How to Clean a Litter Box (Daily and Deep Clean)
Scoop at least once a day, then empty and wash the box with hot water and unscented soap. Get the full routine for clumping and non-clumping litter and pregnancy.
By Olivia Parker
Updated November 12, 2026
Scoop the litter box at least once a day. Every so often, empty it completely, wash it with hot water and unscented soap, dry it well and refill it with fresh litter. Skip strongly scented cleaners, because cats can object to lingering smells. The sections below cover timing for different litters, what to wash with, and how to handle the box safely during pregnancy.
Daily scooping
The ASPCA advises scooping at least once a day. International Cat Care recommends at least twice a day, which is a good target if your schedule allows. In a home with several cats, scooping more often may be needed.
Daily scooping also matters for people. The CDC says that cleaning the box every day removes feces before they become infectious, because the Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after a cat sheds it.
A simple daily routine looks like this:
- Remove stool and any wet clumps or damp spots.
- Seal the waste in a bag and put it in the trash.
- Top up the litter to keep the depth steady. Cornell notes that most cats prefer unscented, fine litter about 1 to 2 inches deep.
If litter ends up all over the floor, see our guide on how to stop cat litter tracking.
Full change and wash
Scooping removes the waste, but the box itself still needs regular emptying and washing. Sources do not agree on one schedule, and the right interval depends on your litter. VCA says boxes should be totally emptied and cleaned about once a week, and that with clumping litter the entire box may only need changing every 2 to 4 weeks. VCA also says not to flush scooped material that contains clumping litter.
International Cat Care gives similar numbers: every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping litter and weekly for non-clumping litter. If you are unsure, the shorter interval is the cautious choice, especially in a multi-cat home. Our guide on how often to change cat litter goes deeper on timing.
Steps for a full wash
- Pour out all the litter and bag it for the trash.
- Fill the box with hot water and let it soak for a few minutes. PetMD says hot water alone will generally do the trick, and a little dish soap is an option.
- Scrub, then rinse well so no soapy residue remains.
- Dry the box completely with paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Add fresh litter to a depth of 1 to 2 inches.
Do the washing in a tub or utility sink if you can. The CDC warns that a kitchen sink can spread germs to food, and suggests a separate basin and scrub pad for pet supplies.
Non-clumping and pellet litter
Non-clumping litter does not form scoopable balls, so you remove stool and any wet or soiled spots each day and top up as the level drops. Because the litter absorbs urine instead of clumping around it, the full empty and wash comes around more often, weekly according to the guidance above. Our guide to types of cat litter compares the main options.
For pellet litter, sieve-style boxes and similar systems, there is no authoritative cleaning schedule we can cite. Follow the box and litter manufacturer’s directions for how to separate waste and when to replace the pellets. As general practical advice, keep to the same daily and weekly rhythm and wash the box itself whenever you change the litter.
What to clean with and what to avoid
Hot water and unscented soap are the simplest choice. The ASPCA suggests washing the box weekly with baking soda or an unscented soap, and warns that scented cleaners can put a cat off the box.
Avoid these:
- Ammonia, bleach and caustic products. PetMD says to avoid products with ammonia, bleach or any caustic ingredient, and notes that many cats dislike the smell of bleach and disinfectants.
- Disinfectants with phenol. The CDC says not to use disinfectants with “phenol” in the ingredient list around cats, and not to mix bleach with other cleaners such as ammonia.
- Heavily perfumed products. This includes strongly scented sprays, deodorizers and litter, since cats can object to them.
Opinions differ on disinfecting. The CDC allows bleach or disinfectant wipes for hard pet supplies, while PetMD advises against bleach for litter boxes. If you choose a disinfectant, follow the product directions, never mix products, rinse very thoroughly and let the box dry before refilling. Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are only an optional extra mentioned by PetMD, not a required step.
If your cat suddenly avoids the box, talk to your veterinarian, because changes in litter habits can have medical causes.
Living in an apartment
In a small apartment, the daily scoop and sealed trash bags are the main tools for keeping odor down. Be careful with lidded boxes. Cornell notes that lids hold odors inside the box, so a covered box needs frequent attention. See covered vs uncovered litter boxes for the trade-offs.
