing in…

Tidy Cat Breeze, y’all.

Ceramic litter pellets, a super absorbent ‘pee pad’ liner that is located below the litter compartment (urine passes through and collects on the pee pad below). And the system comes with start-up quantities of both.

Refills are affordable (and a bag of litter is not heavy), and can be frugally hacked, I’m sure.

System comes with a litter scoop, which hangs conveniently on the back of the box.

Hooded or non-hooded versions available, and the non-hooded version still has high sides.

No dust, no fuss.

Add a litter mat to catch the 1-5 pieces of ceramic litter that get kicked out occasionally, and a Litter Genie.

Hey, presto! You changed your life.

And I will be trying the Nok-Out suggestion.

Best to all.
Reply
Penny L. says:
August 20, 2020 at 9:55 am

I have had a Litter Genie for years and love it! The only reason I bought it, though, was because I found an Amazon review from a lady that had discovered a work-around to keep from buying the Litter Genie refill. You must at least start with the Litter Genie cartridge of “bags” (comes with the purchase of the unit). Then, when you get to the end of the plastic, SAVE the cartridge ring. Get a box of 500 Kirkland Signature 10-Gallon Wastebasket Liners from Costco. It will take a little practice initially, but you can fit one liner into and around the cartridge ring (hope that makes sense!). You put the empty bag through the ring, then tuck the top edges of the bag under the ring as you fit it back into place (same location as used with Litter Genie bags). You use one bag at a time, but only have to change it when it gets full–I’m able to change it once a week. I’ve been doing this for years and am still on my first box of bags from Costco.
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Charlyn Jensen says:
August 20, 2020 at 9:54 am

My litter strategy is the opposite of the previous poster. We’ve found that keeping the litter level deeper (about 4″) prevents the dreaded “wet litter cemented to the bottom of the box”. I try to avoid breaking the clumps of urine so they don’t disintegrate and leave small pieces of soil that can’t be scooped. I’ve also found that Scoop Away litter does a much better job with the smells than other litters we’ve tried. On the down side, Scoop Away is heavy. The big one from Costco weighs 42 pounds. I have not bought a litter genie but instead use the cheapskate version: a small lidded bucket that I line with a small trash bag.
I like the Nok Out idea and will try that too.
Reply
Kitti says:
August 20, 2020 at 9:32 am

A litter station is often a bad idea. If one of the cats is a bully, it will keep other cats from using the litter boxes. The bullied cat then goes elsewhere… Cat boxes should be in separate rooms and have multiple exits (if possible). Liners generally just get torn when the cat scratches/digs in the box. (If you want my qualification: 50 years of owning multiple inside cats, oh, and a DVM).
Reply
- ntomcho says:
  August 24, 2020 at 8:55 am
  
  totally agree and also having several litter boxes in one area is still seen as just ONE potty option, even with more than one box. Boxes need to be distributed in different areas.
  Reply
- Theresa says:
  July 3, 2024 at 5:12 am
  
  I agree. If boxes are placed next to each other the cats still see it as one box. All the resources need to be separated. And don’t place the litter box near the food or rest areas. No one wants to eat in their bathroom! Also a cat owner for over 50 years and a DVM.
  Reply
Martha says:
August 20, 2020 at 9:22 am

A trick I learned from the cat shelter where I volunteer: just use a small amount of litter (just enough to cover the bottom of the box). Dump out and clean the box at least once a day, preferably every time the box is used. Use the cheapest unscented litter. They use clay litter from a big-box store. After all, we don’t want to use an unflushed toilet. Neither do cats.
Reply

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