Can You Vacuum Cat Litter? (Explained)

Can you vacuum cat litter?

This is a question that many people have asked, and you might be wondering if it is safe to do so.

We did some research and put together this piece to answer your question.

Can You Vacuum Cat Litter?

It is not a good idea to vacuum cat litter. Cat litter can seriously damage your regular vacuum cleaner. The tiny pieces of litter can clog up the vacuum cleaner’s filters and potentially destroy the motor. 

If you must vacuum your cat’s litter box, make sure to use a very powerful vacuum with strong suction.

We do not recommend using a handheld vac for this task. It is also important to change your vacuum filter often when cleaning up cat litter.

How Will Vacuuming Cat Litter Damage My Vacuum?

There are various ways in which vacuuming cat litter can damage your vacuum.

They include:

Clogging Up The Filters

The tiny pieces of cat litter can clog up your vacuum’s filters, and this will reduce the suction power. Over time, the clogged filter will cause the motor to overheat and eventually fail.

Destroying The Motor

The tiny pieces of cat litter can also get into the vacuum’s motor and destroy it. If you have an expensive vacuum, this can be a very costly repair.

Ruining The Hose

Cat litter can also ruin the hose of your vacuum. The tiny pieces can cause holes and tears in the hose, which will reduce the suction power and eventually cause the hose to fail.

Damaging The Canister Walls

Clumped cat litter can also damage the canister walls of your vacuum.

The clumps can cause the canister to crack or break, which will reduce the suction power and eventually cause the canister to fail.

How to Clean Up Cat Litter On The Carpet

Cleaning up cat litter on the carpet is a tricky task. The tiny pieces of litter can easily get embedded in the fibers of the carpet and be almost impossible to remove.

The best way to clean up cat litter on the carpet is to use a powerful vacuum with strong suction. Prior to cleaning, empty the canister and change the filter.

Vacuum the area slowly and methodically to make sure you pick up as much cat litter as possible.

Now mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and mist the area. Allow the vinegar solution to sit for five minutes then vacuum again.

This will help remove any residual cat litter and freshen up the area.

If you have a steam cleaner, you can also use that to clean up cat litter on the carpet. Just make sure to empty the water tank before using it on the carpet.

What Vacuum Picks Up Cat Litter?

Any good-quality vacuum with strong suction will be able to pick up cat litter.

We recommend using a powerful vacuum with a HEPA filter for the best results.

Some of the best vacuums for picking up cat litter are the Dyson Ball Multi Floor Upright Vacuum, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E, and the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum.

These vacuums have strong suction power and are specifically designed to pick up pet hair and debris.

They also have HEPA filters that will trap the tiny pieces of cat litter and prevent them from damaging your vacuum.

How to Get Litter Out Of Carpet Without Vacuum (Alternative Ways)

Use A Broom And Dustpan

You can use a broom and dustpan to clean up cat litter on the carpet. Just sweep the area well and make sure to dispose of the cat litter properly.

You want to avoid sweeping it into other areas of the house where it can be tracked.

Use A Lint roller

A lint roller is another great way to clean up cat litter on the carpet. Just roll it over the area and it will pick up the tiny pieces of cat litter.

Be careful not to press too hard or you may damage the carpet fibers.

Use Tape

Tape is also a good way to clean up cat litter. Just put a piece of tape over the area and press down. Then peel it up and the cat litter will come with it.

Be careful not to use too much force or you may damage the carpet fibers.

Use A Carpet Sweeper

This is a great alternative to using a vacuum. Just sweep the area with a carpet sweeper and it will pick up the cat litter.

Be sure to dispose of the cat litter properly so it doesn’t get tracked around the house.

Wash The Carpet

If the area is small, you can try washing the carpet.

Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket and scrub the area with a brush.

Then rinse it well and allow it to dry completely. This will remove the cat litter and freshen up the carpet.

Use A Damp Cloth

You can also use a damp cloth to clean up cat litter. Just dampen a cloth with water and blot the area.

Why Does A Vacuum Spit Out Cat Litter?

There are a few reasons why your vacuum might be spitting out cat litter.

The first reason is that the cat litter is too fine.

The tiny pieces of cat litter can easily get caught in the filter and clog it.

This will cause the vacuum to lose suction and eventually spit out the cat litter.

Another reason why your vacuum might be spitting out cat litter is that the bag is full. When the bag gets full, it can’t hold any more cat litter and will start to spit it out.

There could also be something blocking the hose. If there is a blockage, the vacuum can’t suck up the cat litter and will spit it out.

The canister or bag could also be damaged. If there are holes or tears, the cat litter will fall out. The roller may also be covered in cat litter.

This will prevent it from picking up any more cat litter and will cause it to spit it out.

Finally, the suction power may be too low. If the suction power is too low, the vacuum won’t be able to pick up the cat litter and will spit it out.

FAQ

Can You Vacuum Cat Poop?

It is not advisable to vacuum cat poop as it messes up the vacuum and is a general health hazard.

If you must do it, make sure to wear gloves and a mask, empty the vacuum immediately after, and disinfect both the vacuum and the area where the poop was.

Can You Vacuum Cat Litter With A Dyson?

While most Dyson vacuums can handle cat litter, we recommend using the Dyson Ball Multi Floor Upright Vacuum or the Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum.

These vacuums have strong suction power and are specifically designed to pick up pet hair and debris.

Can You Vacuum Cat Litter While Pregnant?

Yes, there is no problem with vacuuming cat litter while pregnant. Just be sure to wear a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling the dust.

However, it would be better to have another person do it for you to be on the safe side.

Why?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can be found in cat poop.

While it is rare, it can be harmful to pregnant women and their babies. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How Often Should I Change Cat Litter?

How often you change cat litter depends on various factors, such as the type of litter you use, the number of cats you have, and whether or not you have an automatic litter box.

In general, it’s best to scoop out the clumps daily and change the entire litter every week or two.

Does a Roomba Pick Up Cat Litter?

Yes, a Roomba can pick up cat litter.

However, we recommend using a Roomba with a debris extractor to prevent the cat litter from clogging the brushes.

How Do I Get Rid Of Cat Urine Smell?

The best way to get rid of cat urine smell is to use an enzyme-based cleaner. This will break down the urine and remove the odor.

You can also try using vinegar or baking soda. Just be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning it.

Can You Use A Shop Vac To Vacuum Cat Litter?

Yes, you can use a shop vac to vacuum cat litter. Just make sure to empty the tank often as it will fill up quickly.

We also recommend using a dust mask to avoid inhaling the dust.

Final Thoughts

It is possible to vacuum cat litter but there are various concerns to take into account such as the type of vacuum you use and the health hazards associated with it.

If you do decide to vacuum cat litter, be sure to take all the necessary precautions.

Looking For Vacuum Guides?

If you’re looking for more vacuum resources, consider checking out our other posts on vacuums.

• The Top 5 Vacuums For Delicate Rugs
• The Top 5 HEPA Vacuums For Mold
• 4 Best Vacuums For Guinea Pig Poop

References: When to change cat litter,Types of Cat Litter