How to Use Chalk Around the House

Chalk has a host of practical uses, and it's relatively inexpensive. Pick up a box of chalk and put it to work. These suggestions offer some great ideas for using chalk around the house.

Instructions

1. Repel ants with the calcium carbonate in the chalk. Draw a line around home entry points and ants head into the opposite direction. Scatter powdered chalk at the base of garden plants to ward off slugs and ants.

2. Delay tarnishing in your silverware drawer by adding a few pieces of chalk to absorb moisture. Put a few sticks of chalk in your jewelry box to slow tarnishing of your sterling silver pieces.

3. Pulverize pieces of chalk with a mortar and pestle, and then shine metal with the chalk dust on a damp cloth. Buff with a soft cloth for a shiny finish.

4. Keep your tools and toolbox rust-free. Add a few pieces of chalk to your toolbox to eliminate moisture.

5. String together a dozen pieces of chalk and hang them in a closet to reduce dampness and prevent mildew. Replace the chalk every 90 days or so.

6. Rub a stick of chalk over a grease spot on a tablecloth, napkin or item of clothing, and let it absorb the stain. Brush the chalk away before laundering. Repeat as needed. Draw chalk over ring-around-the-collar to eliminate body oils that resist dirt.

7. Rub chalk on the end of a screwdriver. Tighten the screw and the blade won't slip off the screw head.