How to Clean a Cat Scratcher: Tips for Hygiene and Durability 2025

Surely you take care of your beloved pet, but do you know how to clean a cat scratcher? After all, it’s an essential item for every cat owner. It serves as a place for play, rest, and claw sharpening, which is why it requires regular cleaning. This not only extends its lifespan but also ensures hygienic conditions for your pet. A dirty cat scratcher can harbor dust, fur, and bacteria, negatively affecting your cat’s health and your home’s cleanliness. How should you clean a cat scratcher to make it last as long as possible? Here are some practical tips!

From this article, you will learn:

• Why regular cleaning of a cat scratcher is important
• The type of material and the appropriate cleaning method
• Daily and periodic cat scratcher care
• How to prolong the lifespan of a cat scratcher

Why is regular cleaning important?

A cat scratcher gradually accumulates various contaminants, such as fur, dust, claw debris, and bacteria. All of this can lead to unpleasant odors and reduce the durability of the material it’s made of. Regular maintenance prevents these problems and encourages your cat to use it. Whether you have wooden cat scratchers or cardboard models, proper cleaning is essential.

Material type and cleaning method

Not every cat scratcher can be cleaned the same way. The cleaning method should match the material it’s made from. Some materials, like wood, can warp with excessive moisture, while upholstery fabrics require gentle products to maintain softness. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Sisal posts: These are the most common and durable scratchers loved by cats. To remove dust and fur, regularly vacuum with a soft attachment. Rubber gloves or stiff brushes work well too. For stains, avoid soaking; a damp cloth with water and mild detergent is enough.
• Wooden cat scratchers: EX versions are elegant and durable but require careful maintenance. Remove textile elements like covers and cushions before cleaning (check the care labels for washing instructions). Clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, finishing with a wood care product if needed.
• Upholstered cat scratchers: Regularly remove fur using lint rollers, brushes, or rubber gloves. For stains, gently clean with a damp sponge and mild detergent, or use upholstery cleaners (preferably foam) or carpet cleaners. Make sure water doesn’t soak into padding or wood-based components.
• Ceiling and wall-mounted cat scratchers: High ceiling cat scratchers are harder to clean due to hard-to-reach spots. Use narrow vacuum attachments and damp cloths to remove dust and dirt from even the highest areas.

Daily and periodic care

To keep a cat scratcher in good shape, regular maintenance is key. How often should you clean a cat scratcher and remove fur? Vacuuming and fur removal should be daily or every few days, while deep cleaning once a month. Here are some proven methods:

• Daily vacuuming: Use a soft-bristle attachment (especially useful for upholstered cat scratchers).
• Fur removal: Lint rollers, rubber gloves, or special brushes (handy for wall-mounted scratchers).
• Freshening up odors: Baking soda, vinegar, or pet-safe odor neutralizers.
• Washing textile elements: Follow care labels sewn into the fabrics.

How to maintain your cat scratcher

To ensure a cat scratcher lasts for years, periodically replace worn parts and check that all components are securely tightened. Intensive use can loosen screws or cause wooden elements to shift. Tighten all screws every few months.

Is it worth buying a scratcher with replaceable parts? Absolutely. You can swap worn sections without buying a new cat scratcher (all replacement parts and accessories are available in our store). High-quality stable cat scratchers, including balcony cat scratchers, often offer this option. Additionally, protect wooden parts with wood care products and wash covers regularly.

A cat scratcher is not only a place for claw sharpening but also a favorite resting spot for your cat. To make it last as long as possible, maintain cleanliness through daily vacuuming, fur removal, and periodic deep cleaning. Choosing high-quality products ensures durability and easy maintenance. Regular care guarantees that your cat always has a clean and comfortable place to play and rest.