How to Clean a Self-Cleaning Litter Box (Litter-Robot, ScoopFree)

A self-cleaning litter box saves you the daily scoop, but it still needs cleaning. Litter dust and urine film build up inside the drum or tray, the waste drawer starts to smell, and dirty sensors can stop the rake or globe from cycling properly. This guide covers how often to clean an automatic litter box, how to empty and wash the parts that come out, how to clean the sensors, and how to keep the motor and electronics dry.

It follows the cleaning instructions Whisker publishes for the Litter-Robot and PetSafe publishes for its ScoopFree boxes. Models differ, so check the manual for yours before you take anything apart.

How often to clean

• Waste drawer or bin: empty it whenever the indicator says it is full, or sooner if it smells.
• Litter-Robot: Whisker recommends a basic globe cleaning every 1 to 3 months and a deep cleaning at least every 3 months, depending on how many cats you have. It adds that more frequent deep cleanings may be necessary depending on use.
• PetSafe ScoopFree: PetSafe says regular monthly cleaning can reduce odor and extend the life of your litter box.

More cats means more use, so homes with several cats sharing one unit will need to clean it more often.

Before you start

1. Empty the litter. On a Litter-Robot 4, Whisker says to press the Empty button so the globe turns and the litter falls through the waste port into the waste drawer. On a ScoopFree, you lift out the litter tray and tip the used litter into a trash bag.
2. Turn it off and unplug it. Both makers say to unplug the unit before you take it apart. A rake or globe that starts moving while your hands are inside can pinch fingers and damage the unit.
3. Keep your cat out of the room until the box is back together and switched on.
4. Wear gloves, and work near a bathtub, utility sink or outdoor hose for the washable parts.

The parts you can wash

Litter-Robot globe

Whisker says you can clean the globe with water and a mild soap, or its own cleaner spray or wipes. It notes there are no electronic components in the globe that can be damaged by soap and water, and that a very dirty globe can be soaked and cleaned with a water hose. Let the globe dry completely before you put it back on the base.

For a quick touch up between deep cleans, Whisker suggests wiping the inside and upper half of the globe with a cleaner wipe or a disposable towelette, without removing the litter.

ScoopFree litter tray, waste bin and rake

On the ScoopFree Clumping box, PetSafe says to wash the litter tray, waste bin and waste bin cover by hand or in your dishwasher. The rake is not dishwasher safe and should be hand washed. Wipe the rake with a sponge or soft brush.

PetSafe’s Crystal Classic model uses a disposable litter tray instead. You close the old tray with its lid and throw it away, then clean the rake and frame.

Waste drawer

Whisker says to clean the Litter-Robot waste drawer with soap and water or its cleaner. Fit a fresh liner flat, wrapped over the rim of the drawer. Whisker notes that stretched bags, or bags not pressed flat, can make the drawer full indicator read the waste level wrongly.

Clean the sensors

Dirty sensors are a common reason an automatic box stops cycling or shows an error light.

On the ScoopFree Clumping box, PetSafe says to clean all six detection sensors on the inside walls, three on each side, even if the sensors look clean, because waste can leave a film that interferes with their detection. It says rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab work best. Its Crystal Classic instructions say the same: wipe the sensors with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to remove any film that may prevent the rake from working.

PetSafe also warns not to use any soaps or cleaners that would leave a residue on the sensors.

Keep the base and electronics dry

The base of an automatic litter box holds the motor, sensors and controls. Never put it under a tap or in the bath.

• Litter-Robot: Whisker says never to submerge, spray or soak the base or control panel, as it contains sensors and electronics. It says to wipe the base with a cloth dampened with a disinfectant, spraying onto the cloth or paper towel rather than onto the base.
• ScoopFree: PetSafe says to wipe all surfaces on the litter box frame with a cloth or sponge using mild soap and water.

Wring the cloth out well so no liquid runs into seams, buttons or the power socket.

Cleaners to avoid

Cats have a strong sense of smell, and the wrong cleaner can put them off the box.

• No bleach inside the drum or tray. Whisker says not to use bleach or cleaning products that contain bleach inside the Litter-Robot globe, as this may cause irritating fumes. PetSafe says not to use bleach or chemicals on the ScoopFree, as they can act as a repellent to your cat.
• No strong scents. PetSafe advises avoiding soaps, cleaners or chemicals with strong odors or cat repellent scents like citrus, lavender and peppermint.
• Follow your own model’s manual. The two makers give different advice for the base or frame, so use the cleaner your manual names.

Dry it and put it back together

1. Dry every part completely. PetSafe says to thoroughly dry all parts before reassembling. Whisker warns that wet litter turns into messy clay inside the globe.
2. Reassemble carefully. PetSafe says installing the ScoopFree rake with the bar facing the back of the box and locking it in place are essential. On a Litter-Robot, make sure the globe sits in its home position and the bonnet latches before you switch it on.
3. Refill with fresh litter to the fill line, using the litter type your model is made for.
4. Plug it in and run a cycle while you watch, to check the rake or globe moves freely.

The area around the box

Automatic boxes still get litter kicked out of them and the odd miss over the edge. For scattered litter and the floor around the box, see how to stop cat litter tracking and clean up around the box. For a box that smells even when it is clean, see how to control litter box smell.

A simple routine

• When the indicator says so: empty the waste drawer or bin and fit a fresh liner.
• Every week: top up the litter and wipe any litter dust off the outside and the step or entry.
• Every month or so: wash the removable parts, clean the sensors and wipe the base, following your model’s schedule.
• Always: unplug before you clean, keep water away from the electronics, and wash your hands afterwards.

For other appliances that need the same care around electronics, see how to clean an automatic pet feeder.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit is made for cat and dog accidents on carpets and fabrics. If your cat misses the box, use it on the rug or mat nearby, and keep cleaners out of the litter drum and away from the sensors.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean a self-cleaning litter box?

Empty the waste drawer whenever it is full. Whisker recommends a basic Litter-Robot globe cleaning every 1 to 3 months and a deep clean at least every 3 months. PetSafe recommends cleaning its ScoopFree boxes monthly.

Can I use bleach on an automatic litter box?

Not inside it. Whisker says bleach inside the Litter-Robot globe may cause irritating fumes, and PetSafe says bleach and chemicals can act as a repellent to your cat.

Why does my self-cleaning litter box keep stopping?

Dirty sensors are a common cause. PetSafe says waste can leave a film on the sensors even when they look clean, and recommends wiping them with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. If cleaning does not fix it, contact the maker’s support team.

Can I put the parts in the dishwasher?

Only the parts your manual allows. PetSafe says the ScoopFree Clumping tray, waste bin and cover can go in the dishwasher, but the rake should be hand washed. Never put a base with electronics in water.

Sources

• Whisker (Litter-Robot): Litter-Robot 4: Deep cleaning guide
• PetSafe: How to clean my ScoopFree Clumping Self-Cleaning Litter Box
• PetSafe: How to clean and reassemble my ScoopFree Crystal Classic Self-Cleaning Litter Box

This guide is general cleaning information. If your cat stops using the box, strains, or goes more or less often than usual, talk to your veterinarian.