Reuse/Repurposing Blue Crystal Cat litter= sanitize, drying=SAVE $ Dries & absorbs, smells fresh.

[@qluxe6]

Dear madam, this is not a stupid idea. I somehow used bentonite clumping litter and everytime I dumped it I think of what I can do to save the environment and at the same time I can have my pets. This is really a very helpful action, I'm now using crystal cat litter and washing, sanitising and drying it in a short time is no biggie since I am from Malaysia and the weather is all time sunny. Thank you for posting this!

[@warnahijauepal]

Which brand are u using? Im from malaysia too

[@khatami4703]

Macam mama awak buat tu?

[@susanherrmann2938]

I switched to crystalline cat litter when I fell for the "lasts longer, low/no dust, no smell"spiel. While it is better than clay for me it doesn't last as long as it advertises and smells just as bad when the crystals start to break down. I scoop daily with one cat. I thought I had no choice than to spend another $25 bucks to refill the box each time it underperformed. On a whim I decided to check if the litter-life could be extended somehow. Imagine my delight when I found your video. Many, many thanks.

[@carolthonen1886]

I was actually searching KZbin for ways to "repurpose" crystal litter as my kids got me the automatic scoop free litter box (I now have three for my cats), and I came across this awesome video. So, I have been washing my crystals now for over two months! After rinsing the crystals, I soak them in "safe" dishwasher soap made with enzymes and citric acid, then rinse well and soak them overnight in bleach water. After rinsing well, the crystals are placed in the pillowcase and left to drain for a couple hours. After that, I spread them out into the wash bucket and place them in the sun to dry. I go out here and again to stir them up to help dry them out. It is work, but I accomplish a lot while doing it. I'm an office manager who works from home remotely, and I still get all my work done while doing this! Definitely worth it to save money and our environment! Thanks Zelda!

[@FontanaOutdoors]

Hey same here I have PETNF automatic litter I had to empty that box every 2 days and a lot of waste and I was thinking to reuse silica and goi d this video I will try mini crystals that work better then bigger I now have been one week with mini crystals I washed them in vinegar and soda water and used hydrogen peroxide for hospital sanitation and spa and salon disinfectant all safe for living to be in Contact with used food dehydrator for 3 hours for 160 temp so far so good I add little baking soda o. The bottom tray and maybe I’ll use charcoal with it not sure yet I’m glad people do it saves environment and money !!

[@scraperfect]

What brand is the dishwasher soap you use? I suppose since it's made for dishwashers, there's not much suds.

[@CenterCommunity]

I put the litter in a pillow cover and tied it closed. Then I put it in a low tumble laundry machine. It made this way easier. I put the litter also in the dryer and it worked but I feel like over time it can totally damage your dryer. I used the top door laundry machine not the front door ones.

[@MandBparanormal]

This literally blew my mind probably the best idea I’ve seen for cat litter I’m totally going to do this instead of spending 20$ for litter all the time I can just buy a pack of 3 for 50$ and it’s not even the saving money this helps the environment I’m always looking for sustainable things and this is brilliant

[@60sGirl123]

Love it. We are all poorer. My cat litter was costing me $70 a month. I already buy the crystal blue. I already have that waste basket. This is perfect.

[@gangimathar]

Did it work??

[@IC--mr8gi]

The environment and landfills appreciate you for doing your part❤

[@danglinghenry8108]

Never thought about doing this until I seen your video. Cleaned and dried my first batch and can say it's like new. Thanks for the money saving tip.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Happy to have helped...to me its a NO BRAINER...as buying expensive cat litter, then lugging it home, then tossing it out takes more effort and money!

[@mccain2005]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags I am very anxious to trythis. What type of litter did you purchase? Thank you for your time.

[@chriscopeland441]

This process works great! I use black fabric landscape cloth for the entire process including drying in the sun. Also use a small amount of blie dawn dish soap (or dollar tree soap) for the cleaning instead of bleach. Rinse well and dry. If i were still with my ex, would use his pillowcase ;-)

[@jenifferfoster4312]

God bless you, I'm using my very limited amount of money every month feeding and getting cat litter literally I only get $115 a month and my daughter's got way too many cats in my house I can't afford to keep buying litter God bless you this just saved all these cats lives. I was fixing to have to take the ALL to the shelter.

[@KareenVlogsCebuPH]

I just recently switched my cats to silica cat litter from wood and boy do they love it! I was hesitant to switch because silica cat litter can be costly but I did know that silica gel (that's not cat litter) can be reactivated. I was glad I found this video.

