Cheap and simple litter box odor filter

I saw this instructable as well as the "cat jet", but both are really giant and intrusive. I figured I could make a little fan+filter out of just a computer fan and some type of carbon/charcoal air filter, so I did.

The result is small and unintrusive, and only requires periodic air filter changes (the package says every 3 months but I'm not sure if that holds up in this case). No hose running to a window, no big loud fans, no complex motion detection system. Just a small quiet fan running 24/7 at low speed, using little power (less than a watt).

Step 1 Parts & Tools

Parts needed:

1. A computer fan (the bigger the better)
2. Some sort of 12 volt DC "wall wart" (lower voltage will work too, but the fan will run slower)
3. Screws
4. Wire nuts, or solder, or something
5. Small bungee cord, or rubber band, or zip ties, or something
6. Electrical tape or heat shrink
7. An activated carbon filter (cost me $10 at home depot)

Tools:

1. Screwdriver
2. Knife or dremel or something to cut the litter box with
3. (recommended) Wire stripper
4. (optional) Soldering iron

Comments

[Lilnekochan]

An alternative to the bungee cord is to use a plastic foam fan filter (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5662653&SRCCODE=GOOGLEBASE&cm_mmc_o=VRqCjC7BBTkwCjCECjCE) you don't waste any of the filter and it's easier to replace. Get the 2 pack and you have a cover for the back to keep tails & noses out of the fan.

[ponchato]

I just did this.  Make sure you get thin enough filters; the ones I got are about a quarter inch thick, and don't allow much air through.  They work, and I'm sure the air coming out is cleaner than what a thin filter would provide, but there's just not much air flowing.

Thanks for the instructable!

[tacamaral]

Hi. I was wondering: how well does it work? I mean, does it really get that horrible smell under control or just helps a little? Great idea, anyway. : )