25 Comments
With as ubiquitous as chalkboard paint was throughout the 2010s, it’s easy to imagine there might be a few old sticks of chalk floating around in a drawer somewhere in your house. (I would say the chalk is “gathering dust,” but that seems a bit redundant!)
If you do happen to have chalk stashed away somewhere, you’re in luck, because this post is brimming with clever ways to put it to good use. Check out the most practical uses for chalk around the house (plus a just-for-fun bonus idea) below — and be sure to share any other ways you use chalk in the comments section!
9 Of The Best Household Uses For Chalk
1. Remove Grease Stains
To remove a greasy or oily stain, start by rubbing chalk on the stained area. Let it sit for 10 minutes to give it time to absorb the grease, then wipe off any loose chalk dust before tossing it in your washing machine. It’ll come out good as new!
2. Prevent Silver From Tarnishing
Keep a few pieces of chalk in the same place you store your silver items. The chalk will help absorb moisture in the area and help prevent the silver from tarnishing. You can also put a piece of chalk in your jewelry box to help prevent your silver jewelry from tarnishing, too.
3. Keep Closets Fresh
Hang a small bag of chalk from one of the hangers in your closet. The chalk will keep moisture in check, which in turn will help prevent that musty smell that often goes hand-in-hand with moisture issues.
4. Stop Screwdrivers From Slipping
If your screwdriver keeps slipping while you’re trying to turn a screw, rub some chalk on the head. The chalk should provide enough added friction to prevent it from slipping.
5. Keep Your Tools Rust-Free
If your garage is pretty humid, all that moisture can cause your tools and toolbox to develop rust over time. Help keep your toolbox and the tools inside it free of rust by tossing a handful of chalk pieces in there.
6. Make Minor Wall Repairs
If those little nicks, scrapes, and dings on your walls and door frames are driving you crazy, chalk makes a quick fix. Just find a piece of chalk that matches the paint color and draw over the imperfection. It’ll disguise the mark enough that it won’t draw your attention as much.
7. Stop Ants In Their Tracks
If you see a line of ants somewhere in your house, you can sprinkle chalk across their scent path to stop them in their tracks. Sprinkle chalk around your doorways, windowsills and wherever else the ants seem to be coming in from.
8. Fix Sticky Keys And Locks
Have a door key that keeps sticking in the lock? Rub a piece of chalk along the teeth and tip of the key, then slide the key in and out of the lock a few times. The chalk will help absorb dirt and moisture inside the lock and help the mechanisms slide more smoothly.
9. Hang A Frame
You can use chalk to hang a frame exactly where you want it to go. First, apply some chalk to the hanger on the back of your frame, then press the frame against the wall where you want it to go. The chalk will leave a mark on the wall, and you’ll know exactly where to put your nail or screw.
Do have any other favorite uses for chalk around the house?