[@mikehenrickson3898]

silica gel is the cat litter just not named such.

[@lamusicjunkie41]

I just spent another $50 on 3 bags of kitty litter... That I could have spent on seeds to plant food... I am going to do this. Thank you so much for posting this. 💖💖💖

[@Saudade16]

I just switch my cats litter a month ago and noticed they aren't melting or it gets clean when I wash the litter catcher. I've thought about why not clean and sanitize and reuse it. And then I saw this! Now I'm so doing this😉👌

[@britishshorthair7250]

Fill bucket with water fill Crystal in the pillow cake place it in the bucket for a day , dump that water and then add blech and dishwasher or laundry detergent and leave the pillow case for an other day after that fill bucket with clean water and then hung the case in the sun of if you are in Canada lol fill the backing try and back it for 30 minutes on hight heat and use it !!!! If you don't want to use the same, Owen uses a spare one.

[@nurit88]

If you don't properly dehydrate it at higher temperatures, it will still have moisture in it, even if dry to the touch. It won't be able to absorb cat urine like a new bag of silica cat litter

[@baddoggie101]

I cook mine in an electric skillet at 350 F for several hours after air drying. Works great, but is actually a little too dry. When the cats dig it creates electrostatic charges to cause litter to cling to the cat and then it drops to the ground when the cat steps out of the box. Spritzing with a bit of water prevents that.

[@kmw7273]

Thank you SO MUCH trying this tonight, got a small batch soaking in water now, I noticed someone said use a laundry bag so I had those handy. Can't wait to see the results, hav it soaked in a bucket in my bath. It will the drying process will be the longest part, I used hate throwing it away coz so harmful for the environment and such a waste of money, It's €30-35 for a 16L bag in Ireland

[@xSimpleMindsx]

I really appreciate you making this video and sharing.

[@divinhaquem]

Hi, dearest! I was curious about the possibility of washing the urine out of the silica, once it, your video helped a lot. What happens is, I was wondering if there was any element that could neutralize the caustic effect of the ammonia that comes with the gas as I pour water on the silica. Turns out acid as lemon and vinegar do the job! So we do not inhale ammonium gas as we wash the silica. But. Reading about it, I stumbled with the advice in brazilian bleaching products not to use it with any product that takes ammonia. I searched, and the Sodium Hypochloride reacts with the ammonia in the cat's urine, turning into Ammonium chloride gas and pure chlorine gas, extremely toxic. So... To wash, I'll mix about 4 lemons with water, to neutralize the ammonia before it starts to evaporate when we were the silica. Then, only when Extremely clean with all the ammonia washed out we can add bleaching, not to bleach while still there's ammonia, otherwise it can harm ourselves. I hope this advice help others out, so nobody gets injured, when doing it in a closed apartment as I am. Greetings from Brazil! Stay safe!

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Thank you for your input. I wash the Sylica litter OUTSIDE! In very beginning I use just water about 3 to 4 times w soaking several hours in between rinse/washing and THEN I add soap and bleach, then let it soak at least 1 day.... Bleach and ammonia makes deadly gas that can kill you...so NEVER mix the two ingredients even outside. IF it's too COLD...frozen weather, I do THE process in a bathroom...shower or bathtub that's well ventilated as it WILL stink up your entire home!

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

BTW...we had an exchange student from Brazil...we miss her terribly...lyssa holanda...please come back! We miss you so much!

[@jeffmayne3046]

(Nancy Mayne) hello from Canada, I was wondering if using a lemon essential oil? A few drops, I use Young Living oils and cleaning products, would this work in place of of buying lemons? Thanx.

[@kittenkate5309]

@@jeffmayne3046 no. You need the acid from the lemons. Essential oils will not be effective, but they will make it smell nice. Now, you have to be careful because some cats have allergies to essential oils, some can be extremely toxic to them

[@FontanaOutdoors]

I use one cup vinegar after washing crystals several times and once more after then soak ones more then food grade hydrogen peroxide or hospital grade hydrogen p disinfectant and soak and rinse

[@icecell]

HI! Just want to say thank you so much, and it's been perfect for our mostly sunny weather. We've been doing this for over half a year now. Only topped off once since then 'cause the cats tend to track them all over outside. :'D

[@jessicatrimble1116]

I was actually wondering about this a week ago but nothing came up when I searched. I was just looking up different kinds of kitty litter and this came up.

