How to Clean a Used Cat Tower in a Right Way

If you’re in the market for a used cat tower, it’s important to know how to clean it properly. No one wants to bring home an unclean, germy cat tree. Cleaning a used cat tower can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Cats are notorious for bringing dirt and bacteria into the home on their fur and feet – not to mention the dust and allergens from their dander – which is why it’s essential to learn how to clean a used cat tower correctly. We’ll show you how to do this safely and effectively using natural products that won’t harm your pet.

We also provide some top tips on inspecting your used cat tower before purchase so that you can make sure you aren’t bringing home any nasties! So keep reading if you want to learn how cleaning a used cat tower the right way can ensure your feline friend has an enjoyable place to play and relax in your home.

What Supplies You Will Need

When cleaning a used cat tower, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand. To start with, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner with attachments. The most common attachments used for cleaning cat towers are dust brushes, crevice tools and upholstery tools. These help remove hair and other dirt from cracks, crevices and surfaces.

You’ll also need a few household items—hydrogen peroxide, an enzyme cleaner and white distilled vinegar—to thoroughly clean the cat tower. Hydrogen peroxide helps remove any mold or mildew that may be present on the cat tower, while an enzyme cleaner can help break down stuck-on messes like urine or food stains. Finally, white distilled vinegar can help kill bacteria and germs on the cat tower that might make your furry friend sick.

Preparing the Area for Cleaning

Now that you have the right supplies, it’s time to prepare the area for cleaning. Start by taking the used cat tower outside and setting it up in your outdoor space. This is an important step, as you don’t want to bring any of the dust and dirt indoors.

Once your cat tower is in a designated cleaning area, you can begin by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, dirt, and hair from the surfaces and crevices of the tower. After vacuuming, wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap or cat shampoo.

Now that the cat tower is clean, you can consider disinfecting it with a safe household cleaner like hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, or an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet owners. Do this step even if your cat isn’t sick—disinfecting will help prevent germs from spreading in case your cat does get sick in the future.

Cleaning the Base of the Tower

When cleaning a used cat tower, the base is often neglected, but it’s important to keep it clean as well. The first step is to remove any clogged debris from the base. This can include fur, dust and dirt buildup that may have accumulated over time. If you’re unable to remove the debris with a vacuum or brush, you may need to take apart the tower vase in order to access the hard-to-reach areas where the debris is lodged.

Alternatively, instead of cleaning the base of the tower, you can opt to go for a more drastic solution – burning it! It may sound extreme, but this method can be very effective in cleansing and sanitizing the structure of any bacteria or germs that are difficult to remove with regular cleaning products. Burning also helps to prevent future buildups of residue and fur.

Cleaning the Fabric Parts of the Tower

It’s easy to keep the fabric components of a used cat tower smelling clean and fresh. Start by mixing 1 part clear dish detergent with 16 parts water, and transfer the solution to a spray bottle.

Spray the mix onto any fabric surfaces, and gently scrub with a scrub brush or soft cloth until the fabric is thoroughly saturated. Do not attempt to remove cushion covers for dry cleaning or machine washing as this may cause shrinkage.

Finally, use an all-purpose cleaner in conjunction with a machine cleaning wipe or damp cloth to clean any fabric surfaces that are heavily soiled. Allow all treated surfaces to air dry and then your cat tower will be good as new!

Disinfecting and Sanitizing

It’s important to not only clean a used cat tower, but also to disinfect and sanitize it. Sanitizing reduces germs to safe levels, while disinfecting kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Disinfecting does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces – it just helps control the spread of germs.

To properly disinfect your used cat tower, you’ll need some common household supplies:

• A damp cloth or paper towels
• A mild detergent or soap
• White vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Cleaning gloves

Once you have gathered your supplies, follow these steps:

1. Put on cleaning gloves and remove any debris from the surface of the cat tower.
2. Dip the cloth or paper towel in the soapy water or white vinegar and wipe down the entire surface to get rid of dirt and dust buildup.
3. Once dry, spray the entire tower with a solution consisting of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 4 parts water, then allow it to air dry for 10 minutes.
4. Clean off any remaining residue from the cleaning/disinfecting process with a damp cloth or paper towel.
5. Allow the cat tower to completely dry before allowing your pet back on it again.

Drying and Reassembly

Once the cat tree is fully scrubbed and disinfected it’s time to move on to the final step – drying and reassembly. This is the most important part, as you need to make sure the cat tree is completely dry before allowing your cats to access it.

Drying

To avoid any residual cleaning agents from irritating your cats’ skin and eyes, as well as to prevent any mildew from forming, you must let the cat tower dry completely. You may use a clean towel or wet vac for this purpose. To ensure full drying, run a fan near the area for a few hours or open a window for a fresh breeze.

Reassembly

Once your cat tree has dried out, you can start reassembling it following the instructions provided with your cat tree (if any). Make sure all parts are secure and tightened properly so that your cats won’t accidentally cause it to come apart. This is also an opportune time to give each part one last wipe before finally allowing your cats access.

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Conclusion

In order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your cat, it’s paramount to clean a used cat tower the right way. Deep-cleaning a used tower is the best way to get rid of any germs, bacteria, and other potential hazards that may be hidden away inside. Depending on its condition, you may need to start by disinfecting it, and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris and dust. If it’s extremely dirty, you might even consider hiring a professional to do the job for you.

No matter what, it’s important to take care of your cat tower and make sure it’s clean and safe for your cat to use. Doing so requires a bit of effort, but the end result—a happy and healthy cat—is well worth it.