AirDuct Cleaning & Radon Co is now part of the Mighty Ducts Air Duct Cleaning family!

Dealing with Litterbox Odors in Your Home

Cat owners generally appreciate the fact that they don’t have to let their pets outside to go to the bathroom. Instead, cats are more independent, utilizing a litterbox that’s located inside your home whenever they need to go. There is a downside, however. 

Litterboxes add a certain unwanted smell to your home. Despite cat litter being designed to conceal smells, it can only do so much. Even if you don’t notice the smell that a litterbox adds to your home, the people who visit probably do. 

It’s important to properly take care of your cat’s litterbox, not just for aromatic reasons, but for health reasons as well. Here’s what you can do. 

Scoop and Replace 

You should be scooping the litter daily. This simple task takes less than a minute to do but makes a major difference. Not only will it leave your home smelling better, but it will make your cat happier. 

Additionally, the entire litter tray should be emptied once or twice a week. Finally, the litterbox itself should be replaced once a year. 

Pregnant Women Should be Careful 

When handling cat litter, women should show caution. Cat waste and cat litter may contain a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. While this is rare, the outcome is very severe. In pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can pass to the unborn baby, resulting in a miscarriage or stillbirth.  

If you are pregnant, or you’re trying to get pregnant, you should avoid the litterbox and have someone else handle it. If you have no one else who can handle it for you, wear disposable rubber gloves when doing anything with the litter box.  

Afterwards, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. 

Purify Your Air 

Even with proper cleaning techniques, you may notice the scent of cat litter in the air. Some people mix in baking soda, which can help absorb the smell a little better. However, that still might not be enough, especially if you have multiple cats. 

Though it might seem like a good idea, you should avoid using air fresheners and sprays to combat cat odors. These simply mask the scent, and they release harmful particles into your air. A more effective alternative is to use an air purifier.  

Air purifiers actively remove and neutralize air particles that cause unwanted scents. With a quality air purifier, your home won’t just smell nicer, but the air will feel lighter and fresher. At Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company, we provide professional air purification services that keep your home’s air fresh, safe, and breathable.  

For air purification and air duct cleaning in Dayton, Ohio and the surrounding communities, give us a call at 937-399-4242 or click here for a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

  • Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
  • 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

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