[@ladyknighhawk]

What a Fantastic Idea!😀 Your right cat litter gets Expensive. Ty for showing us this. Now Im going to transition my cats to this cat litter! Thank you. 😊💕

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Once your cats get used to the crystal litter, they won't want any other type. Anticipating my having spinal fusion surgery, I got some of the "Worlds Best Cat litter" $30 per bag...2 bags from Chewy...Its awesome litter BUT, my cats refuse to touch it...We have several cat boxes, one has a cat door leading into the garage from the laundry room where my husband built a 3 foot by 2 foot cage, almost 2 feet high with access from the top. The cats do their stinky poopies out there but can't get outside...We have coyotes, bobcats and cougars that have gotten some of our cats...its broken our hearts several times....I thought they'd go for the nice, sweet smelling cat litter, but after months of it being out there, they refuse to touch it, go for the crystals...The blue Cat Litter Crystals can be found at Target for about $14 per bag. I made HUGE mistake ONE time and ONE time only and got a bag of cheaper crystals from WalMart...it doesn't work well as the crystals are almost twice the size of the blue Crystals. For sure you'll need at least 2 bags...when you sanitize it with bleach, it bleaches the blue crystals, they become white/light color BUT does NOT effect the litter as it dries up, becomes absorbent just like I purchased it. I bet I've saved almost $1,000 over the last 10-15 yrs I've been doing this. You can find free stuff like the storage tub...but you don't need one like that, just use an orange bucket from Home Depot...are about $4 each...no lids. AND keep buying a bag, here and there to build up your "stock" so pretty soon, you'll have it down to an easy peasy cheapskate operation!...Can use that extra money to pay off debt....AND you kitties won't get sick having to smell the dusty cat litter and clolhemicals we don't even know about...but be sure to rinse the crystals very well...once inside the pillow cases...i hose them down...or put in bathtub when weathers bad....if someone turns nose up, let em scoff, while they're hauling new bags of litter each month, then dealing with getting rid of heavy smelly bags of poop...but used cat litter does have a few good qualities...put your tossed out mail you need to keep private...no one will want to dig into stinky poopy cat litter looking for private info...well, then again...

[@ladyknighhawk]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags Ty so much for the info and advice esp about the mail. Thats a Great Idwa!😊 I will definately check.into all this. And I will send Many Prayers your way about the operation. I to have serious back issues to. My last 3 disxs ( that includes the L-5-S1) are protruding and Two in my neck are protruding. Im trying hard to keep them where they are but eventualy they will need surgery. I have a friend whom had her back fused and had to go back and have more fusions done. But shes doing great so far.

[@baddoggie101]

I put the scooped crystals in a 5-gallon pail, insert the hose, and repeatedly fill and decant until the water is clear. That takes about 20 gallons of water, but it goes on my plants. Then I put the litter in pillowcases, dry in the sun and finally cook it in an electric skillet at 350 F with a loose lid to drive out the remaining moisture. At that point, it is completely dry and sanitized. To speed the sun drying, I cover the bags with an old glass shower door to trap the heat and keep rain off.

[@kellywilson664]

Thank you for showing us how to do this😻

[@Suzannen]

What about drying it in cold weather? We have long terrible winters :( Also, just want to clarify your process 1) rinse multiple times with plain water 2) wash with bleach and detergent 3) rinse again and drain 4) hang to dry in pillow case.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

YES...and we're in cool climate here in Oregon aka Pacific NorthWET. Make sure your crystals are CLEAN, sterile, NO odor! Can put into several bags, pillowcases work great and hang in dry areas. OR, like me...those drawers under the washer/dryers make great place to dry out those crystals! OR, in larger plastic bins that fit under a bed...but make sure can't be used as litter boxes...and you can use cardboard boxes, but just make sure can't be used by your kitties.

[@StormCaller5]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags LOL Pacific Northwet 😂 waves from Washington

[@kmw7273]

I was wondering too coz I'm in Ireland and we have warms summers but rainy and cold winter's, Def gonna try this, my cats LOVE the silica litter more than the wood pellet and the silica is Def more expensive

[@baddoggie101]

It needs to be cooked at 350 F to get it fully dry and sanitized. I use an old electric skillet.

[@brandiderrick625]

What do you do with the rinse water? Does it leave the area you dump it smelling like pee or kill the grass/plants?

[@ElaineHGD]

I'm trying this out for the first time today thank you for the idea!

