Diatomaceous earth (DE), also known as diatomite, is a soft sedimentary rock made up of the fossils of algae-like organisms called diatoms. It’s 80-90% silica and usually comes in the form of a fine, white powder, commonly used in things like water filtering, food manufacturing, skin products, and farming practices.
You can buy two kinds of diatomaceous earth: industrial grade and food grade. Industrial grade DE comes from saltwater sources, and food-grade DE comes from freshwater sources. Knowing the difference is critical both because of where you’ll look to buy it, and how you’ll use it.
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Industrial diatomaceous earth is used in things like filtering pool and fish tank water and is not safe for human or pet consumption. So, it shouldn’t be used in our homes or our gardens. Food-grade DE is what we’ll be focusing on in this post.
DE has a surprisingly long list of benefits and is in some surprising places. Why so beneficial? Well, because DE is primarily made up of silica, and as we’ll discover, silica is a heavy hitter when it comes to making a difference in our soil, our bodies, and even for our pets. Let’s take a look at 14 uses for diatomaceous earth.
1. Garden Pest Killer
One of the most common uses of DE is as a cost-effective, simple garden pest killer. It’s a safe pesticide that can be used on crops to kill slugs, beetles, bugs and other unwanted pests.
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You can also sprinkle it on the ground or into cracks where bugs hide. Diatomaceous earth dries out their exoskeleton, and they die from dehydration.
2. Compost Pile
Another area of your yard where you can use diatomaceous earth is your compost pile. It kills pests without affecting our worm friends and eliminates odors.
3. Flea & Tick Killer
Because fleas and ticks also have an exoskeleton, DE is an effective flea and tick killer and is completely safe for use on your dog. Brush the powder through their fur, being careful not to get it into your eyes or theirs. Also, be sure that neither you nor your dog inhales DE, as it can be harmful to the lungs.
4. Insect and Ant Killer
Luckily, because DE is safe for humans and pets, it’s an easy and inexpensive way to eliminate insects and ants from your home.
To do this, put a small amount of DE into a squirt bottle, shake it to create dust, and puff the dust directly onto the insects or ants or in the areas where they have been found.
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You can also apply a fine layer of DE to areas of concern with a hand duster. You will only need enough so that as insects move through it, it clings to them and eventually they die of dehydration.
5. Enhance Your Soil
Because diatomaceous earth can absorb and hold water in the soil without interfering with natural drainage, it can be used as a soil conditioner in potting soil and in hydroponic gardens.
Mix DE into the soil prior to planting the garden.
6. Cleaner
It may sound improbable to talk about using diatomaceous earth as a cleaner or using dirt to clean dirt…? Well, yes. Sort of. DE is mildly abrasive and can be used as a polish or cleanser.
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DE is an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative for cleaning pots and pans. It can also be used to clean toilets and other areas of the home where you’d normally use cleaning products. Additionally, it’s safe to use when polishing your silver.
7. Stain Remover
Before you spend another dime on commercial stain remover, give diatomaceous earth a try. The powder pulls oil out of a garment which can then be washed as normal.
8. Carpet Stain Remover
As with clothing, DE can be used to remove stains from carpeting. Rub a generous amount of it into the stain, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum as normal. Depending on the stain, it may take a few applications to remove it completely.
9. Carpet Deodorizer
Because of its dehydrating power, DE is an alternative to store-bought carpet deodorizers. Even if you have no stains to remove, sprinkle your carpeting with DE, let it sit for 24 hours, and vacuum it up. It’ll leave your carpets smelling clean without a perfumed scent masking the odor.
10. Facial Exfoliant or Mask
If you’re a fan of DIY personal care products, you’re in luck. Diatomaceous earth is used in many of the products you’re already buying, so why not make it yourself without all of the added chemicals and save a few bucks? For example, facial cleansers and masks.
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To do this, mix DE with a few drops of water and some essential oils of your choice (this is optional), forming a paste, and gently scrub it into your skin. Either rinse immediately or use as a mask and let it dry. Be careful not to leave it on for longer than 15 to 20 minutes as it can severely dry your skin.
11. Toothpaste
Another DIY personal care product you may want to consider making with diatomaceous earth is your own toothpaste. It’s mildly abrasive quality makes it effective.
Mix one-part coconut oil with one-part diatomaceous earth and add peppermint essential oil (for taste). You can also change the texture with a few drops of vegetable glycerin if you’d like.
12. Deodorant
While we’re on the topic of DIY personal care products, let’s talk about deodorant. Considering its ability to absorb odors, it seems almost obvious that DE would be an ingredient we’d look to when making deodorant.
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Not only does it kill odor-causing bacteria, but it also absorbs toxins and moisture, and it’s safe for even sensitive skin. To make DE deodorant, sift together three parts cornstarch or arrowroot powder, one-part DE, and gradually stir in two parts melted coconut oil and your favorite scented essential oils.
13. Detox
Some people use diatomaceous earth as an option when they detox their bodies. DE adherents say that it flushes heavy metals from the body, reduces odors and gas, cleans the digestive tract, increases liver function and absorbs toxins.
To do a DE detox, take one teaspoon of DE mixed with a cup of water daily, either one hour before eating or two hours after. Do this for a total of 10 days.
14. Health Supplement
Because diatomaceous earth is rich in minerals, it is thought to be an effective supplement, improving things like skin, hair, and nails, lowering cholesterol, boosting the immune system, controlling blood sugar, balancing candida (yeast) levels and even aiding in weight loss.
From your home, to your yard, your pets, and your own body, diatomaceous earth is already present in many products you already use. Consider the many ways you can use DE to make your own products, enhance your gardens and even your own health.
Is this resource renewable? How much is the supply and where is it located?
Hi Raju!
Diatomaceous earth is made out of diatomite, which is “sedimentary accumulations of the siliceous skeletons (frustules) of microscopic aquatic plants known as diatoms”. Most diatomite is found in the Pacific Rim, northern and southern Europe, northern Africa and the east coast of South America.
Here is a general fact sheet about diatomaceous earth: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html
Here is information about the sustainability of diatomaceous earth: https://www.resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/237818/Diatomite.pdf
Thanks for the questions! I’ll go ahead and add these links to the article.
Leigha