How to Properly Use Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Cleaning with Milk, Tea, or Linseed Oil

Diatomaceous earth is composed of ground, fossilized prehistoric single-celled algae skeletons.

Diatomaceous earth is the longer name for silica, one of the most vital trace minerals found in nature. Silica is necessary for almost every aspect of functioning life, equally important for humans and animals. Diatomaceous earth is one item you should always have around the house; you can ingest a spoonful and give some to your pet to improve both your diets, use it as a perfectly safe insecticide and even brush your teeth with it. Further, diatomaceous earth makes a fantastic cleaning paste for almost anything, from your skin to one of the most heavy-duty appliances in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Loose tea
• Mortar and pestle
• Bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Plastic spoon
• Water
• Rags
• Whole milk
• Artists' brush

Instructions

Homemade Facial

1. Choose a tea that smell lovely, such as a citrus or jasmine blend. Purchase loose tea at a specialty shop or organic store. Also purchase a mortar and pestle.

2. Place some loose tea into the mortar. Crush the tea with the pestle until it is ground to a moderate texture. Transfer the tea into a bowl.

3. Add 2 tbsp. diatomaceous earth to the tea. Mix the two dry ingredients together well with a plastic spoon. Slowly stir in lukewarm water until a paste forms.

4. Apply the paste to your face in a circular motion. Avoid getting the cleanser in your eyes. Rinse your face with cool water and follow up with an appropriate moisturizer for your skin type.

Washing Machine Cleaner

1. Inspect the interior and exterior of your washing machine and locate areas that have become stained or built-up with residue.

2. Mix together 2 tbsp. diatomaceous earth and enough water to make a paste. Gather some paste on a soft rag and apply it in circular motions to dull or discolored places. Wipe away the excess cleanser using a clean rag dipped in plain water.

3. Remove stains on your washing machine with milk. Apply whole milk over the spots using an artists' brush. Let the milk sit at least half an hour and wipe it away with a damp rag.

References

• Earthworks Organic Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth; Other Uses: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
• The Backyard Herbalist; Slogging Through the Swamp; Ernestina Parziale; 2008
• More Than Alive; Bulk Herbs: Diatomaceous Earth - Food Grade Powder
• Tea Muse; Skin-Sational: Tea Ideas for Healthy Skin; Diana Rosen
• Golden Harvest Organics: Diatomaceous Earth