[@caylayoung7892]

Thank you for this video. It was the only one I could find on this topic. Itll save me a bunch of money. Gonna get all these tools and start doing this

[@ebizzychris1780]

Thank you! I am going to try it. My cat likes the bigger crystals though. Hope it works just as good❤❤

[@نورالشمس-غ3ل6ز]

Thank you a useful Video And thank you for putting a translation I can understand what you are saying.. I'll follow your channel.♥️

[@UniteThroughGraphics]

what brand? I have the fresh step blue crystals. But they are still blue after bleaching and washing. Not sure if it is the right kind. But brilliant idea and a money saver in the long run

[@W.N.Hazirah]

Bought my first crystal litter.. But I think I might have accidentally bought the bigger size ones cuz they only have that one in the store. Nonetheless hopefully will save lots! Thank you!!!

[@tonifonseca9178]

question you don't add bleach to the water that has been soaking for the day in water correct? Don't want to have mustard gas situation thats why i no longer use bleach to clean the boxes also can make you quite sick

[@tonifonseca9178]

Hey guys just wanted to let you know.. Tried this... Very smelly process anywhere I put the water smelled up the area horrifically which calls feral cats and my particular area bobcats... And I live in Texas so sun a lot.. But still wet too many days was way too much work🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ maybe if I didn't work too, and have a car that I don't want smelling like cat urine .. Cuz it permeates it would be cool

[@Ezydae]

I'm not an expert in building contraptions but I'm sure there's some way to make the cleaning process easier. Maybe making a bucket to where it'll spin and stir the litter to clean it. Idk.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

YES...i also use the buckets from Home Depot are $4 each, no lids...but soaking it for at least 24 hours is a MUST as it helps leach out the soaked up urine.

[@asiaroper8332]

ohh yess they have miniwashers on amazon that u can use. i think it would easier

[@rocha2451]

I agree with you I have been doing this

[@tanyavandermerwe8330]

Can you please give us a step by step? From beginning to end with timelines please?

[@teresapowell2366]

I bought a laundry pod a few years ago. I wonder if I could use it for this. I didn’t like it for clothes

[@ayanusmani3555]

How often can i rewash and reuse the silica cat litter? I have 3 kittens. And btw the video was very helpful thank you for making such videos ❤

[@daniellafulton4481]

I do similar thing but I used play sands ...I save a lot of money, I rescue stray cats and now I have 6 of them, it's so expensive just use crystal so I try play sands and put on regular litter box ( not for scoopfree litter box tho) and my cats love it

[@kcg795]

I'm trying this with Pretty Litter. Kind of at the trial and error stage. I'm trying a vinegar/water solution to, hopefully, neutralize the ammonia smell.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5OQoYuagN1_d68 have you seen my video of how to reuse the crystal cat litter...is SO easy and much less expensive, NO waste....My sister said I'm nuts for doing that and I should just toss in trash like "normal people" do...but hey, WHY spend $50-60 month of cat litter to toss out when can do for free. The way we reuse and clean is easy, cost affective AND my cats can have fresh litter all the time!...plus no having to carry heavy bags home from stores or back into the trash/land fill....just reuse! Easy Peasy! Let me know how it works out using the vinegar. I make GALLONS of apple cider vinegar using cheap apples, so if this vinegar works, then WOW

[@kcg795]

Well, just changed my 2nd cat box with the litter I recycled. The smell is gone! It's like new. I do mix a little bit of brand new litter in with the recycled litter and can hardly tell the difference. I made a frame with some 2X4s and I have screen door material on the bottom reinforced with some fencing material so I can spread the litter out to dry. It's a bonus when it rains so that helps rinse the cat litter. I keep pushing back my Pretty Litter deliveries now. I probably have 2 litterboxes worth stored in a pillow case under the house now and just dumped some used litter in a container with some vinegar and water solution.

[@saranygren1084]

Thank you SOOOO SO much for this video!!

[@kimokim6549]

I do this too with silica gel. i dry it in the sun for atleast 2 days, It works well, it saves me tons of money with 6 cats. But its been a raining season and i have i switched it back temporarily to other litter.

[@FontanaOutdoors]

I use food dehydrator high temp for 4 hours the higher temp the better in mesh bags

[@kimokim6549]

@@FontanaOutdoors this is a brilliant idea. Thank you for the suggestion, i will look in to this, is there any specific mesh bag that i should be using?

