You might think it only suitable for your child’s arts and crafts box, but you would be surprised to know the number of uses for chalk around the home. This super cheap marker has uses far beyond the classroom and is an essential tool for the handy houseowner.
1. Remove grease and dirt stains
Struggling with a nasty mark on your clothing or linens? Rub chalk on the affected area and let it sit for ten minutes. The chalk will absorb the oil and then you can simply brush it off! If the stain is stubborn rub chalk into it again and then wash it. The same applies to collar stains. Chalk absorbs the oils that hold dirt on your collar and make it easier to wash off.
2. Stop ants
Did you know ants will not cross a chalk line? There’s nothing mystical about it; ants are repelled by the chalk component calcium carbonate. This makes it an excellent tool to protect your garden plants and block window sills or any other problem places.If the problem is out of control, find your local Pest Control specialist.
3. Prevent odours in laundry baskets or closets
Since chalk absorbs moisture, putting pieces of chalk with your clothes can prevent the odour that comes from mustiness. Put some in a bag to prevent it from touching your clothes and hang it up.
4. Evenly sand surfaces
This is a great idea that makes total sense – dust the surface that you are sanding with chalk. Keep sanding all over the surface until all the chalk is gone to get an even surface.
5. Protect your tool box from rust
To be honest, how often do most of us pull out our tools? The last thing you want is to open your toolbox to find both it and your tools are now rusty. Again, putting a few pieces of chalk in there will absorb moisture and keep your items rust-free until you need them again.
6. Prevent tarnished silver
That beautiful silver you have in your cupboard needs a bit of upkeep to maintain that beautiful shine. By putting chalk in with it while it is in storage it will absorb moisture and slow the tarnishing of your jewellery and silverware.
7. Cover wall scrapes
Unfortunately it’s not that often we have time to repaint our walls and ceilings when they get scuffed and scraped. Chalk that is the same colour as the paint can lighten scuff marks and cover nicks until you can make a more permanent repair. When you finally have time, click here for local Painters.
8. Keep your screwdriver still
If you’re doing a bit of DIY around the house and trying to tighten up some screws, it can be an incredibly frustrating process for the screwdriver to keep slipping. Rubbing some chalk on the blade will reduce slip considerably.
The icing on the cake is that you can buy chalk for only a couple of dollars. Chalk it up to experience!
