The invention relates to a process for producing a bleaching earth, comprising the steps of drying a water-rich raw clay to a reduced water content, mixing the raw clay having a reduced water content with a solid organic and/or concentrated inorganic acid, and grinding the mixture of raw clay having a reduced water content and solid organic and/or concentrated inorganic acid, in which case the bleaching earth then has a water content of 20% to 40% by weight. The invention further encompasses a bleaching earth obtainable by this process and to the use thereof for bleaching of raw animal or vegetable oil.