[@FontanaOutdoors]

@@kimokim6549 laundry bags mesh

[@danielleleedaniels5405]

Brilliant!!!

[@punk3709]

You are amazing ❤ thank you so much for this ❤

[@nafishasan8056]

Thank You 🙂

[@momsaidsew65]

Hi. I have started using crystal gel litter. I was also thinking of reusing and came across your channel. My only question is if you only air dry do the crystals still absorb or do you need a pad underneath? 3:30

[@momsaidsew65]

Oh and I have 10 cats 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️

[@scraperfect]

I read all the comments and appreciate your replies!!!! Do you think there's a practical reason the larger grains wouldn't work as well, or is it just your cats prefer the smaller ones? I have larger grains already and my cat does fine with that. It's now done soaking and I will be beach-soaking now! PS I'm thinking the final step of rinsing could be in the pillow case on the driveway since I don't have a wire basket. Or maybe I drill lots of holes in another old plastic bucket and slip the pillow case in that...

[@kmw7273]

Having been doing this since I saw this KZbin video, did anyone find it crystal break down much smaller, and mine don't seem to go back fully white, a lot of time stay kinda clear, it's winter here so I hav been drying them on the radiator. Am I doing something wrong?

[@VickieEB]

Nice. I thought i was being a too frugal. After spending much on clumping Litter for a while, i could only find normal clay litter (looks like tiny stones) to buy. So i started to reuse them by soaking them in Dish soap and Baking soda for 2 days afterwards i rinse and leave to dry for a few weeks. No smell at all. I will try using bleach, i was scared it may be harmful for the cats.

[@Suzannen]

I believe that normal bleach would be harmful for the cats because bleach mixed with ammonia (in cat pee) creates a harmful gas. I read somewhere that there’s an oxygen bleach product. Look into it further before you buy the bleach

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

@@Suzannen YES...ammonia and bleach makes a deadly gas BUT...remember, you're rinsing the crystals of all the urine, at least 3 times and THEN add the bleach and soap, let soak 24 hours, then rinse, rinse and rinse...then dry...all traces of the bleach is gone unless its not been rinsed enough.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

You're going to rinse the crystals several times, until all traces of urine is gone, then add the soap and bleach, let soak 24 hours then RINSE, rinse, RINSE and rinse until all traces of bleach is gone...and keep in mind, those clumping clays and cat litter comes with deadly chemicals much worse than Chlorine Bleach...but must rinse well....and keep in mind, your cat isn't eating or drinking from the potty box, but if were hummingbird feeders, I don't use bleach! But just use half cup bleach is all need to sterilize.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

@@Suzannen I think you're referring to Oxiclean...I LOVE Oxiclean, but is very spendy AND can damage fabric...I need to try using the Oxiclean, see how well that works...also some organic type cleaning products that Meleluca Product sells.

[@lauram7803]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags Is there a reason you can't use salt instead of bleach? The litter I've been trying to move towards is the Breeze pellets (not the system as designed, I use pine pellets in the bottom area to absorb the urine)

[@quebecrosalyn6218]

I been using Cristal litter .just put in wash room everytime the pee and poop I clean. My cat like it. Smell dress even wet they will use it. But now I'm leaving in small apartment with no no balcony or backyard I can't do . . Maybe if we transfer a home soon

[@chanazify]

I love it, thank you sooooo much for the tip

[@elgabs237]

I now use saw dust from a local wood mill.

[@babysmyle5899]

Does it has to be blue or the normal one works just as well? The normal silica gel i mean

[@Zc_B6]

Hi mom when you clean the crystal sand is it it will be same like when you buy it in the first time ?

[@pamelaelhachem6123]

What did she put to sanitize it?

[@tendollah156]

make a knot on a long t shirt and you can hang the "bag" on the hangers

[@elenaochoa1204]

I wonder if you could wash it in a tied pillowcase in washing machine. Hmm... scared to try.

[@redtrinitygirl]

I want to try it.. lol better to try a tiny bit.. I have a old style washer..

[@elenaochoa1204]

@@redtrinitygirl so do I. Please try it and let me know if it worked!

[@redtrinitygirl]

@@elenaochoa1204 I've been doing it for a month now... first cycle it kinda smells, but my washer is in a room outside the house and it's not unbearable to me, just smells., I do a second round of soap and vinegar and the third round I add bleach to the soap once I'm sure the ammonia is raised out form the first two wash cycles. I double bag a long body pillow case and zip tie it closed. the long pillowcases is for balance as I have a old school washer with a middle agitator.

