Diatomaceous Earth – How It Works, Uses in the Household Precautions

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is becoming a bit of a household favourite these days. It’s a natural substance made from the fossilised remains of tiny algae called diatoms. That may not be so interesting to learn, but you will be glad to know it has a wide range of uses that are both practical and eco-friendly. Really, you think to yourself, is it really as safe and effective as people claim?

It’s important to know there are two types of DE. Food-grade and industrial-grade. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for use in homes and around pets. People use it for pest control and even as a health supplement. On the other hand, industrial-grade DE is used for filtration and cleaning and it’s not safe for consumption or household use.

In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about diatomaceous earth.

Uses in the household

You’d be surprised how many uses diatomaceous earth has. Let’s start with…

Pest control

And here we’re talking about organic pest control. DE is highly effective because it physically dehydrates insects. The powder consists of tiny, sharp particles that damage the exoskeletons of pests and cause them to dry out and die. It’s a chemical-free solution that’s safe for humans and pets when used correctly.

You can use diatomaceous earth to combat a range of common household pests effectively. For ants, simply sprinkle DE around entry points or along their trails to stop them in their tracks. When dealing with bed bugs, apply DE around bed frames, along mattress edges, and in any cracks where they might be hiding. As for cockroaches, dust diatomaceous earth behind appliances, along skirting boards, and in those dark corners where these pests tend to lurk.

But always be careful how you apply the product.

1. Lightly dust the areas where pests are active, focusing on cracks, crevices, and along baseboards;
2. While DE starts working immediately, it can take a few days to fully eliminate an infestation;
3. Reapply after vacuuming or if the area becomes damp, as moisture reduces its effectiveness.

Using diatomaceous earth is a great way to handle pests naturally, but always make sure to use food-grade DE around your home to keep things safe.

Deodorising agent

Diatomaceous earth isn’t just for pest control. It also works wonders as a natural deodoriser around the house. Its absorbent properties help to neutralise smells without the use of harsh chemicals. Basically, it fights the smells instead of covering them up.

For example, you can sprinkle a bit of DE at the bottom of your trash cans to absorb lingering smells from food scraps or rubbish. Kitchen bins can definitely use some as they tend to get smelly fast. In refrigerators, placing a small dish of DE helps keep everything smelling fresh – it works much like baking soda but with a longer-lasting effect. And for pet areas, you can use diatomaceous earth around bedding, litter boxes, or any spots where your pets hang out to neutralise any unpleasant odours.

Cleaning agent

Diatomaceous earth is also a fantastic natural cleaning agent. Thanks to its mildly abrasive nature it’s great for scrubbing away stubborn stains. There is no risk of scratching surfaces like some metal polishers do. For example, you can use diatomaceous earth to:

And if you don’t have time to do that, you can always call professional cleaning services.

Garden uses

Diatomaceous earth can also work wonders in the garden. As a natural soil amendment, it helps improve soil aeration and retains moisture, all while preventing issues like root rot. When you add DE into your garden soil, you create a more breathable environment for roots. They can thrive without becoming waterlogged.

If you’re wondering what is eating your plants leaves, you will be delighted to know that DE is a natural pest deterrent in the garden as well. For example, it can help control slugs and snails. Just sprinkle it around the base of your plants. These pests avoid crossing the DE barrier, as it dehydrates them on contact.

How does it work

Let’s start with the basics.

Physical mechanism

Diatomaceous earth has tiny, razor-sharp particles that cut through the protective insect exoskeletons. These microscopic cuts cause the pests to lose moisture rapidly. In the end they get dehydrated and die, all without the need for any chemicals. This chemical-free process makes it safe for humans and pets, while still being highly effective against a range of pests.

Absorption properties

Beyond its physical mechanism, diatomaceous earth also has impressive absorption properties. When DE absorbs moisture from insects or their surroundings, it further dehydrates pests, making it an even more effective pest control method. These same absorption properties also make DE perfect for neutralising odours and keeping damp areas dry, offering a natural solution for both pest control and household freshness.

Precautions when using Diatomaceous Earth at home

Mind you, diatomaceous earth is not entirely harmless. You still need to follow safety precautions.

Safety measures during application

The powder is fine and can irritate your respiratory system if you inhale it. So, when you apply it, it’s best to wear a mask and gloves. Gloves protect your skin from dryness that can occur after prolonged contact. Avoid applying DE in windy conditions to reduce the risk of it becoming airborne. Always open windows for ventilation during application. And finally, only apply it in areas out of reach of children and pets.

Storage recommendations

Moisture is the enemy of DE, as it reduces its potency and ability to work as a pest control agent or deodoriser. So, always store it in a cool, dry place. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep out any humidity or dampness. An airtight container is ideal, as it locks in freshness and keeps DE in optimal condition for longer.

Always store DE out of reach of children and pets. While food-grade DE is generally safe, it’s still important to prevent accidental ingestion or spills, which could create unnecessary mess and reduce its effectiveness.

Potential risks and side effects

Though DE is generally safe for household use, there are still risks associated with overexposure. Inhalation can cause irritation to the respiratory system, and prolonged skin contact may lead to dryness or mild irritation. While food-grade DE is considered safe if consumed in small amounts, large amounts or side effects of consumption could include digestive upset. Side effects of overexposure to industrial-grade DE can be more severe, so check that you’re using the correct type for household use.

Key risks summary:

Share your experience using diatomaceous earth for cleaning or around the house in the comments.