5 Things To Do with Chalk

From: Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things, Reader’s Digest Canada

Want to get your silverware sparkling and your whites bright? Chalk it up! Here’s how to put common sidewalk chalk to good use throughout the home.

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5 New Household Uses for Chalk

Did you know…
The first “street painting” took place in sixteenth century Italy, when artists began using chalk to make drawings on the pavement.

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Use Chalk to Keep Silver from Tarnishing

You love entertaining with your finest silverware, but polishing it before each use is another story. Put one or two pieces of chalk in the drawer with your good silver; it will absorb moisture and slow tarnishing. Put some in your jewelry box to delay tarnishing there, too!

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Use Chalk to Remove Grease Spots

Rub chalk on a grease spot on clothing or table linen and let it absorb the oil before you brush it off. If the stain lingers, rub chalk into it again before laundering. To get rid of ring-around-the-collar stains, mark the stains heavily with chalk before laundering. The chalk will absorb the oils that hold dirt in.

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Use Chalk to Polish Metal and Marble

To make metal shine like new, put some chalk on a damp cloth and wipe. (You can make chalk dust by pulverizing pieces of chalk.) Buff with a soft cloth for an even more brilliant finish. Wipe marble with a damp, soft cloth dipped in powdered chalk. Rinse with clear water and dry thoroughly.

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Use Chalk to Keep Tools Rust-Free

You can eliminate moisture and prevent rust from invading your tool box by simple putting a few pieces of chalk in the box. Your tools will be rust-free-and so will the toolbox.

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Use Chalk to Reduce Wardrobe Dampness

Tie a dozen pieces of chalk together and hang them up in a damp wardrobe. The chalk will absorb moisture and help prevent mildew, but remember to replace the chalk with a new bundle every few months.