How to clean and sanitize your litter box splash guard.

Even the best-behaved cat may have trouble keeping its litter area clean.

From tracking litter to unintentionally peeing outside the litter box, accidents can wreak havoc on how your home looks and smells.

Luckily, using a litter box splash guard can help keep your cat’s bathroom habits contained to their litter box. Read on to learn more about the benefits of using a litter box splash guard and tips for keeping it clean.

Benefits of using a litter box spray guard

Using a litter box with a splash guard is an effective way to keep your home clean and odor-free. A splash guard prevents your cat’s litter from spilling onto the floor, which can create messes and odors. 

The litter box guard will also help keep your cat’s paws clean and dry while they use the litter box.

Cat litter boxes with a splash guard are designed to be easy to install and can be used with any type of litter. They can help make your home more comfortable and inviting for both you and your cat!

How do you keep the area around the box clean?

Most litter box spray guards are composed of stainless steel or layers of hard plastic. Either option provides a hard, flat surface, so you can easily clean and sanitize a litter box guard in your home. 

Start by wiping down the surface of the guard with a warm, damp cloth, and mild detergent. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure all dirt and debris are removed. Then, spray the guard with a disinfectant or deodorizing solution. Let it sit for several minutes before wiping it dry with a paper towel.

By using a litter box with a splash guard, cat parents can keep the area around their litter box clean and odor-free. 

Recommended litter box cleaning supplies

For a comprehensive cleaning routine for your litter box, you'll need to invest in a few key supplies. Specifically, for those who have a litter box with a splash guard or wall guard, having the right supplies is essential for keeping it sanitary and odor-free. 

Here are some of the best items to have on hand for litter box cleaning: 

• Litter scoop: A sturdy, good-quality litter scoop will make your life a lot easier. A hard plastic or metal scoop that’s designed to grab clumps of litter out of the tray will keep your litter box cleaner for longer. A scoop with beveled edges will also help you snag debris in those hard-to-reach corners of the box. 
• Disposable gloves: Protect your hands and make cleaning easier by using disposable gloves when scooping out used litter. Nitrile rubber gloves are a good choice because they maintain a balance between thickness and flexibility. Even when you wear gloves, though, don't forget to wash your hands when you're done.
• Dish soap or laundry detergent: Use a non-toxic cleanser that won't irritate your cat's sensitive skin. Laundry detergent is a great option for cleaning the litter box tray, as it will help remove any lingering odors. 
• White vinegar: White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for your litter box. Dilute the vinegar in warm water, spray the solution over the inside of the litter box, and use a damp cloth, or sponge to scrub away any built-up residue. Rinse the box with clean water afterward. 
• Disinfectant spray: While disinfectant sprays like Lysol can be used on the exterior of the litter box (including the splash guard) to kill germs and reduce odors, we don't recommend them. Better to use a cleanser that's specifically formulated for pet safety. Whatever you choose, be sure to follow all instructions on the label and keep the product away from your pet. 
• Clorox wipes: Clorox wipes can clean the inside and outside of your cat’s litter box, including the splash guard. Just be sure to wipe down the surface until it is completely dry before refilling the box with fresh litter. And don't let the cat get hold of the wipes.
• Clean litter: Make sure you keep a bag of fresh litter on hand at all times. We suggest environmentally friendly litters such as corn, wheat, grass seed, wood pellets, or newspaper pellets instead of clay litter. Keep the litter box refreshed with 1-2 inches of litter at all times and completely replace the litter once a week.

Following these steps will help ensure that your cat’s litter box is kept clean and sanitary. Investing in quality cleaning supplies and following a regular cleaning routine is the best way to keep your cat happy and healthy!

How often do you clean the litter box?

The best advice for clearing a cat box and splash guard is this: Develop a regular maintenance schedule and stay on top of it.

Most cat experts recommend cleaning the box once a week. Depending on the type of litter box you use, though, you may need to clean and sanitize it more frequently. If you have a litter box with a splash guard, for example, you should be sure to wipe down the litter box guard regularly — ideally every time the cat uses the bathroom.

If there are any soiled spots or odors, thoroughly clean and disinfect the guard with a pet-safe cleaner. It's also important to keep an eye on any cracks or crevices in the guard, as these can be difficult to clean and may need special attention. Be sure to check the splash guard for any build-up of waste that may have gotten trapped on it. 

Most splash guards last practically forever. They're crafted from hard, durable materials. Eventually, however, even the best litter products wear out. You should replace your splash guard as needed when it becomes too worn or stained. This could be anywhere from every six months to every year depending on the amount of use your cat gives it. 

Additionally, you should be changing out all of the cat litter at least once a week. This will help keep odors and bacteria at bay, and ensure that your cat has a clean and hygienic environment to do their business in. 

Make sure to dispose of your litter in a safe way — definitely not down the toilet where it can spread disease and harm the environment. It's not a great choice for the compost heap either. Instead, tie up used litter in a plastic bag, put it in your garbage, and send it to the landfill. That really is the safest, healthiest, and most sustainable way to manage your litter.

By cleaning and sanitizing your cat's litter box with a splash guard regularly, you can ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy. Just make sure to keep on hand the cleaning supplies you need along with a supply of fresh litter. 

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