Quick answer: Empty the waste drawer weekly, wipe the interior monthly with unscented soap, clean the sensors quarterly, and deep clean the whole unit every 1-3 months.
The waste drawer is the most common odor source. Even with a sealed drawer, decomposing waste produces ammonia and hydrogen sulfide that escape around the edges. Empty it at least twice a week in warm weather, once a week in cooler conditions. Most drawers have liners that make disposal quick.
Remove all litter. Wash the interior with warm water and unscented dish soap — avoid bleach or strongly scented cleaners that can damage plastic or deter your cat. Dry thoroughly before refilling. Residual moisture causes litter to clump incorrectly and gives the rake more work.
Entry sensors detect when your cat is inside to prevent the rake from running. Dust and litter particle buildup causes sensor malfunctions — the most common cause of missed cycles or unexpected cycling. Clean sensors quarterly with a dry cloth or compressed air.
10 minutes per week keeps most automatic litter boxes running reliably. The most common failure — the cat stops using it — is almost always a cleanliness issue.