Baking soda is a great all-purpose cleaner that can eliminate tough odors, including stubborn ammonia-based smells. A little goes a long way too, so sprinkling a small amount on top should be enough to clear out those bad smells. Whatever deodorizer you use, make sure it's one that your cat likes as well.
Use Baking Soda
If you decide that a cat litter deodorizer isn't right for either you or your cats, using a little baking soda is another sure way to help with the odours coming from your cat litter box, although it may sound like an unlikely fix.
You should wear a mask when cleaning cat litter because wearing a mask will prevent the inhalation of airborne bacteria and germs from the litter. The germs, if inhaled, can cause respiratory problems, resulting in allergic reactions and respiratory diseases. To protect your lungs, wear a dust mask.
Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda to the bottom of the litter box to absorb odor. You can also buy clay cat litter containing baking soda for a similar effect. Sprinkle a cat-specific deodorizer on top of the litter to mask any unwanted smells.
Baking Soda
If you're still having odor problems, try sprinkling a little baking soda on the bottom of the box before you add fresh litter each week, or place an open box of baking soda in the same area as the box.
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Note that while many people use scented litter or air freshener to mask litter box odors, these odors can be off-putting to cats. A thin layer of baking soda placed on the bottom of the box will help absorb odors without repelling your cat.
In addition to daily scooping, it is important to regularly change the litter box (twice weekly for non-clumping litter, monthly for clumping litter) and to wash it with soap and water.
Add baking soda to the litter: Surprisingly, baking soda is a great all-natural deodorizer that is both safe for cats and can help manage the litter box smell. By mixing a little bit of baking soda with the litter, you can help absorb any urine odors also.
When urea, the main component of urine, decomposes, the highly volatile ammonia is released, and as cats have higher levels of urea than dogs, or even humans, this is multiplied in the litter tray. Humans can detect ammonia at very small concentrations, and it has a particularly fishy smell.
Cleaning the area thoroughly with vinegar first and then applying an enzyme treatment will break down and evaporate the uric acid and your home will be free of cat odors. Vinegar and enzyme cleaners work on all surfaces: hardwood floors, carpets, mattresses.
Basements and laundry rooms are popular choices but not actually recommended. Instead, Geller suggests the bedroom. "Your bedroom is a good location for a cat litter box since it's usually a quiet place," she says.
How often should you change cat litter? Ideally, you should spot-clean your cat's litter tray every day and replace the litter at least once a week. If the tray is left to become dirty, your cat may prefer to use the floor instead!
Scrape off all residue with a litter scoop or abrasive cloth, then wipe out the remaining dust with a wet paper towel. Pour some hot water and a few pumps of a mild, unscented detergent into the litter box. Scrub clean with a cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Rinse clean and completely dry the litter box.
Compared to other domesticated species, the urine of cats is more concentrated. It has a very strong ammonia odor which can grow stronger the longer you let dirty litter sit. But extreme odors from the litter box could be red flags indicating something more serious like a urinary tract infection.
Choose safer cat litter
Fragrance-free: Avoid scented and fragrance-containing cat litter. Chemicals called phthalates are often found in scented and perfumed products. Phthalates can cause reproductive harm to humans and cats and disrupt hormone functions. Dust-free: Cat litter can create dust in the home.
A little sprinkle of baby powder in your cat box after scooping can make it smell a little less, well, smelly!
Fill the box and scoop often
We recommend 2-3 inches to provide enough depth for the clumps to form and rise to the top, leaving the bottom clean, no scraping or dumping needed. Don't fill it up too much though if your cat is a digger or a kicker or takes half the litter with them out of the box.
If you use air fresheners around the litter box, the new scent might drive your cat away. Just sprinkling a little baking soda in your litter box can help cut down on the smelliness without putting your cat off.
They are also a great solution to keep odors at bay. Depending on the problems that you want to address, covered cat litter boxes might work better for you than other litter box options. The most common problem that pet parents face is when their cat doesn't use the box as they should.
Add about 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir to combine. Lemon and lavender are great choices, but eucalyptus is my favorite because of the refreshing scent. Pour the baking soda and essential oil mix into the water and stir. Then funnel the water into your spray bottle.
Hospitals, nursing homes, health care clinics, and other facilities have relied on ZORBX® as the guaranteed odor remover for urine, bile, human waste and other body fluids.
Baking soda absorbs bad smells from old food scraps and other garbage before it reaches your nostrils. If you're all out of baking soda, try using dryer sheets for stinky trash cans. The fabric softener from the sheets will grab smells and replace them with a pleasant laundry scent.