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A house that smells like cat urine is no fun, and it could become embarrassing whenever you have guests over. So, how do you get rid of that stinky smell? Here are 7 actionable tips!
1. Frequent scooping
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way: you have to scoop at least once a day to keep your cat’s litter box from becoming stinky. If you don’t scoop, all your other efforts will be fruitless.
Certain litters have clumping properties that make your life a lot easier. For example, clumping clay litter will form solid clumps whenever it comes into contact with urine or feces, which makes scooping a bit less time-consuming.
2. Litter deodorizer
One of the most effective short-term solutions to a stinky litter box is deodorizers. As you might suspect from looking at the name, these products contain a chemical substance that binds with bad smells and instantly neutralizes them. The best litter deodorizers increase the carrying capacity of your litter and come as a powder or a spray that you can easily apply.
Remember: while deodorizers increase your litter’s carrying capacity and do a great job of covering up bad smells, they only provide a temporary solution to the problem.
3. Clean your tray with soap
Frequent scooping and replacing dirty litter in a timely fashion will go a long way towards getting rid of foul odors, but over time the tray itself will still pick up smells. Stinky bits of old litter remain stuck to the bottom, especially near the corners of the tray. The best way to counter this is by cleaning the entire tray with soap and warm water once a week.
First, empty the entire tray, then place it in your sink or the shower. Add some warm water, then grab a sponge and start cleaning. A quick rub is not enough; make sure you wipe every nook and cranny clean. Your cat will thank you for it!
4. Get a litter box that’s designed to counter odor
Litter boxes come in many forms and shapes. While lavish designs may look great, they are not necessarily the best choice when it comes to countering smell. In fact, you are probably better off buying a litter box designed specifically for odor control. They may not look as pretty, but they certainly are much more efficient at trapping any unwanted smells inside.
5. Litter-box liners
As the name suggests, a liner is a membrane designed to envelop the inner casing of your litter box. Once your litter is used up, simply pull the liner and its contents out of the tray and toss it into the trash like you would a normal trash bag.
Using litter box liners gives you an advantage because dirty litter never comes into direct contact with the box.
6. Pick the right litter
Litter selection is easily overlooked, but it’s worth investing in a quality product. By spending some time doing research, you can often save yourself money and potential disappointment. Never buy a product based on what the manufacturer says; consumers often have a more honest opinion. We do reviews of litter products, right here on our site!
7. Location, location, location!
Where you decide to place your litter box makes a world of difference. The bathroom is one of the best places for a litterbox because it is well-ventilated in most homes. Just don’t forget to leave the door open at night!
