How to Use a Litter Filter for Odor Control
By Petmate | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install and maintain a litter box filter to reduce odors, plus practical tips for choosing the right filter and knowing when to replace it.
Quick Answer
To use a litter filter effectively, install it in the hood of your covered litter box and replace it every 90 days or when odors become noticeable. Pair it with regular scooping and cleaning for best results.
Why Filters Work Best with Covered Boxes
Litter filters are designed to fit hooded or covered litter boxes, where they sit in a vent or grille to trap odors before they escape into the room. If you use an open litter box, a filter won't be effective because air circulates freely without passing through the filter.
Filters reduce odors but don't replace routine scooping. They capture airborne odor molecules, but waste still needs to be removed daily to prevent buildup and bacteria growth.
Choosing the Right Filter for Your Box
Not all filters fit all hooded boxes. Check the shape and size of your litter box's vent area before buying. Universal filters are designed to be trimmed to fit, but you should measure the opening to ensure a snug fit.
Look for filters with activated carbon or zeolite, as these materials actively trap odor molecules. The Arm & Hammer Universal Litter Filter combines both, offering double protection against moisture and odors.
How to Install and Maintain a Litter Filter
- Measure your litter box vent: Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the vent opening in the hood of your litter box. This ensures you buy a filter that fits or can be trimmed to size. If your filter is too large, trim it with scissors to fit snugly.
- Install the filter: Place the filter into the vent area, pressing it in so it sits flush. Ensure it doesn't block airflow completely; it should fit securely without gaps. A loose filter won't trap odors effectively, so check that it's snug.
- Replace every 90 days or when odors return: Mark your calendar or set a reminder to replace the filter every three months. If you notice litter box smells increasing before then, replace it sooner. Write the installation date on the filter with a marker to track its age.
Product Fact
- Arm & Hammer Universal Litter Filter: The Arm & Hammer Universal Litter Filter fits hooded cat litter pans and combines Natural Charcoal and Zeolite particles to trap airborne odor molecules, lasting up to 90 days. This filter provides long-lasting odor reduction for covered litter boxes, so you can install it and not worry about replacing it for three months.
Arm & Hammer Universal Litter Filter
