Domakihub How to Clean a Litter Box the Right Way
A simple, odour-free routine that keeps cats happy and homes fresh.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Whether you share your home in Athens with a beloved house cat or manage a holiday rental in Crete that welcomes guests with pets, a clean litter box is non-negotiable. Neglected boxes create ammonia odours that linger in soft furnishings and can put off both cats and visitors. The video above walks through the full cleaning routine visually, while this guide breaks it into clear, repeatable steps you can follow every day.
Why Frequency Matters More Than Products
Cats are instinctively clean animals. If a litter box smells or feels dirty, many will refuse to use it and find alternative spots — a particular problem in furnished rentals or hotel suites where carpets and mattresses are at stake. Scooping at least once a day removes the odour source before bacteria have time to multiply.
The type of litter you choose also affects how often deep cleaning is needed. Clumping litters contain odour more effectively between full changes, while non-clumping litters require more frequent complete replacements. In Greece's warm climate, boxes heat up faster and smells intensify, so daily scooping is especially important during summer months.
What You Need Before You Start
Keep a dedicated cleaning kit near the litter station: a slotted scoop, a small waste bag or lined bin, disposable gloves, unscented dish soap or a pet-safe cleaner, and a scrubbing brush. Avoid bleach and pine-based cleaners — both are harmful to cats and the strong scent can deter them from the box entirely.
For households with multiple cats, the standard rule is one box per cat plus one extra. Each box should be scooped daily and deep-cleaned on the same weekly schedule to prevent any one unit from becoming the problem box the cats avoid.
5 Steps to a Clean Litter Box
- 1
Scoop daily and dispose of clumps promptly
Using a slotted litter scoop, remove all waste clumps and solid matter once a day — ideally at the same time each day so it becomes a habit. Seal the waste in a small bag and discard it in an outdoor bin. This single step eliminates up to 80 percent of litter-box odour and keeps the remaining litter fresh for longer.
- 2
Top up the litter to maintain the right depth
After scooping, check the litter depth. Most cats prefer a layer of 5–8 cm. Too shallow and waste sinks to the bottom of the box; too deep and the cat may scatter litter outside the tray. Add a small amount of fresh litter to replace what was removed with the clumps.
- 3
Do a full litter change and wash weekly
Once a week, empty the entire box into a waste bag. Take the empty box to a sink or outdoor tap and scrub it thoroughly with warm water and a few drops of unscented dish soap. Rinse until no soap residue remains, then dry completely before adding a fresh 5–8 cm layer of litter. Moisture left in the box causes litter to stick and bacteria to grow.
- 4
Sanitise the surrounding area
Wipe down the floor or mat around the box with a damp cloth and pet-safe disinfectant. Litter tracked outside the tray carries bacteria and smells. In rental properties, place a litter-catching mat beneath the box and launder it weekly. This prevents odour from transferring to tiled or wooden floors.
- 5
Replace the box itself every one to two years
Plastic litter boxes develop micro-scratches over time that harbour bacteria and odour no amount of scrubbing can fully remove. If the box still smells after a thorough wash, it is time to replace it. Budget boxes can be swapped out annually; thicker, higher-quality trays typically last up to two years before the plastic degrades enough to retain odour permanently.
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FAQ
- How often should I fully replace the litter?
- For clumping litters, a complete change and box wash once a week is usually sufficient if you scoop daily. Non-clumping litters should be replaced every two to three days since they cannot contain odour as effectively between changes.
- Is it safe to use bleach to clean a litter box?
- No. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners are toxic to cats and the strong chemical smell can discourage cats from using the box. Stick to unscented dish soap or a cleaner specifically labelled as pet-safe. Rinse the box thoroughly and let it dry completely before adding fresh litter.
- My cat keeps missing the box — does cleaning frequency make a difference?
- Yes. Cats that miss the box or go elsewhere often do so because the box is not clean enough or the litter depth is wrong. Try scooping twice a day, ensure there is at least 5 cm of litter, and consider switching to a larger box or one with higher sides. If the behaviour persists after improving hygiene, consult a vet to rule out a urinary health issue.