5 Smart Uses for Chalk

Want some surprising tricks for this old-school staple? Write this way!

- BY LISA FREEDMAN

Remove Grease Stains from Clothing

If you got a little vinaigrette on your shirt at lunch, chalk it up to a case of the whoopsies. Then grab an actual piece of chalk. Most chalk is made of calcium carbonate, which is incredibly absorbent (that's why it makes your hands feel so dry). You can rub the stuff over the stain and watch it soak up the oil. The resulting dust will get brown and cruddy—brush it off and repeat as needed before laundering as usual.

Keep Silver from Tarnishing