4 Genius Ways to Use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth

“Food grade” varieties of Diatomaceous earth can be used around the house to deter pests, or even as facial masks or toothpaste. (FotoHelin/Shutterstock)

Diatomaceous earth, referred to simply as DE, is a natural sedimentary rock composed of fossilized remains of microscopic algae called diatoms. It has a powdery texture and is rich in silica. DE is commonly used as an insecticide, filter agent, and abrasive substance. It can absorb moisture and is often found in household products and gardening applications.

DE is inexpensive and available commercially in two versions: 1) for pool filters, and 2) labeled as “food grade” for human health and pest control. This post applies to food-grade DE. To make use of what follows, make sure your DE purchase is clearly labeled as food grade.

Where to Get DE

While you should be able to find food-grade DE at home centers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, you may have trouble finding it in-store. I don’t know why these stores don’t stock it, but instead, offer to deliver it to the store near you or charge extra for home delivery. I continue to find the best deals on Amazon Prime.

Facial Scrub and Mask

DE, with its fine powder texture, can be used as a gentle facial scrub and mask. It contains minerals such as silica, calcium, and zinc, which can be absorbed by the skin.

To use DE as an excellent facial scrub and mask, mix 1 tablespoon of DE with water, milk, aloe vera gel, or diluted honey to make a thin paste. Massage it onto the face, let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, and then wipe it off with a warm washcloth for exfoliation.

Toothpaste

For extra thorough cleaning, lightly sprinkle a small amount of DE onto your regular toothpaste-loaded toothbrush. Its gentle abrasiveness means that only a small quantity is necessary to effectively eliminate stains. However, it should only be used occasionally, i.e., once a week.

Cockroach, Ants, Spider, Tick, Silverfish Control

DE is my first line of defense against ants and other creepy crawlies in and around the home because it’s nontoxic and readily available and it just plain works! Make sure you’re using food-grade DE (not swimming pool DE, which is chemically altered).

Sprinkle the food-grade DE outside around the perimeter of your home. You can also safely sprinkle it inside where you see the ants—as long as it is food grade, it is totally nontoxic.

If the DE you select does not come with a powder duster, make sure you have one so that you can strategically distribute the DE exactly where you want it.

Once the ants (or any kind of crawling bugs) walk in the fine powder, they'll die because the DE quietly destroys their exoskeletons.

Chicken Feed

Experts recommend mixing DE into your chicken’s daily feed, since it contains many trace minerals, including silica. This study shows that adding silica to chicken feed can increase their average daily body weight gain and improve feed conversion ratio. Another study suggests that DE can help reduce parasites in chickens.

The FDA has approved it for use as an anti-caking agent in commercial livestock feed at a rate of 2 percent of the overall weight. That’s the guideline that many people follow. (In case you’re wondering what that looks like practically, for 25 pounds of feed, you would add 1/2 pound of DE to achieve the 2 percent ratio.)

Backyard chicken keepers also use DE to control pests in their flock and coop.

To learn about more uses for DE around your home and garden, meet me at EverydayCheapskate.com/de, where you will find more information and nine more genius uses for food-grade DE.

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