Pregnancy and toxoplasmosis
If anyone in your household is pregnant, the CDC says it is best to let someone else in the family change the cat litter or clean the litter box. If no one else can, the CDC advises wearing disposable gloves and washing your hands with soap and water afterwards.
Daily scooping is still the key habit for everyone in the home, since the parasite is not infectious right away. Throw the gloves away before washing your hands, and wash with soap and water right after touching the box. If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, ask your healthcare provider about your specific risk.
Replacing an old box
VCA notes that a box used for several years may hold a residual odor, even after washing. There is no authoritative replacement interval, so use your own judgment: replace a box that still smells after a thorough wash, has become too small for your cat.
If you change litter types at the same time as the box, mix the new litter in a little at a time. If you are adding boxes, our guide on how many litter boxes per cat covers numbers and placement.
Tools That Help
These scoops, waste pails and an unscented clumping litter fit the daily scoop and refill routine above; check each listing for size and fit with your box. If you would rather cut down on daily scooping, see our guide to the best self-cleaning litter boxes.
Pros
- Cast aluminum alloy body that resists rust and corrosion
- 1.85 in deep shovel with a sharp edge to loosen clumps
- Smooth shape designed to reach into box corners
- Waterproof body that rinses clean
Cons
- Small size (11 x 4.25 in), so check it suits your box
- Heavier than a basic plastic scoop
Pros
- Wide 4.7 in mouth with large sifting slits
- Light at about 1.76 oz
- Made with 95% post-industrial resin
- Made in the USA (Texas)
Cons
- Plastic, not metal
- No holder included
Pros
- 32.3 in handle lets you scoop standing up
- Stainless steel scoop head
- Wide 6 x 5.1 in sifter
- Handle comes apart to adjust length or store
Cons
- Long handle takes more storage space than a hand scoop
- Wide head may be awkward in small boxes
Pros
- Holds up to 14 days of soiled litter for one cat
- Multi-layer refill bag to seal in odor
- Pull-handle design: scoop, drop, pull
- Includes a pail, scoop and a standard refill
Cons
- Needs Litter Genie refills
- Sized for one cat at the stated 14 days
Pros
- Foot pedal opens the lid for hands-free disposal
- Rubber lid seal, inner trap door and sealed front door
- 4-gallon pail with side-mount scoop included
- 21 ft continuous liner listed to last up to 10 weeks for one cat
Cons
- Uses its own continuous refill liners
- Larger footprint than a compact pail
Pros
- Natural clay with activated charcoal for odor control
- Made without fragrances or dyes
- Tight-forming clumps for easy scooping
- Low dust when pouring
Cons
- 38 lb box is heavy to lift and pour
- Low dust, not dust-free
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I scoop the litter box?
At least once a day. The ASPCA and the CDC say daily, and International Cat Care suggests twice a day if you can manage it. Homes with several cats may need more.
Can I clean a litter box with vinegar?
Vinegar is not needed. Hot water and an unscented soap are enough, and PetMD mentions vinegar only as an optional addition to hot water. Rinse well and dry the box fully before refilling.
Should a pregnant person clean the litter box?
The CDC says it is best to have someone else do it. If that is not possible, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and water afterwards, and ask your healthcare provider about your risk.
How often should I replace all the litter?
Sources suggest about weekly for non-clumping litter and every 2 to 4 weeks for clumping litter, with daily scooping in between. Choose the shorter interval if you have several cats or notice odor building up.
Sources
- CDC, About Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies
- CDC, Preventing Toxoplasmosis
- CDC, People at Increased Risk for Toxoplasmosis
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Cat Behavior Problems – House Soiling
- International Cat Care, Choosing a litter tray for your cat
- PetMD, How to Clean a Litter Box
- ASPCA, Litter Box Problems
- Cornell Feline Health Center, Feline Behavior Problems: House Soiling
About the author
Olivia Parker explains cat litter types, cleaning routines and common litter problems such as tracking and peeing outside the box, in clear, accessible language. She draws on the ASPCA and the Cornell Feline Health Center, and recommends a veterinary visit first when a cat's litter habits suddenly change.