[@elenaochoa1204]

@@redtrinitygirl this is extremely helpful! Thank you so much!

[@GiselleM713]

This is genius!!

[@CDH-gv5qb]

So all of the dirty water goes underneath your deck?

[@angko_neko]

How many times I can wash it?

[@susiebennett7614]

What is the name brand of cat litter you are using?

[@raeve7468]

Yes please wht is it?

[@ericagibbons7697]

She said blue crystal. When I start my little journey I'm going to buy this brand called little Pearl they have tracklist and odorless so they're going to be a little bigger and it'll be easier to sift.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Sorry so late answering...KZbin is impossible to deal with, didn't notify me of your questions. but, I use Fresh Step Blue Crystals, The other, off brands crystals are larger sized, harder to deal wtih...From Walmart is $11 for large bag. www.chewy.com/fresh-steps-fresh-scented-non/dp/103429

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

@@ericagibbons7697 The Bigger Crystals were a bit too large for our kitties licking...but if it works for some cats, then great, but I've found the smaller, Blue Crystal brands works best for my kitties...isn't that much more $...so...but different cats have different spats! LoL Tks for you comment! I love ANY and ALL suggestions...I'm teachable!

[@blukruz]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRagshow many times can you wash and reuse the litter? Thanks!!

[@nicolew.1987]

What brand do you use, or does it matter?

[@mangostrocity]

How on Earth do you drain the water without making an ungodly mess? I'm trying to do this in my laundry room sink without clogging my drains with silica crystals.

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

pour into old pillowcase!

[@kmw7273]

I'm using laundry bags

[@nuraqira3871]

Hello mam .nice to see your video . But i just curious is it when a cat urinates it will smell? this is because the odor-absorbing material has been washed. I want to try this method because my cat lives indoors. I got 17 cat in the house 😂thanks in advance

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

NO SMELLS unless there's a lot of usage. We have 2 indoor cats and 1 cat goes IN and OUT, but when its cold out, he stays indoors, making it 3 cats, so i must change the litter every few days...but the crystals absorb the urine up to a certain point, then the crystals are unable to obsorb...even when new, and 1st time using the crystals

[@noyoutube855]

Hi madam is this kind of sand use for aquarium I wanna buy can't find it near by stores

[@Blaise122]

❤

[@ericagibbons7697]

You know I was really thinking about it because originally I was buying non-clumping clay litter because it's so darn cheap. But I found myself cleaning the cat litter box much more often than what I was able to. So I thought about clumping litters and turn to you to for advice. Lot of people got shot over the horse pellets because is $6 for 40lbs. But the thing is you're using it for six months and then you got to replenish it again for for about $6 again so every year you're spending $12 which is still a lot of savings. Then I thought about those crystals cuz people say you can you can use them for 1 to 2 months and some people use them for 3 months. I thought, is like in that filthy and unsanitary? Then I found this. And I think it is a good idea to buy those crystals if you can recycle them this way. My litter box system is going to be a little more elaborate, that way I can clean them in the bathtub. Luckily there's a a lot of litter systems that have a sifter device. But instead of getting a complete system where I'm relying on their litter and relying on their pee pads I'm going to get Van Ness Kitty sifter litter box and their giant litter box but I'm going to get to the sifter litter boxes so that way the litter is sitting out I can kind of slipped it in the bathtub area and make sure that they're thoroughly clean, dried, etc. It's funny how I calculated the two litter boxes as well as the giant litter box and it cost about the same amount as a used automatic one. Thank you for this idea because the idea of spending a little bit more now and then continuing and continuing to save money is great. Plus there is a wire scooper that is wide enough for litter, not poo. That means I can start and scoop very quickly and I've actually for a while to take out cat poop out of my cat's litter box with one of those 3 gallon bags cuz they 50 for $1 at the dollar store.

[@IdontreallyShowSpeed]

Which brand do u use Mam? Thank you for your great idea

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Fresh Step Blue Crystals www.chewy.com/fresh-steps-fresh-scented-non/dp/103429

[@axeliakairos7700]

A few dollar a month, x 12 month. Mam, you just save me a hundred buck

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Imagine after a few years! Save enough to get more cats! LoL

[@LEVRAN]

Damn

[@thenoobsociety1100]

Hi what Sanitizers do you use to clean the litter?

