Natural Mineral Lock-In: How Diatomaceous Earth + Attapulgite Clay Control Odours in Pets and Chicken Coops

Earth & Clay
Dec 9
3 min read

Updated: Dec 11

Australia’s hot summer temperatures, often exceeding 30°C, make odour control challenging in both homes with pets and poultry facilities. The unique lock-in properties of diatomaceous earth (DE) and attapulgite clay allow mineral-based powders to trap moisture and odour molecules, neutralising ammonia, and maintaining hygiene in a variety of environments.

Natural mineral powders like diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay lock in pet and poultry odours while keeping your home and garden fresh — even during Australia’s hot summer.

Step 1: Absorption and Adsorption at the Surface

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has a highly porous structure that draws in liquids and odour molecules
Attapulgite Clay has a fibrous lattice that binds moisture and odours
Pets: When applied to urine or faeces, these minerals trap liquids quickly, reducing wetness and preventing odour from spreading. Products like Eco Pawz CleanUp® are examples of this approach
Chicken Coops: Chicken droppings produce ammonia and moisture. Powders such as ChickenKoop™ Refresh demonstrate how these minerals lock in ammonia and moisture, preventing strong odours

Step 2: Molecular-Level Adsorption

Adsorption binds odour molecules at the surface, unlike simple absorbent powders which only soak up liquids
Pets: DE and attapulgite trap ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urine, faeces, or vomit, neutralising odours rather than masking them
Chicken Coops: Ammonia from droppings is captured at the molecular level, reducing odour and improving air quality for birds

Step 3: Rapid Moisture Removal

The combination of DE and attapulgite drains liquid from surfaces quickly, leaving the area drier
Pets: Dry surfaces reduce bacterial growth, odour escalation, and staining
Chicken Coops: Moisture control slows bacterial and fungal growth in bedding, keeping ammonia levels lower

Step 4: Thermal Stability in Hot Environments

DE and attapulgite remain effective at high temperatures. Heat does not reduce adsorption capacity
Pets: Works reliably in 30+°C summer heat, indoors or on synthetic turf
Chicken Coops: Maintains odour control during hot Australian summers, even when ammonia release accelerates

Step 5: Bacteria and Ammonia Control

By locking in moisture, these minerals create less favourable conditions for bacterial growth
Pets: Less bacteria means fewer odours and improved hygiene
Chicken Coops: Reduced bacterial activity lowers ammonia levels, improving air quality and bird health

Step 6: Versatility and Surface Safety

Mineral powders can be used on multiple surfaces and are often safe to sweep up and reuse
Pets: Works on carpets, hard floors, turf, kennels, and patios
Chicken Coops: Safe for bedding, wood shavings, and dirt floors, providing ongoing odour control

Summary

The lock-in properties of DE and attapulgite clay make mineral-based adsorbent powders superior to plant-based absorbents or sprays

Porous and fibrous structure traps liquids and odour molecules
Molecular adsorption neutralises ammonia and VOCs, not just masks odours
Rapid moisture control slows bacteria and odour formation
Thermal stability ensures performance even in hot conditions
Reduces bacterial activity, improving hygiene for pets and poultry
Safe and versatile, suitable for multiple surfaces indoors and outdoors

Products like Eco Pawz CleanUp® for pets and ChickenKoop™ Refresh for poultry illustrate how these natural minerals are applied effectively, but the focus is on the science of the minerals themselves, not the brand promotion.

Find out more: www,ecopawzcleanup.com.au and www.chickenkoop.com.au

Looking for wholesale or retail purchase, stockists are listed on the Eco Pawz CleanUp website.

Contact: WA AIRR and Animal Health Solutions in Western Australia if you require smaller quantities: