Clean Like A Pro: Sifter Pan Reinstallation

Sifting litter boxes are a great way to keep your cat's litter box clean and mess-free. They typically consist of two pans or trays – a solid one that sits on top and a sifting one that fits inside. The sifting pan has holes or a mesh screen at the bottom to separate clean litter from clumps and waste. To clean it, you lift the top pan and sift the litter, allowing the clean litter to fall back into the pan while the waste remains in the sifting tray to be disposed of. While some sifting litter boxes are designed specifically for this purpose, you can also make your own by drilling holes into one of the pans.

How to clean a sifter pan

Cleaning a sifter pan can be a challenging task, but it is important to do so regularly to prevent a buildup of flour and debris, which can affect its performance. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean a sifter pan:

Step 1: Remove Excess Flour

Before you begin deep cleaning your sifter pan, it is essential to get rid of any excess flour. Hold the sifter pan over a trash bin and gently shake it to release loose flour particles. This step will help prevent your sink from clogging when you start the cleaning process. You can also lightly bang the sifter to loosen up any stubborn flour particles.

Step 2: Disassemble the Sifter Pan

If your sifter pan has multiple parts, carefully disassemble it by unscrewing and separating the rods and blade attachments. Lay out the parts in a logical order so that you can easily remember how to put them back together later.

Step 3: Soak in Warm Water and Dish Soap

Fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water, not hot water, and add a small amount of dishwashing soap. Submerge all the parts of the sifter pan in the soapy water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This will help to loosen and dissolve any stuck-on residue.

Step 4: Scrub with a Soft-Bristle Brush

After soaking, use a soft-bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush, to carefully scrub all the parts of the sifter pan. Pay special attention to the blade attachments, rods, and any other moving parts to ensure that all the stuck-on residue is removed. If needed, you can also use an old cotton cloth for scrubbing.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse all the pieces of the sifter pan with running water to remove any remaining soap and residue. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry each piece thoroughly. Ensure that there is no residual water left on the parts to prevent rusting.

Additional Tips:

• Regularly shake and tap your sifter pan after each use to remove excess flour and prevent it from building up and clogging the mesh.
• Store your sifter pan in a dry place away from areas with high humidity, as humid environments can cause flour to stick more easily.
• Inspect the blades of your sifter pan for any signs of rust, especially if they are made of metal. Rust can damage the sifter and make it more difficult to clean.
• If you notice any stubborn flour lumps after cleaning, use a toothpick to manually break them apart.

Best litter types for sifter pans

Sifting litter boxes are a great way to cut down on the time and effort it takes to scoop the litter box. However, not all litter types are created equal when it comes to these boxes. Here are some of the best litter types for sifter pans:

• Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a popular option that works well with sifting litter boxes. It forms hard clumps that are easy to separate from the clean litter, making it a convenient choice for those looking for a hassle-free option.
• Crystal Cat Litter is another good option, though it may not be as effective as clumping litter. It still does a decent job of clumping and can be easily separated from the clean litter, making it a viable alternative.
• Pine Litter is a favourite among cat owners as it is low-tracking and virtually dust-free. It also has excellent odour control properties, keeping your cat's litter box fresh and pleasant.
• Wood Pellets can be used with sifting litter boxes, but they may get stuck in the grate, making it challenging to clean. It's important to ensure that the pellets are not too large, as this can hinder their ability to pass through the sifter.
• Arm & Hammer Slide Litter is a great option for sifting litter boxes. It forms harder clumps that are less likely to stick to the bottom of the sifting tray, making clean-up a breeze.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of a litter type in a sifting pan can vary depending on the specific product and your cat's preferences. Experimenting with different litter types and adjusting the depth of the litter in the pan can help optimise its performance.

Pros and cons of sifter pans

Sifter pans are a type of litter box that can be used to separate clean litter from waste. They typically consist of three pans: two regular pans and one sifting pan with openings in the bottom that allow clean litter to fall through while waste is held in the sifting pan. Here are some pros and cons of using a sifter pan:

Pros:

• Quick and easy to clean: You can simply lift the top tray, shake it, and the clean litter will fall back into the remaining trays, leaving the waste in the top tray for disposal.
• Hands-free: You don't have to scoop the litter, so your hands stay clean.
• Smart design: The sifting litter box is a clever idea that can save time and effort in cleaning.
• Durability: Made of plastic, sifting litter boxes are durable and not prone to breaking.

Cons:

• Dust: The sifting process can create dust, especially if using clumping litter, which is the dustiest type of litter.
• Urine: Cat urine can stick to the pan, requiring washing.
• Small waste: Smaller waste may fall through the slots in the pans.
• Clumping: The sifting pan may become clogged with clumping litter, requiring additional cleaning.
• Size: Some sifting litter boxes may be too small for larger cats, leading to waste falling outside the box.

DIY sifter pans

Making your own sifter pan for your cat's litter box can be a great way to save money and time. Here are some tips and instructions for creating a DIY sifter pan:

Materials:

• Two litter box pans of the same size, one shallower than the other. You can use your old litter box as the bottom pan and buy a new one for the top.
• Drill and 11/64-sized drill bit.
• Ruler and pen for marking the holes.
• Wire mesh fencing with small squares (about 1/2 inch). Avoid chicken wire as it is too flexible and has large holes.
• Tape measure and tin snips.

Instructions:

• Measure the inside bottom dimensions of the litter box pan.
• Cut the wire mesh, adding 24 inches to the measurements to allow for the sides. Be very careful when handling the wire mesh, as it can be sharp and may cause cuts.
• Shape the mesh to the bottom of the litter box and cut out the corners.
• Bend the sides of the mesh down, creating a box shape that fits inside the litter box.
• Drill holes in the top litter box pan. Space out 3.5-inch squares evenly across the surface, drawing a grid with lines 1/4 inch apart. Where the lines intersect, drill a hole.
• Place the top pan on the bottom pan and fill with pine pellets or clumping litter. You can also add a handful of pellets to the bottom pan to absorb any urine that falls through.
• To clean, scoop out solid waste first. Then, stir the pellets to allow the sawdust to fall to the bottom, and sift the clean litter back into the pan.

Tips:

• When using wood pellets, some people have found that they get stuck in the grate. Using a deeper layer of litter may help prevent this.
• For pine pellets, buy horse bedding pellets from a farm supply store, as they are cheaper than cat pine pellets and work just as well.
• If you're using clumping litter, make sure the sifter bin is in the middle of the three trays (solid tray, sifter tray, solid tray) to prevent clumps from sticking to the bottom of the tray.
• To save money on pellets, you can also use a gold prospecting pan with 1/4-inch mesh on top of a bucket to sift the pellets.

How to prevent litter from sticking to the sifter pan

To prevent litter from sticking to the sifter pan, you can try the following:

• Use a litter liner: Place a liner between the sifter pan and the litter to create a barrier that makes cleaning easier. However, liners can be messy as cats may pull them into the litter, and you'll likely need to dispose of the liner and litter together.
• Apply non-stick cooking spray: Coat the interior of the pan with a non-stick cooking spray before adding litter to prevent waste from sticking. Be aware that this may create a film inside the box, may not always be effective, and may be off-putting to cats due to the smell.
• Buy a non-stick litter box: Opt for a non-stick litter box made from materials like stainless steel. While more expensive upfront, this can save money in the long run and offers benefits like being antimicrobial and easy to clean.
• Choose an automatic litter box: Automatic litter boxes clean themselves, reducing the chance of litter settling and sticking. These devices typically rake through the litter once your cat has finished their business.
• Provide enough litter boxes: Ensure you have one litter box per cat, plus an additional one. This helps distribute waste more evenly and makes cleanup easier, reducing the chance of litter sticking to the sides of the pan.
• Sprinkle baking soda in the pan: Baking soda absorbs moisture, preventing waste from sticking to the sides of the pan. It also helps neutralise odours.
• Use high-quality clumping litter: Opt for a clumping litter, which binds moisture to prevent waste from sticking to the sides of the pan.
• Use silica litter: Silica gel granules absorb urine, preventing it from becoming soggy and sticking to the pan. With silica litter, you only need to scoop out solid waste and change the litter every 3-4 weeks.
• Use a deeper layer of litter: A deeper layer ensures that urine doesn't reach the bottom of the pan, reducing the chance of sticking.
• Wait before scooping: Allow time for the litter to absorb and clump properly before scooping. This helps prevent clumps from breaking up and sticking to the pan.
• Use a different type of litter: Try a different litter, such as walnut-based or grass-based litter, which may be less sticky.

Frequently asked questions