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

studio.kzbin.info6If3aMEMFL4/edit Video of what it looks like after being cleaned, sanitized...smells wonderful...no stinkies! AND is just as absorbent as when it was purchased.

[@laurajack498]

How many times can we wash and reuse the crystals before it began to not-work? I just started using crystals, totally love it and washed it once already. I have a rotating batches system.. but was just wondering how long can each reused batches last.

[@BobbiMac]

I have an immune disease and weak immune system. Every time I empty my wood pellet litter trays I get sick, presumably with toxoplasmosis. I’ve been considering buying stainless steel trays and a hot plate and heating the dirty litter trays to sterilise them before I empty them. However it seems with this system it would be better to heat after washing. So what’s the best way to wash them without getting sick? Has anybody here who washes crystals had issues with catching diseases?

[@mikehenrickson3898]

its nothing but quartz sand basically. sand is to crsytal litter what carbon is to activated charcoal. "kitty crystals" Silicon Dioxide (crystal quartz) that is processed in a way causing it to become highy porous then is used to absorb. "activated charcoal" Carbon or "charcoal" that is processed in a way that causes it to become extremely porous. charcoal is quite porous already, it is/can be used as a room freshener as it is so absorbent it absorbs odors once its activated however it becomes exponentially absorbent. so the actual secret to the vanishing pee litter is "pores". So yes, i see no reason to believe it cant be washed and dried which is what brought me here.

[@annrt3429]

what kind of bleach did you use for cleaning mam? thankyou

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

Just plain regular bleach, 1 gallon will last half a year depends on how often you must clean your litter.. Let me know if you need more information...happy to help

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

BTW...Dollar Store sells bleach for $1 for under a gallon size container> Bleach is BLEACH...Is Chlorine mixed with water so dollar store brand may be watered down a bit, but I use it...and don't pay extra for a better brand, as BLEACH is BLEACH!

[@rebeccaott1327]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags where did you get your cat tray ? It that the petmate reusable tray?

[@teleportingpotatoe]

@@rebeccaott1327 Its seems to be the ScoopFree self cleaning Litterbox

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

@@rebeccaott1327 Chewy Pet products is where I purchased the plastic tray...very expensive but worth it...if you're short on money, keep eye on internet for used one. yikes $78 www.chewy.com/scoopfree-reusable-cat-litter-tray/dp/168439

[@StormCaller5]

Have you tried other straining methods, other than a pillow case?

[@mangostrocity]

Yeah I've been trying to get an answer and I haven't yet

[@StormCaller5]

@@mangostrocity One thing I noticed is thread count is important. Cheap is better. The worse the thread count, the easier the straining. I mostly wanted to know if a potato sack would work, or if the threads were too far apart, leaving spaces for litter to fall through.

[@mangostrocity]

@@StormCaller5 how are you straining with a pillow case while rinsing, bleaching, etc.? Wouldnt that make an ungodly mess?

[@StormCaller5]

@@mangostrocity I'm having to use a bucket and a bathtub, cuz I don't have a yard right now. I place the litter into a pillow case from the very beginning, and there it stays through every part. Even while it's soaking in the bucket. When it's clean, I tie the pillow case onto the faucet until it stops dripping. Then I tie it where ever I can find a spot lol.

[@tinybohemianlife6810]

I use several large mesh laundry bags. I set the laundry bag inside the bucket scoop the litter directly into the laundry bag, zip it up, and wash it that way. Then when I move the litter from container to container I don't get litter anywhere. I make sure it's a really large laundry bag compared to the amount of litter so that way the litter can move around and separate. Once it's clean I just lay the litter filled laundry bags out to dry. And then you can pour the litter directly back into the litter box once they're dry and clean.

[@kktech04]

Mmm... one could also dedicate an old microwave oven to dry out the rinsed/sanitized silica crystals. I'd use a low setting (30% to 50% power) over a couple of hours. It will definitely dehydrate the crystals.

[@youtooyoutoo4759]

And use the microwave oven to make your meal after

[@Ola-ji3lv]

I didn't know that there’s small crystals so i got the large crystals can i wash it and reuse it like this ?

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

yes but...i accidently purchased the larger sized crystals, was off brand...but what I did was add it to the other small crystals. I recommend the smaller blue Crystals, From Chewy, is almost $15 for a 8 lbs bag BUT on autoship, but can have autoship months apart, then cancel after 1 shipment. Chewy has ALWAYS been most wonderful online store....NO hassel or questions asked about returns. But MUST have at least 3 bags to continue your process for cleaning, and drying time. www.chewy.com/fresh-steps-fresh-scented-non/dp/103429

[@Ola-ji3lv]

@@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags i have 5 cats 2 litter boxes so how often should i do this process a month ?

