Diatomaceous earth, how to use it?

What to do with diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is an entirely natural product with multiple uses. Indeed, it can be used as an insecticide, as a cleaning product in the house, for skin care and many others.

New to diatomaceous earth and would like to know how to use it at home? Here are our tips and tricks for using diatomaceous earth.

Things to know and do with diatomaceous earth:

1. What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Don’t be fooled by its name, diatomaceous earth does not contain any earth! Also known as silicon dioxide, it is actually a powder made up of small, sharp crystals from the grinding up of fossilized microscopic algae called diatoms.

There are two types of diatomaceous earth:

• One which has been calcined and which bears the name of crystalline silica and which represents a certain danger to health.
• And another, the one that concerns us, amorphous silica, which has not undergone any transformation.

When purchasing diatomaceous earth, be sure to choose food grade only.

Here is diatomaceous earth at the best price and food grade:

2. Warning against diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is very volatile and absorbent. It could therefore irritate your respiratory tract as well as your mucous membranes if you inhale it.

It is therefore important to take certain precautions when using diatomaceous earth.

Remember to wear a mask to protect yourself, as well as goggles so you don’t get it in your eyes.

3. Diatomaceous earth as an insecticide in the house

If you have a problem with insects in the house, consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth where you see them. Diatomaceous earth is effective in getting rid of unwanted insects in the home and garden.

So you can use diatomaceous earth against:

• fleas
• silver fish
• cockroaches
• bed bugs
• the ants
• acarians
• spiders

4. What to do with diatomaceous earth in the garden?

To protect plants from aphids, slugs, and other such critters, apply diatomaceous earth around susceptible plants.

However, it will be necessary to start the treatment again after a rain.

5. Diatomaceous earth: flea control for your pets

Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe to use on your dog or cat’s coat as a natural flea repellent. Here’s how:

• To apply on your pet: apply diatomaceous earth on your pet’s coat against the grain. Repeat this treatment every 2-3 days throughout the flea season.
• To treat the house against fleas: if your cat or dog has brought fleas into your home, all furniture, cushions, etc. must be treated. To do this, combine in a spray bottle 5 grams of diatomaceous earth and 1 liter of water. Shake well and spray all the places your dog has had access to: sofa, cushion, carpet, etc.

Here is the perfect diatomaceous earth to eliminate parasites and fleas from pets:

6. Remove bad odors with diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is a natural deodorant and can be used as such around the house. It can be added to cat litter to absorb odors, as it can be sprinkled on carpets, sofas, in shoes, etc.

If you don’t have diatomaceous earth at home, you can also use baking soda as a natural air freshener.

To deodorize a rug, a carpet, a fabric sofa or any other smelly furniture, simply sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the entire surface, leave to act for 12 to 24 hours and vacuum.

7. A diatomaceous earth face mask

Diatomaceous earth has absorbent and exfoliating properties. It can therefore be used as a beauty treatment. Here is a mask recipe for oily skin

based on diatomaceous earth:

• 3 teaspoons food grade diatomaceous earth
• A little water
• A few drops of rose water

Mix the ingredients well to obtain a smooth paste that holds together well. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse well with lukewarm water.

Diatomaceous earth makes an excellent scouring powder, just make a paste with a little water and scrub. It will come in handy for a variety of cleaning tasks, including:

• Scrub dirty dishes, pots, pans, etc.
• Clean and shine copper, stainless steel and silverware

9. Deworm your animals with diatomaceous earth

Not only does diatomaceous earth help get rid of fleas, it can also be used as a deworming treatment for cats and dogs. Are you looking for a natural product to deworm your pets? Do not look any further !

Make sure your diatomaceous earth is food grade and pure and organic. The treatment should be stretched over 4 weeks, at one dose per day according to the following dosage:

For dogs:

– Puppies under 4.5 kg: ½ to 1 teaspoon

– Puppies from 4.5 to 9 kg: 2 teaspoons

– Dogs from 9 to 22.5 kg: 1 to 1.5 tablespoons

– Dogs from 23 to 45 Kg: 2 tablespoons

– Dogs over 45 kg: 3 to 4 tablespoons

For cats:

• Kittens: ½ teaspoon
• Cats: 2 teaspoons

10. Diatomaceous earth for brushing your teeth

Due to its slightly abrasive texture, diatomaceous earth can be used to brush teeth. Just sprinkle a small pinch on your toothbrush and brush and rinse as usual.

If you prefer, you can also use baking soda instead of diatomaceous earth to brush your teeth.

Please note that only 100% organic, food-grade diatomaceous earth should be used.

11. Keep food fresh longer with diatomaceous earth

Because it absorbs moisture and protects against insects, diatomaceous earth can help keep your dry foods last longer. Just add a pinch to your bags of rice, cereal, etc.

Again, just like the toothbrushing trick, it’s important to use 100% organic, food-grade diatomaceous earth to keep your food fresh longer.