10 Uses for Sidewalk Chalk

For most homes with kids, the chunky pieces of colorful sidewalk chalk have been tossed aside as school activities are embraced. Now it's time for you to have fun with the kid's sidewalk chalk. Hunt up those leftover chunks of sidewalk chalk and try out these ten uses around the house.

Instant Fingernail Brightener

Sidewalk chalk works great to clean and brighten bare fingernails, leaving them with an instant French manicure look. Rub a nail brush over white chalk, then rub the brush under the tips of fingernails, re-loading brush with white chalk as needed. The brush bristles dislodge and remove dirt and debris from under nails while the white chalk leaves behind it's white powder for a fresh, clean manicured look.

Camouflage Wall Scuffs

Scuff marks on wall come from a variety of sources and an application of sidewalk chalk will camouflage them. Chose a color of sidewalk chalk that is close to the wall paint color and mark over the scuff with the chalk. Build up layers of color until the scuff mark disappears. When it's time to re-paint, remove the chalk from the wall with a damp cloth.

Shine Metal and Marble with Sidewalk Chalk

Metal sink faucets or other metal objects looking cloudy and dull? Or maybe it's the marble that's lost it's shine. Sidewalk chalk can fix either problem. In a small bowl, crush a few pieces of sidewalk chalk (color doesn't matter) into a fine powder. Dampen a soft cloth and dip the tip of it into the crushed chalk and use it to wipe the dull metal or marble. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry. The chalk granules are just abrasive enough to remove the cloudy residue without damaging the finish.

Place Chalk in Jewelry Box

A piece of chalk in your jewelry box will prevent costume and silver jewelry from tarnishing. The chalk will absorb the sulfur compounds inside the jewelry box before they can turn the jewelry black.

Prevent Mildew and Odors in Laundry Hamper

Place several pieces of sidewalk chalk in a Ziploc bag, then place the open bag in the bottom of the dirty clothes hamper to prevent mildew and odors. The chalk will absorb the moisture from the dirty, damp clothes, preventing the growth of odor causing mildew. Replace the bag of chalk once a month.

Keep Insects Out of Home

Draw a thick line of chalk all around the entry points of your home (windows, doors) to keep insects out. The calcium carbonate in sidewalk chalk repels insects and they won't cross the line and enter your home.

Keep Tools from Slipping

When attempting a DIY project, stop the screw driver or other tools from slipping out of your hand by applying a little sidewalk chalk to the tool handle. The slightly abrasive calcium sulfate creates just enough friction to keep the tool from slipping.

Unstuck a Key

Got a door key that keeps sticking in the lock? Prevent a costly call to a locksmith and keep the key gliding smoothly with chalk. 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 coats the dirt particles inside the lock and absorbs any moisture.

Remove Grease Stain from Suede

How do you get a grease stain out of suede? With pulverized sidewalk chalk. Crush the chalk and sprinkle it on the grease stain. Let sit overnight. Then brush off in the morning. The chalk dust absorbs the grease from the suede.

Installing Door Hardware

To get an exact fit for door hardware, like cabinet latches or door locks, use sidewalk chalk to mark the spot. Coat the underside of the hardware on the door, then shut the door. The chalk will mark the exact location for latches, locks, etc.