[@nadineflanigan8547]

Hi Zelda, Just want to say "Thank you!". I'm really grateful to you for showing us how to do this. It's not hard and I can change the litter whenever it suits, without having to try to make it last a bit longer. Thank you! God bless you. Nadine. 🐱

[@lauram7803]

People do this with the Breeze pellets using salt water to clean and reactivate...it only needs done every 3-6 months if you use the top of the breeze litter box but drain into a bed of pine pellets (instead of an overpriced puppy pad

[@Ichibantsuki]

LMAOO the pillow case joke

[@skylarhelton74]

does anyone know the actual brand she's using?

[@xSimpleMindsx]

In one of the comments she said "fresh step blue crystals"

[@liyanas6245]

Hi, May I know if you use just soap to clean it? Or bleach? Thank you.

[@ariannahwilder3982]

Idk what y'all are doing different... I'm on day 3 of rinsing and dumping every couple hours and it still smells like straight ammonia. 😟 Also what soap did you use? I'm gonna try and move onto the next step and see if flushing it with water will eliminate some of the smell. I really wanted this to work, but so far it's just a messy stinky disaster.

[@lauram7803]

Did this work for you? I've just started to use Breeze Pellets (not the entire system as designed - The urine drains into pine pellets. I don't expect to need to clean the pellets (at least not for quite some time) If it gets to that, I'll probably spray lightly with enzyme spray stir and cover the litter box (we have multiple) for a day and check back.

[@Tailslol]

sadly i live in a very humid area so we cant really dry this thing sadly. the liter box bottom always stay a lil wet and so it reduce a lot the life of this litter. so washing it and drying it is not really possible (or any reuse). and ill have to stick to clay litter.

[@lauram7803]

Try the Breeze Pellets instead. (Clean with saltwater instead of bleach because the salt removes the ammonia from these pellets)

[@FontanaOutdoors]

Use food dehydrator

[@Tailslol]

@@FontanaOutdoors it would be really wasting of energy

[@scraperfect]

Know what washes, rinses, sanitizes and dries? A DISHWASHER! It sounds disgusting, but instead of a washing machine like some people suggested, I bet a dishwasher would work, maybe even with the natural dishwasher soap someone suggested. Could put litter inside king-size pillow cases and , rubber banded shut. Spread out grains thinly on the rack. Afterwards, could run the sanitize and bleach cycle. I'm not going to do it ...(yet). I'm just on my first time washing.

[@xSimpleMindsx]

How did it go?

[@scraperfect]

​@@xSimpleMindsx I just started my second batch this week. I did the rinse repeat thing putting the litter in a pillow case from the very start which made it easy to keep dumping and refilling the 5 gal bucket. After several days of soaking and rinsing, the water looked much more clear, I added baking soda, a teeny bit of dawn, and a good cup of bleach and let it sit. I let it sit- not on purpose, but I've just been busy with other things. Hopefully today I'll go dump the water, rinse a couple time and probed the stuff and let it sit. Last time, I let it drain well and then put it in the dryer on the shoe rack. It worked GREAT!. I'm really lucky that my cat prefers going outside because this is the first time I'm doing it since 7 months ago. I will do that again, unless the sun stays shining brightly and will dry the stuff inside the pillow case. Will see.

[@jrpiquero]

Can I just put it inside a bag and run it in a washing machine?

[@laurajack498]

If u dont mind using the washer, why not! :D But I would suggest that you rinse the crystals at least once before putting it in the washer.. to get rid of the pure urine 😖

[@SherryGooding-mx8pu]

This is very unsafe and unsanitary for any cat's too use.

[@abbygale4913]

Ergh imagine the bacteria i have to get through for this process..ita not about money. Its about self hygine.

[@redtrinitygirl]

people wash baby diapers all the time..??

[@juicy1325]

My question is what is the brand you purchased and how long does it take to dry the litter?? Have you noticed if washing decreases dust? Is the freshly cleaned litter no dust? What’s the recommended bleach to water ratio for disinfectant? Should a fan be used overnight or a day or 2 to make sure it’s truly dry? One person commented that just because it’s dry to the touch will it be dry enough for odor and liquid absorption?