View Full Version : Deep Cleaning the Litter Box?


Sakura
19th December 2007, 01:45 AM
I have 2 litter boxes right now, a kitten-sized Cat's Rule box and a regular sized Booda Dome. When I bought the Booda Dome, I bought the liners that go with it and I've used them because I thought it would be easier to clean the box that way. I am going to use the ones I have but I'm not sure if I'll re-purchase them. I don't use any liners with the kitten box.

When I change the litter each week (I do complete litter changes every 1-1.5 weeks and I scoop everyday), I use those Litterbox wipes that they sell at the pet store to wipe the plastic down. This does a good job of cleaning up residue and dust but is that enough or do I need to be "deep cleaning" the plastic?

If so, what do I use? I don't like using cleaners that aren't pet-safe (which is why I only have cleaning products made by Method and Naturics...I just feel better having those types of cleaning products in my house instead of stronger chemicals). What do you use?

WELDRWOMN
19th December 2007, 02:42 AM
For deep cleaning, I use a bleach/water mix but I do make sure to rinse it really well.

sharky
19th December 2007, 03:47 AM
Organic NOT sodium laureth or laurate containg cleaners... Method REALLY is NOT much different than most if you really read the label ....

I use dr bronners or water and vinager

Sakura
19th December 2007, 07:56 AM
Organic NOT sodium laureth or laurate containg cleaners... Method REALLY is NOT much different than most if you really read the label ....

I use dr bronners or water and vinager

I don't know why I didn't even think of vinegar. I use white vinegar to clean almost anything, it seems.

Sodium laureth/laurate surfecants don't bother me, I know it's a concern for many though.

strange_wings
19th December 2007, 09:27 AM
Diluted bleach here, for practically everything. I even use it for gecko cages and have for over 8 years, no problems and reptiles are even more sensitive to chemicals than cats are.

There's a disinfectant that a lot of reptile keepers use, brand name is nolvasan -chlorhexidine diacetate. It's used because it's virucidal, bactericidal, fungicidal and doesn't leave a residue or fumes. (maybe good for people dealing with ringworm or coccidia?) Turtle keepers also use it to treat shell rot in turtles (very diluted of course), so it is safe. Unfortunately, I never been able to find the stuff around here and ordering a jug online would be expensive. :slant:

bnwalker2
19th December 2007, 01:15 PM
I usually use diluted bleach, but in the past I have used vinegar.

Momofmany
19th December 2007, 02:17 PM
I own a double set of boxes so its easier to do what I do. I first use diluted bleach, then wash them with soap and water, then put them outside in the sun to bleach them in the sun.

littleraven7726
19th December 2007, 02:49 PM
I use hot water and dish soap. I also spray the sides with that new Clorox Anywhere spray (I use very high sided boxes). Works great.:) Nabu pees on the sides and they can get pretty gross.

AlleyGirl
19th December 2007, 04:03 PM
When I do a deep cleaning, I scrub it out with regular dish soap and very hot water.

howtoholdacat
19th December 2007, 04:22 PM
For really deep cleaning I mix a bit of ammonia in warm water and soak the box. That helps remove odors that seep in. Like everyone else, I rinse really well!

Cricketsman05
24th December 2007, 03:04 AM
Here is a great tip after cleaning your litter box. Sprinkle the bottom of your litter box with baking soda and fill your litter on top of it.
It really keeps the smell down.

Cricketsman05
24th December 2007, 03:06 AM
The baking soda is also safe for you cat.

katiemae1277
24th December 2007, 04:02 AM
Another hot water and dish soap user, I also try to leave them to dry in the sun, but sometimes time is of the essence! :lol3: