Your cat’s tree might look clean on the outside, but it can hold a lot of hidden hair, odors, and bacteria. Even regular vacuuming doesn’t remove everything. If you’ve ever wondered how to really refresh your cat tree, this guide walks you through the easiest and safest way to deep clean it.
Supplies You’ll Need to Clean a Cat Tree
Preparing your supplies before you start ensures a smoother, faster, and more effective cleaning process. Use the table below to quickly understand what each item does and why it matters.
Basic Tools
These are the essential tools you should have on hand before cleaning your cat tree. They handle hair removal, surface cleaning, and debris extraction.
| Item | Purpose / Why It’s Needed |
| Handheld vacuum or vacuum with brush attachment | Removes loose fur, dust, dander, and debris from carpet, posts, and platforms. |
| Lint roller | Picks up surface hair and debris, especially in tight or plush areas. |
| Microfiber cloths | Ideal for wiping surfaces without leaving lint; great for applying cleaners. |
| Soft-bristle brush or grooming brush | Helps lift embedded fur and loosen dirt trapped in carpet or plush fabric. |
| Rubber gloves | Protects your hands and helps remove hair when slightly dampened. |
| Old toothbrush | Reaches grooves, corners, crevices, and sisal rope lines. |
Safe Cleaning Products (Cat-Approved)
These products are safe for cats and effective for removing stains, odors, and bacteria from your cat tree.
| Product | Best For |
| Enzyme cleaner | Strong odors, urine stains, vomit cleanup, deep smells embedded in fabric. |
| Pet-safe disinfectant | Sanitizing surfaces, preventing bacteria spread, daily or weekly wipe-downs. |
| White vinegar + warm water (50/50 mix) | Light cleaning, neutralizing surface smells, safe alternative to chemical cleaners. |
| Baking soda | Odor removal, refreshing smelly spots, lifting mild stains. |
| Mild, pet-safe detergent | Washing hammocks, cushions, plush mats, and washable covers. |
How to Clean a Cat Tree (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)
A proper deep clean removes hair, odors, stains, bacteria, and hidden dirt trapped inside carpet, sisal, and plush materials. Follow this detailed DIY routine to clean your cat tree thoroughly and safely.
Step 1: Disassemble the Cat Tree
Taking the tree apart exposes dirt, hair, and debris hidden under platforms, inside condos, and in joint areas.
How to Disassemble the Cat Tree
- Remove top platforms first
- Unscrew posts one at a time
- Detach hammocks, baskets, or perches
- Keep all screws and bolts in a bowl so they don’t get lost
Tip:Take a quick photo before taking it apart, this makes reassembly much easier.
Step 2: Remove Hair, Dander & Loose Debris
Hair becomes almost impossible to clean once wet, so always remove it first.
How to Remove Hair
- Vacuum with a brush attachment
- Use a lint roller on fabric and plush surfaces
- Brush with a soft deshedding brush
- Use the rubber glove trick: slightly dampen gloves and wipe; fur sticks instantly
- Blow debris out of tight corners using compressed air
Tip: Spend extra time on this step, every next step becomes easier when most hair is already gone.
Step 3: Deep Clean Fabric & Carpeted Areas
Different fabrics need different cleaning methods to avoid damage.
1. Fabric & Carpeted Areas
Fabric pads and carpeted sections on a cat tree cannot be removed or machine-washed. Instead, clean them gently from the outside using pet-safe cleaning agents and a soft brush.
How to Clean Them Properly:
- Shake off loose dust, fur, and debris outdoors.
- Lightly spray a pet-safe cleaning solution on the surface (avoid soaking the fabric).
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes so it can loosen dirt and odours.
- Scrub the area gently using a soft brush, similar to how you clean carpet.
- Wipe or blot the surface with a dry towel to lift any remaining moisture.
- Let it air-dry completely before your cat uses it again.
Important Tip:
Keep liquids away from screw holes or exposed wood/particleboard, moisture can cause swelling or damage.
2. Faux Fur or Plush
These materials matt easily.
How to Wash Plush
- Hand wash with cold water
- Use mild detergent
- Rinse gently
- Air dry only
- Fluff with fingers once dry
Tip: Never twist or wring plush material, it ruins the texture permanently.
3. Canvas Hammocks
Canvas shrinks with heat, so treat it carefully.
How to Wash Canvas Hammocks
- Hand wash or use a gentle cold machine cycle
- Lay flat or stretch on the frame to air dry
- Avoid wringing out the fabric
Tip: If the canvas tightens after washing, gently stretch it while still damp.
Step 4: Remove Odors and Treat Stains
Odors and stains need targeted cleaners to fully remove them.
