How to Clean a PETKIT Pura Max Litter Box

On this page (8 sections)

1. How to clean a PETKIT PuraMax safely
2. What should you prepare before cleaning?
3. How to empty and clean the PuraMax waste drawer
4. Can you wash the PuraMax cylinder or litter pad?
5. How to choose supplies for PuraMax cleaning
6. How to reduce odor during routine cleaning
7. What if the sensors or cleaning cycle act strangely?
8. Which cleaning routine fits your PuraMax?

To learn how to clean a PETKIT PuraMax, empty the waste drawer, clear loose litter, and wipe reachable surfaces with a soft cloth. Keep the base, sensors, and electrical areas dry, and check your model's manual before removing or washing parts.

A routine clean is mostly about keeping waste contained and preventing debris from building up around the drawer and entrance. For deeper cleaning, use the steps PETKIT approves for your exact model.

How to clean a PETKIT PuraMax safely

Stop the cleaning cycle, empty the drawer, then wipe accessible surfaces. Don't reach into a moving unit or pour water into the box.

1. Pause or switch off the unit as directed in its manual.
2. Pull out the waste drawer and dispose of the full bag.
3. Pick up loose litter from the drawer area and other reachable spots.
4. Wipe accessible surfaces with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
5. Dry each area before replacing the drawer or restarting the unit.
6. Refit the liner and drawer according to the manual.

If you need to clean near a moving part, make sure the box is stopped first. Don't force a component that feels stuck or remove parts unless the manual explains how.

What should you prepare before cleaning?

Set out a soft cloth, a fresh waste bag, and a place to keep any approved removable parts. Read the manual first so you know which parts of your PuraMax model can be removed.

Keep water and cleaning products away from the base, sensors, and power connection. Don't spray cleaner onto the unit; only apply it to a cloth if PETKIT's instructions allow that cleaner.

If you can't find your manual, use PETKIT's official support resources to look for guidance for your model. Clean in a clear area where you can set the drawer down without spilling litter.

How to empty and clean the PuraMax waste drawer

Tie off the full liner, then wipe the drawer if litter or residue remains. Make sure the drawer is dry before you fit a replacement bag.

Choose a liner made for your model. PETKIT's PuraX PuraMax Replaced Waste Bags are designed for Pura X and MAX units, while its Replacement Trash Bags are designed for PuraMax 2 and PUROBOT Max Pro.

The PuraX and MAX liners come in rolls of 20, while the PuraMax 2 compatible liners come in rolls of 18. Both use drawstrings to close the bag for disposal.

Check the model fit before buying, since a bag made for another unit may not sit correctly in the drawer.

After fitting the liner, smooth its edges so they don't block drawer closure. If the drawer catches or won't seat fully, remove it and reposition the bag instead of forcing it shut.

For more options, see our guide to automatic litter box liners.

Can you wash the PuraMax cylinder or litter pad?

Wash a removable part only when your model's manual explicitly allows it. The PuraMax 2 has a litter pad described as waterproof, non-stick, and scratch-resistant, but that does not mean the full cylinder or base can be rinsed.

The PuraMax 2 also has a ShieldBase designed to seal around the cylinder. Follow PETKIT's directions for cleaning the pad and cylinder, and keep water away from sensors and electrical parts.

Never submerge the base, spray the unit, or use a hose unless the manual specifically permits it.

Let any approved washable part dry fully before putting it back. A damp part can spread moisture to areas that should stay dry.

How to choose supplies for PuraMax cleaning

Choose supplies by your model and the mess you need to manage. A soft cloth handles routine wipe-downs, while a correctly fitted liner makes waste disposal easier.

The PuraMax 2 basic bundle includes a litter sifter and a magnetic litter remover, along with a waste bag starter supply. Use the included tools for loose litter and follow the manual before using them near moving or electrical parts.

The separate PETKIT bag options make sense if you want drawstring liners for waste disposal. Choose the PuraMax 2 version for that model, or the PuraX PuraMax version for Pura X and MAX units.

Skip either option if you need a liner for a different PETKIT model or prefer to use another bag that fits your drawer.

The PuraMax 2 is a fit for households that want automatic scooping and app controls alongside routine drawer care. Its 7L waste bin is described as providing up to 15 days of automatic scooping, but how often you need to empty it depends on your household and use.

The unit is not suitable for pets under 6 months, and its manual says not to place it on carpet or mats because they may interfere with sensors.

How to reduce odor during routine cleaning

Remove waste promptly, keep the drawer clean, and check the liner position. PETKIT describes the PuraMax 2 as using a sealed waste bin and an N50 2.0 odor remover to help manage odor.

Odor may also come from litter that needs refreshing or residue in a reachable area. Follow the litter maker's directions when deciding whether to replace litter, and use the PETKIT manual before cleaning deeper inside the unit.

If the drawer and reachable surfaces are clean but odor remains, see why self-cleaning litter boxes can still smell. That guide covers other common odor sources.

What if the sensors or cleaning cycle act strangely?

Stop the unit and check for loose litter or a blocked area before restarting it. Keep sensors clean and dry, then follow the manual if the unit shows a warning or fails to complete a cycle.

The PuraMax 2 has 7 infrared sensors and 4 weight sensors. PETKIT says the box pauses when a cat approaches the detection area or enters, so don't cover or obstruct the entrance while cleaning.

If the problem continues, use our guide to automatic litter box troubleshooting for general checks. Contact PETKIT support if you see damage or the issue remains after following the manual.

Which cleaning routine fits your PuraMax?

For daily care, clear visible litter and check the drawer; for a fuller clean, follow the model manual before removing parts. This keeps routine maintenance simple while reducing the chance of wetting sensors or electrical areas.

Pick PETKIT's PuraMax 2 bags if you have that model and want drawstrings for waste disposal. Pick the PuraX PuraMax bags for a Pura X or MAX.

If you need a replacement for a different model, skip these options and confirm its compatible liner size first.

For a closer look at the PuraMax 2's features and fit, read our PETKIT PuraMax 2 review. For another model's cleaning steps, our Meowant litter box cleaning guide offers a similar routine built around its own instructions.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my PETKIT PuraMax?

Empty the waste drawer when it is full and wipe away visible litter or residue during routine checks. How often to deep clean depends on use, litter, and the unit's condition, so follow the PETKIT manual for the schedule and approved steps.

Can I wash the PETKIT PuraMax cylinder?

Only wash the cylinder if the manual for your exact model says it can be removed and washed. Keep water away from sensors, electrical parts, and the base, then let any washable part dry fully before reinstalling it.

What should I use to clean a PETKIT PuraMax?

Use a soft cloth on reachable surfaces and check the manual before using a cleaner. Avoid soaking the base or spraying the unit, and dry cleaned areas before restarting the box.

Why does my PETKIT PuraMax still smell after cleaning?

Odor may linger if waste remains in the drawer, residue is on a reachable surface, or the litter needs attention. Empty and wipe the drawer, check the liner fit, and follow the manual before cleaning inside the unit or changing litter.