by: Perry Arledge
(NaturalNews) Frequently asked questions are: "I have some old Bentonite clay that has been sitting in the garage and now it smells like gasoline. Can I still use it?" "I ordered clay hastily and got the cheap clay that turned out to be gritty and non-effective. What can I do with it now?" Don't throw that clay away! There are many other good uses available to salvage your investment and have Bentonite clay work for you other than as a wellness product. Be creative; think home and garden clay uses.
Use your clay to clean oil spots in garage and deodorize pet bedding and smelly areas around your house. Sprinkle it on your carpet to get out musty smells, and vacuum the next day. Sprinkle clay in your trash bins. Put a bowl of clay powder in your refrigerator. Use it in musty closets. Clean faucet fixtures and grease deposits on your stove with a wet tooth brush dipped in powder clay. Use a little powder clay to scrub out grease stains on clothes. ALWAYS TEST A SMALL PATCH FIRST WHEN USING ON CLOTH OR CARPET.
In the yard:
According to Michel Abehsera, author of The Healing Clay, this incredible clay can replace all chemical fertilizers and can be used in the form of packs, daubings, and powders.
Remember, Bentonite clay as a soil supplement is natural and good for the earth. A light coating of clay powder will do wonders for revitalizing the lawn. Mixed as a spray, it protects against insects, disease & sunburn. It forms a white mineral film on the leaves and fruit that repels hard-to-control insect pests. For a spray, mix 4 cups of home and garden clay with 2 gallons of water and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap.
Hydrated clay is the best pack for tree wounds. When trimming trees, apply wet hydrated clay (1 part clay to 3 parts of water) to the end of cut branches and allow it to dry. This keeps insects and bacteria from entering the tree or shrub. When re-potting or planting, soak roots in clay water (1 part home and garden clay to 10 parts water).
In acidic ground, home and garden clay can be added to improve the balance of the soil. Added to organic debris, clay increases the production of humus and also the amount of carbon fixation in the soil. Do not use with acid loving plants.
For healthy blooming plants, mix home and garden clay into the top soil with compost during the off season to prepare the bed for spring planting. Bentonite clay provides 60-70 trace minerals. Enzymes from the plants break down the minerals for root absorption.
For Soil Mixes:
Sand and clay mixes, without anything else added, should be avoided in the garden. Sand and clay with humus and possibly some animal droppings (sheep, livestock and swine) in the right proportions, is the ideal garden soil.
Nitrogen Rich
Clay: 1 part
Sand: 1 part
Humus: 1 part
Droppings: 1 part
Whatever size container you use, repeat as specified for each item.
Medium Mix
Clay: 2 parts
Sand: 2 parts
Humus: 3 parts
Droppings: 1 part
Loose Mix
Clay: 1 part
Sand: 1 part
Humus: 3 part
Droppings: None
Now put that old Bentonite clay to good use and get your home and garden refreshed and ready for spring. Your plants will thank you in the loveliest ways.