Best Products for Each Type of Stain
| Stain Type | Best Cleaner | Method |
| Urine | Enzyme cleaner | Saturate stain → wipe → repeat until smell disappears |
| Vomit | Enzyme cleaner + mild detergent | Remove solids → spray → scrub lightly |
| Food stains | Vinegar + water | Spray → scrub → blot dry |
| Grease/dirt buildup | Mild detergent | Wet cloth → scrub in circular motions |
| Old stains | Baking soda + enzyme cleaner | Sprinkle baking soda → spray enzyme cleaner → let sit → vacuum |
Why Enzyme Cleaners Matter
Enzymes break down the proteins in urine and vomit, regular cleaners can’t remove odor at the source.
Tip: Let enzyme cleaners sit longer (10–15 minutes) for deep odors; the longer they sit, the better they work.
Step 5: Dry the Cat Tree Completely
Moisture causes mold, mildew, odors, and even structural damage, drying is one of the most important steps.
How to Dry Cat Tree Completely
- Place parts outside in sunlight
- Use a fan indoors
- Lift or angle pieces so air can flow underneath
- Let dry for 4–12 hours depending on humidity
Tip: If you live in a humid state (like Florida, Texas, Georgia, or Louisiana), always extend drying time, you want zero moisture left inside the fabric.
Step 6: Reassemble the Cat Tree Safely
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your cat tree carefully.
How to Reassemble the Cat Tree
- Tighten all posts
- Ensure platforms are level and stable
- Make sure nothing wobbles when pushed
- Reattach hammocks securely
- Check for exposed staples, nails, or torn areas
Tip: If any part feels loose or unstable, don’t reinstall it, replace or repair it before letting your cat back on the tree.
How Often Should You Clean a Cat Tree?
Here’s an easy timeline you can use:
| Cleaning Task | Frequency | Best For |
| Spot cleaning | Daily | Cats who sleep on the tree often |
| Hair removal | Weekly | Long-haired breeds (Maine Coon, Ragdoll) |
| Wipe-down | Weekly | Homes with allergies |
| Deep clean | Monthly | Multi-cat homes |
| Sun refresh | Seasonal | Humid states |
If you own more than one cat, increase the frequency by 20–30%.
What NOT to Use on a Cat Tree
Avoid these completely, they’re unsafe for cats:
| Do Not Use | Why |
| Bleach | Toxic fumes + skin irritation |
| Ammonia | Extremely harmful to cats |
| Phenols | Found in many disinfectants, dangerous for pets |
| Alcohol-based sprays | Harsh on skin and lungs |
| Strong fragrances | Irritating to cats |
| Heavy steam on wood | Causes warping |
When in doubt: choose pet-safe, fragrance-free products only.
How to Prevent Future Odors, Dirt, and Stains
| Prevention Method | What to Do | Why It Helps |
| Use Washable Pads or Covers | Place a washable blanket or pad on the top platforms or favorite lounging spots. | Acts as a protective barrier, catches hair and oils, and makes cleaning much faster, just toss in the wash. |
| Keep the Litter Box Clean | Scoop daily and clean regularly so your cat’s paws stay cleaner. | Dirty paws transfer bacteria, litter dust, and odors onto the cat tree. |
| Groom Your Cat More Often | Brush your cat several times a week, especially long-haired breeds. | Reduces shedding, dander buildup, and hair trapped in carpets or plush. |
| Place the Cat Tree Away from Humid Windows | Avoid setting the tree near windows that fog or collect condensation. | Prevents moisture absorption, mold growth, and damp smells. |
| Let the Sun Work for You | Place the tree outside or near direct sunlight when possible. | Sunlight naturally kills bacteria, neutralizes odors, and dries out hidden moisture. |
Now that you know exactly how to clean every part of a Cat Tree, keeping it fresh becomes much easier. A little routine care goes a long way in preventing odors, germs, and wear. With consistent cleaning and smart maintenance, your cat’s favorite hangout stays comfortable, hygienic, and built to last.
FAQs
1. When is it time to replace a cat tree instead of cleaning it?
If the tree is unstable, severely frayed, soaked with urine, or growing mold deep inside the structure, cleaning won’t fully fix it. Trees with loose posts or damaged particleboard can be unsafe for climbing. In these cases, replacing the tree is the better option for your cat’s safety.
2. What should I do if my cat tree carpet keeps getting matted?
Matted carpet usually happens when fur, oils, and dirt get pushed into the fibers over time. Deep brushing with a soft-bristle brush helps loosen the buildup before cleaning. After washing, fluff the carpet using your fingers or a fabric brush to restore texture.
3. How do I know if a stain is too old to remove?
Old stains often appear darker or feel stiff. Start with baking soda and enzyme cleaner to break down long-set residue. You may need more than one application. If the stain doesn’t improve after several treatments, replacing the affected fabric may be the only solution.