How to keep your CatGenie clean and running properly
CatGenie is a self-washing cat toilet, but it is still an appliance that handles cat waste, water, granules and cleaning solution. A simple maintenance routine helps prevent build-up, reduce odours and keep your machine working efficiently.
months Run a CatGenie Machine Maintenance clean to help remove lime, grime and build-up.
months Take apart the unit and manually clean key parts to remove hair, debris and residue.
needed Top up Washable Granules when the level drops below the safe fill line.
spares Have spare SaniSolution available because CatGenie cannot run without it.
The simple version
For most homes, CatGenie maintenance comes down to four jobs: keep SaniSolution installed, top up granules, run Machine Maintenance regularly, and do a manual deep clean twice a year.
Replace SaniSolution
The cartridge dispenses cleaning solution during each wash cycle. Replace it when empty and keep a spare ready.
Top up the bowl
Washable Granules do not need full replacement like standard litter. Top them up to the line when the level drops.
Run Machine Maintenance
Use Machine Maintenance every 3 months to help clean internal areas and reduce lime or grime build-up.
Manual clean
About twice a year, disassemble and clean the main parts to remove hair, debris and trapped residue.
Maintenance schedule
Use this as a practical schedule for one to two cats using one CatGenie. Increase the frequency if multiple cats are using the same unit heavily.
| Task | How often | What it does | What to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Maintenance clean | Every 3 months | Helps remove lime, grime and build-up from hard-to-reach internal areas. | CatGenie Machine Maintenance Cartridge or approved maintenance product. |
| Manual deep clean | Every 6 months | Removes hair, debris, residue and blockages that automated cleaning may not fully clear. | Warm water, soft brush or cloth, and your CatGenie manual for disassembly guidance. |
| Top up Washable Granules | When below the fill line | Keeps the bowl at the right level for proper scooping, washing and drying. | CatGenie Washable Granules only. |
| Replace SaniSolution | When empty or low | Allows the unit to wash and sanitise the bowl and granules during each clean cycle. | CatGenie SaniSolution Cartridge. |
How to run Machine Maintenance
The Machine Maintenance Cartridge fits into the CatGenie like a standard SaniSolution cartridge and runs a cleaning cycle to help remove internal build-up.
- Turn off Auto Start or Cat Activation before starting.
- Run a normal cleaning cycle with SaniSolution to clear waste and confirm the unit is operating correctly.
- Remove the SaniSolution Cartridge from the unit.
- Insert the Machine Maintenance Cartridge.
- Press and release the Start button.
- Let the unit complete the maintenance cycle. Cleaning time may vary.
- When finished, replace the SaniSolution Cartridge and re-enable your usual automatic settings.
Important maintenance notes
Machine Maintenance is designed to help clean internal areas and reduce lime and grime build-up. It is not designed to clear clogs caused by foreign objects.
- Use only CatGenie-compatible maintenance products.
- Keep SaniSolution installed for normal cleaning cycles.
- Do not use traditional cat litter, clay, crystal, wheat or paper litter.
- Clean more often if several cats use the same unit.
Manual deep cleaning
A manual deep clean helps remove the build-up that can collect around moving parts, the hopper area, bowl edges and other contact points.
Disassemble carefully
Turn the unit off and follow your model’s manual for safe disassembly. Do not force parts if they are stuck or misaligned.
Remove hair and residue
Gently clean the bowl, hopper cover, processing area and visible contact points. Focus on hair, granule dust and waste residue.
Reassemble and test
Reassemble the unit securely, reinstall SaniSolution, then run a normal cycle to confirm everything is working correctly.
Supplies to keep on hand
Having the right supplies available prevents downtime and keeps the unit working as intended.
CatGenie Machine Maintenance
Helps remove lime and grime from hard-to-reach areas. Recommended every 6–12 weeks, with each cartridge lasting up to 4 cleans.
Shop Machine MaintenanceCatGenie Washable Granules
Use these only in CatGenie A.I. and CatGenie 120 units. Top up when the bowl level drops below the safe fill line.
Shop Washable GranulesCatGenie SaniSolution
Required for standard cleaning cycles. Cat Activation mode can extend each cartridge from 120 washes to up to 240 washes.
Shop SaniSolutionWhen to clean more often
The standard maintenance schedule suits many homes, but some situations need more frequent cleaning.
- Three or more cats are using one CatGenie.
- Your cat sheds heavily or tracks granules outside the bowl.
- The unit is installed in an area with hard water or mineral build-up.
- You notice odour, slow drainage, damp granules or repeated error alerts.
- The unit has not been manually cleaned for more than 6 months.
What not to use
CatGenie is designed for its own consumables. Using the wrong products can cause poor cleaning, plumbing issues or machine damage.
- Do not use clay litter.
- Do not use crystal litter.
- Do not use wheat, paper, tofu, pine or clumping litter.
- Do not use harsh drain cleaners inside the unit.
- Do not run the machine without SaniSolution installed for normal cleaning.
Maintenance FAQs
These are the common questions customers ask when setting up a regular CatGenie cleaning routine.
How often should I run CatGenie Machine Maintenance?
We recommend using CatGenie Machine Maintenance every 3 months. Use it more often if the unit has heavy use, hard water build-up, odour, slow drainage or repeated cleaning issues.
Do I still need to manually clean a self-washing CatGenie?
Yes. CatGenie cleans itself during normal use, but it is still an appliance that handles waste. A manual clean about twice per year helps remove hair, debris and residue.
Do I need to replace all the Washable Granules?
No. Washable Granules are designed to be washed and reused. Over time, the level may drop due to kick-out or granules sticking to waste, so simply top up to the safe fill line.
How long does SaniSolution last?
One SaniSolution Cartridge provides up to 120 washes in manual or time-activated modes. Cat Activation mode can extend that to up to 240 washes.
Can I use normal cat litter in my CatGenie?
No. Only use CatGenie Washable Granules. Standard litter can clog the machine, damage plumbing and void warranty coverage.
Will Machine Maintenance clear a blockage?
It helps remove lime, grime and internal build-up, but it will not clear clogs caused by foreign objects. If there is a hard blockage or repeated error, the unit should be checked properly.
Keep your CatGenie running properly
Stock up on Machine Maintenance, SaniSolution and Washable Granules so your CatGenie stays clean, efficient and ready for every visit.
