Removing gum from different surfaces can be a bit tricky because it’s sticky and tends to collect dirt. To tackle gum stains effectively, you typically need to follow a two-step process: first, remove the bulk of the gum, and then deal with the sticky residue using a cleaner or stain remover.
Avoid tossing gum-stained items into the washing machine or dryer. Heat can set the gum stain and make it transfer to other items in the load. Here’s a simple guide on how to remove gum from various materials.
WARNING: Avoid using hazardous substances like gas or lighter fluid to remove gum stains, as they can cause further issues.
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How to Remove Gum Stains From Clothes
1. Harden the Gum
- Place the stained item in a plastic bag and freeze it for a few hours. This works well if the gum has melted in the dryer or spread over a large area.
- Alternatively, if the gum stain is small, put ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold them on the gum for a few minutes.
2. Scrape off the Gum
- Take the item out of the freezer (or remove the ice cubes) and immediately scrape off the gum using a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. The goal is to remove most of the gum solids. If needed, refreeze and scrape again.
3. Pretreat the Stain
- Treat the remaining spot with a mixture of equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white distilled vinegar.
- Gently rub the solution onto the fabric from the front and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- For old and dry gum stains, use petroleum jelly to loosen the gum. Apply a small amount to the base of the gum wad, allowing you to pick it off. Before washing, treat the fabric to remove the grease stain caused by the petroleum jelly.
4. Wash As Usual
- Wash the garment using your regular laundry detergent.
- Check the stained area before air drying or using the dryer. If any stain remains, treat it again with the soap and vinegar mixture, then wash again.
- Don’t use the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely gone. If in doubt, air dry and check again once the garment is dry.
How to Remove Gum Stains From Shoes
To remove gum from your shoes, follow these easy steps:
Freezing Method
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- Place the shoe in a sealed plastic bag and let it sit in the freezer for about an hour until the gum becomes hard. Alternatively, use the ice cube and plastic bag technique mentioned earlier.
Scrape Off the Gum
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- Carefully scrape off the bulk of the gum using a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Be extra cautious with suede shoes and boots.
Apply Cleaning Solution
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- Treat any remaining gum stain with a mixture of liquid dishwashing soap and white vinegar. Sponge the solution onto the stain, wait for around 10 minutes, and then blot it off with a clean cloth. Repeat if needed.
Final Touch
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- Finish by blotting with a clean cloth dipped in plain water. Let the shoe air dry. If leather shoes lose their shine, use a leather conditioner to restore it.
How to Remove Gum Stains From Upholstery and Carpet
You can use the same approach for both upholstery and carpet. Here’s how:
Freezing Method
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- Place a sealed plastic bag with a few ice cubes on the gum stain to freeze and harden it for a few minutes.
Gentle Scrape
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- Use a very dull knife or a spoon to gently scrape off as much gum as possible.
Cleaning Solution
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- For carpet stains, mix equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush to work a small amount of the solution into the stain. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Blot and Rinse
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- Blot the stained area with a clean white cloth dipped in plain water. Keep blotting until no more solution or residue transfers to the cloth.
Air-Dry and Fluff
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- Allow the carpet or upholstery to air-dry completely. Once dry, vacuum the fabric or carpet to fluff the fibres.
