Highlights
- Discover why odours linger even in “clean” litter boxes.
- Learn how HOCl neutralizes both germs and smells.
- Safe for pets — no harsh fumes or residue.
- Cleans boxes, scoops, trays, and floors in one easy step.
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating to cats’ sensitive noses.
- Canadian-made and Health Canada–approved for peace of mind.
Why Litter Box Smells Stick Around
Even when you scoop daily, bacteria thrive on litter box surfaces — especially the box edges, trays, scoops, and nearby floors. Most of the “odour” isn’t just waste; it’s bacteria releasing ammonia and sulfur compounds into the air. Many cat owners use fragranced sprays or bleach, but those don’t solve the real problem. Fragrances mask the odour, and bleach can irritate paws, eyes, and lungs.
Try this instead: CleanSmart’s 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant uses hypochlorous acid (HOCl) — the same germ-fighting molecule your body naturally makes — to neutralize bacteria and odours at the source.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Litter Box Safely
- Empty the box completely. Dispose of old litter in a sealed bag.
- Rinse with warm water — avoid soap or vinegar (cats dislike strong smells).
- Spray HOCl directly on all surfaces: inside walls, edges, bottom, and scoop.
- Wipe or air dry. No rinsing needed — HOCl breaks down to saline water.
- Spray the surrounding floor and wall areas. These often trap odour-causing dust and bacteria.
- Allow full air dry. The scent-free result means your cat won’t reject the box.
Odour vs. Germ Strategy: Why It Matters
The real secret to odour control isn’t perfume — it’s removing the bacteria that cause smells. Hypochlorous acid is proven to eliminate 99.9% of common germs, including E. coli, Salmonella, and fungi that thrive in damp litter boxes. It’s non-toxic, residue-free, and completely safe if your cat steps in right after cleaning.
Unlike bleach or ammonia-based cleaners:
- No corrosive fumes
- No skin or paw irritation
- No dangerous residue on litter box plastic or tile floors
Explore the Kitchen & Bath Collection to find HOCl disinfectants perfect for everyday pet cleaning.
Beyond the Box: Floors, Walls & Airflow
Cleaning the litter box is only half the battle — the surrounding floor and airflow affect odour too. Litter dust settles on nearby walls, baseboards, and even HVAC vents. Regularly wiping these areas with HOCl spray prevents bacteria from spreading and stops smells from “recycling” through the air. For tile, laminate, or vinyl floors, HOCl can safely replace harsh cleaners. Spray directly and let air dry — it leaves no film or residue that can trap more odour later.
Pro tip: If your litter box is in a small space, improve ventilation with a small fan or air purifier. Germ control works best when combined with airflow and dry conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How often should I disinfect my litter box?
A: At least once a week for full disinfection. Daily scooping plus weekly HOCl cleaning prevents bacterial buildup.
Q2: Can I spray HOCl while my cat is nearby?
A: Yes. Hypochlorous acid is non-toxic and fragrance-free, safe for pets and humans alike.
Q3: Will HOCl remove litter box stains?
A: It removes organic residue and light staining but not deep plastic discoloration — however, it eliminates the bacteria that cause future staining and smell.
Q4: Can I mix HOCl with other cleaners?
A: No. HOCl works best on its own. Mixing it with vinegar or bleach reduces its effectiveness.
Q5: Is this safe on surrounding tile and grout?
A: Absolutely — it’s non-corrosive and ideal for tile, grout, and sealed flooring around the litter box.
The Bottom Line
A clean litter box should smell like nothing at all. With HOCl, you can safely eliminate both germs and odours without exposing your pets to harsh chemicals.
Keep your litter area fresh with CleanSmart’s 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant — part of our Kitchen & Bath Collection.
Questions? Contact Us for product guidance or distributor inquiries.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “About Cleaning and Disinfecting Pet Supplies." CDC
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) / American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). “General Litter Box Considerations.” AAHA
- ASPCApro. “Sanitation for Group Cat Rooms.” ASPCApro
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). "Pet Ownership and Zoonotic Diseases.” CVMA