What you'll need
- A pet-safe enzyme cleaner or mild unscented dish soap
- Warm water, a bucket or access to a tub, and a soft brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloths and paper towels for drying
- A replacement carbon filter and fresh litter
- Gloves, and a well-ventilated spot to work
Step by step
Unplug the unit
Always disconnect power before you take anything apart. Never clean around live electronics.
Empty the waste drawer
Bag the waste, remove the drawer, and set aside any liner. Empty any litter still in the globe or chamber if you're doing a full change.
Separate the parts
Detach the globe or cleaning chamber, the bonnet or lid, the drawer, and any ramps or steps. Leave the motor base alone — it never gets submerged.
Soak and scrub
Wash the plastic parts with warm water and your pet-safe cleaner. For stuck-on residue, let an enzyme cleaner sit a few minutes before scrubbing rather than using anything abrasive.
Wipe the base and sensors — gently
Clean the motor base with a damp (not wet) cloth. Follow your model's instructions for accessible sensors and contacts; keeping those areas free of dust can help the unit cycle consistently.
Rinse and dry completely
Rinse away all cleaner residue and dry every part fully. Reassembling while damp invites odor and can affect sensors.
Reassemble, refill, and test
Put in a fresh carbon filter, add clean litter to the fill line, reconnect power, and run one cycle to confirm everything works.
The spots most people miss
- The rubber seals and gaskets where odor hides
- Sensor windows and weight-plate contacts
- The underside and lip of the waste drawer
- Vents and the carbon-filter housing
- The mat and floor area around the unit
If a unit is badly overdue, or you'd simply rather not take it apart, that's exactly what a professional deep clean is for — see what's included or read how often it should be done.