How to Deep Clean a Litter Box Safely, Step by Step

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Daily scooping keeps a litter box usable, but every so often the whole box needs emptying and washing, or the smell creeps back and some cats start going elsewhere. This page explains how often to deep clean a litter box, what to wash it with, which cleaners to keep away from cats, how to protect yourself while you do it, and when to replace the box.

The short answer: empty all the litter, wash the box with hot water and a mild unscented soap (or just hot water or baking soda), rinse well, dry it completely and refill with fresh litter. Do this about once a week with non-clumping litter, and every two to four weeks with clumping litter you scoop daily. Skip bleach, ammonia, pine, citrus and other strongly scented or phenol-based cleaners.

How we wrote this: this page is based on advice from the ASPCA, Cornell University’s Feline Health Center, VCA Animal Hospitals, International Cat Care, PetMD, Humane World for Animals, the Pet Poison Helpline and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), linked where it is used and checked on 29 October 2026. It is general care information, not veterinary or medical advice.

How often to deep clean a litter box

Scooping comes first: the ASPCA says to scoop solid waste at least once a day, and International Cat Care suggests at least twice a day. A full empty and wash is less often, and sources differ by litter type:

• Weekly is the common baseline. The ASPCA says to dump everything, wash and refill at least once a week, and VCA and PetMD also say about once a week.
• Clumping litter can go longer if you scoop daily. The ASPCA says you can do it less often with clumping litter; International Cat Care says every two to four weeks for clumping and weekly for non-clumping; Humane World for Animals says every two to three weeks.
• Sooner if you notice odors or wet, clumped areas, as Humane World puts it. Cornell says litter should be changed often enough that it looks and smells dry and clean.

Our how often to change cat litter guide goes through schedules by litter type and number of cats.

What you need

• Disposable gloves, and a bin bag for the old litter.
• Hot water and a mild, unscented dish soap. Baking soda works too.
• A sponge or brush you keep only for the litter box.
• Towels or paper towels to dry the box.
• Fresh litter, and a sturdy litter scoop for the days in between.

How to deep clean a litter box, step by step

1. Put on gloves. The CDC notes cats can shed Toxoplasma, Giardia, roundworms and other germs in their poop. See the hygiene section below if you are pregnant.
2. Empty all the litter into a bag and tie it off.
3. Wash the box with hot water and mild soap. The ASPCA suggests warm water and unscented soap, baking soda or no soap. PetMD says hot water alone will generally do the trick, with a little liquid dish soap if needed. Cornell advises washing the box frequently with boiling water. Scrub the corners and the rim, where urine dries on.
4. Rinse thoroughly so no soap smell is left. A cat that dislikes the smell may avoid the box.
5. Dry it completely. International Cat Care says to always rinse and dry the tray thoroughly before use.
6. Optional: a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom. Humane World says it can help control odors without deterring your cat.
7. Refill with fresh litter, about the depth your cat is used to, and put the box back in the same spot.
8. Wash your hands afterwards, even if you wore gloves, as the CDC advises.

Our view: wash the box somewhere you do not prepare food, such as a utility sink, a bathtub you clean afterwards, or outdoors with a hose, and wash the sponge or brush too.

Cleaners to avoid

Cats are unusually sensitive to some household chemicals. Humane World for Animals explains that cats lack certain liver enzymes, so their bodies do not handle toxins as well. Keep these away from the litter box:

• Ammonia. The ASPCA says urine contains ammonia, so an ammonia cleaner can attract your cat back to the same spot to urinate. Cornell says ammonia and vinegar cleaners smell like urine and can be irritating.
• Bleach and strong chemicals. VCA says to wash the box with mild soap and not use bleach, ammonia or strong chemicals; PetMD also says to avoid bleach and caustic ingredients.
• Phenols and disinfectants that go cloudy in water. International Cat Care says some disinfectants, like chloroxylenol or Dettol, which go cloudy in water, are toxic to cats. Humane World lists compounds containing the word phenol among disinfectant ingredients toxic to pets.
• Pine, citrus and essential oils. The Pet Poison Helpline says cats have difficulty metabolizing essential oils and lists citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oil among those that are toxic to cats.
• Strong scents in general. The ASPCA says not to use deodorants or scents, especially lemon, when cleaning the box, and VCA warns that strong cleaners can leave a residual odor that adds to litter box aversion.

Protect yourself: toxoplasmosis and hygiene

The CDC advises changing the litter box daily, because the Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until one to five days after a cat sheds it in its feces. Cornell gives a minimum of 24 hours and says frequent removal of feces, wearing gloves and washing hands afterwards minimizes the possibility of infection.

If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, the CDC says you should not clean litter boxes if possible; if no one else can, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands afterwards. Cornell goes further and says pregnant or immunosuppressed people should not clean the box. PetMD adds a dust mask as well as gloves. If you have questions about your own risk, talk to your doctor.

When to replace the litter box

Cornell says to replace old boxes that smell or are cracked. PetMD notes that most litter boxes are plastic and trap odors, and suggests replacing them once a year. If a freshly washed box still smells, it is time for a new one; compare options in our litter box buying guide and best litter boxes for multiple cats.

Liners and deodorizers

Many cats dislike both. The ASPCA says most cats do not like box liners, and Humane World says liners often catch on claws, so it is best to skip them. Humane World also advises avoiding strong scents and air fresheners near the box, and Cornell says most cats prefer unscented litter. A low dust, odor controlling litter and frequent scooping work better than masking the smell.

When a dirty box is not the problem

If your cat suddenly avoids a clean box, strains, cries while going, visits the box often or there is blood in the urine, see your vet. The ASPCA says to have your cat checked thoroughly by a veterinarian, and PetMD says that if the behavior starts suddenly, consult your vet first to rule out medical problems.

FAQ

How often should I wash the litter box?

About once a week with non-clumping litter. With clumping litter that you scoop daily, International Cat Care says every two to four weeks is enough, or sooner if the box smells.

Can I use bleach to clean a litter box?

VCA and PetMD both say not to. Hot water and a mild, unscented soap clean the box without leaving a smell that can put your cat off.

Is vinegar safe for cleaning a litter box?

Sources disagree. PetMD allows a little vinegar in the wash water, while Cornell says to avoid vinegar because it smells like urine and can be irritating. Hot water and unscented soap avoid the question.

Can I clean the litter box if I am pregnant?

The CDC says pregnant people should not clean litter boxes if possible. If no one else can, wear disposable gloves, change the litter daily and wash your hands afterwards, and ask your doctor about your own risk.

Why does my litter box still smell after cleaning?

Plastic boxes trap odors over time, PetMD says, and Cornell advises replacing boxes that smell or are cracked. Also check that you are scooping daily and changing the litter often enough.