How do I keep my litter box from smelling?
Last updated: February 2025 • Routine-based approach
Keep your litter box from smelling by following a simple two-part routine. Daily: Scoop waste every morning and evening (2 minutes each). Weekly: Completely change litter and wash the box with soap and water (15 minutes). The secret ingredient most people miss: add activated carbon additive to your litter—it eliminates odor molecules rather than just masking them. Place the box in a well-ventilated area, keep litter depth at 2-3 inches, and never let waste sit overnight. This routine takes less than 5 minutes per day but prevents odor from ever building up.
Your Odor-Prevention Routine
Daily Tasks
~4 mins/day- Morning scoop (2 min)Before work
- Evening scoop (2 min)Before bed
- Quick visual checkAnytime
Weekly Tasks
~15 mins/week- Empty entire box
Every 1-2 weeks
- Wash with soap
Hot water, dry thoroughly
- Add fresh litter
2-3 inches depth
- Mix in carbon additive
The odor eliminator
The 2-3 Inch Rule
Too shallow (under 2 inches) and urine reaches the bottom, creating odor. Too deep (over 3 inches) and cats may avoid it. The Goldilocks zone is 2-3 inches for optimal odor control and cat comfort.
Why routines beat reactive cleaning
Waiting until you smell odor means ammonia has already built up. By then, you are masking a problem rather than preventing it. The 2-minute daily scoops prevent ammonia from forming in the first place.
Add the secret ingredient to your weekly routine.
Get PurrifyWant the complete system? Read: Best Way to Keep Litter Box Fresh: Complete Guide