I dont use vanilla, but there are people that claim the urine smells so bad, they need it to cut it down. My bedding takes care of most of the smell, plus I dont want the gunk, my lines dont really come apart.

I should clarify on the tea description, LOL. I had an image of diluted white tea in my head, but I didnt write it. Best for the water to still be clear like TWH and others pointed out.