How to Remove Gum Stains: A Comprehensive Guide
Gum Stains on Clothing
Gum stains on clothing can be a nuisance, but they can be removed with the right techniques. Follow these steps:
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Harden the Gum: Place the stained garment in a plastic bag and freeze it for several hours, or apply ice cubes directly to the stain for a few minutes. This will harden the gum, making it easier to remove.
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Scrape Off the Gum: Once the gum is hardened, use a butter knife or credit card to gently scrape off as much of the gum as possible.
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Pretreat the Stain: Mix equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Apply the solution to the remaining stain and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If the stain is old and dry, use petroleum jelly to loosen the gum before applying the detergent and vinegar solution.
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Wash As Usual: Wash the garment in your washing machine using your regular detergent. Inspect the stained area carefully before drying. If any of the stain remains, repeat the pretreatment and washing steps.
Gum Stains on Shoes
Gum stains on shoes can be removed using similar techniques to those for clothing.
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Freeze the Gum: Place the shoe in a plastic bag and freeze it for an hour or so. Alternatively, apply ice cubes to the stain.
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Scrape Off the Gum: Use a butter knife or credit card to carefully scrape off the bulk of the gum.
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Clean the Stain: Mix equal parts liquid dishwashing soap and white vinegar. Sponge the solution onto the stain and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Blot it off with a clean cloth and repeat if necessary. Finish by blotting with a clean cloth dipped in plain water.
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Condition Leather Shoes: If the gum stain was removed from leather shoes, apply a leather conditioner to restore the shine.
Gum Stains on Upholstery and Carpet
Gum stains on upholstery and carpet can be removed using the following steps:
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Freeze the Gum: Place ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag and set it onto the gum stain for a few minutes.
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Scrape Off the Gum: Use a very dull knife or a spoon to gently scrape off as much of the gum as possible.
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Clean the Stain: Mix equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush to work a very small amount of the solution into the stain. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot it up with a clean white cloth dipped in plain water. Keep blotting with a clean area of the cloth until no more solution or residue is transferred.
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Dry and Vacuum: Allow the carpet fibers to air-dry completely, then vacuum the fabric or carpet to fluff the fibers.
Additional Tips for Removing Gum Stains
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Rubbing alcohol can also loosen gum from fabric or carpet. Rub it on with a clean white cloth or paper towel and let it sit for a couple of minutes before removing the gum.
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In a pinch, try spraying hairspray on the gum to harden it up before trying to remove it.
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Sometimes you can do the opposite of freezing the gum; dipping the area with the gum into very hot water can loosen it up.
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Heat the item, gum side down on a piece of cardboard, with an iron on the medium setting. Press hard (do not move the iron around) on the gum to loosen it up.
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Steam may also do the job of loosening up gum from fabric. Try a steamer or if you don’t have one, use a teapot with a spout; hold the fabric so the steam directly hits the gum. Try removing the gum after a minute of steaming.
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Boiling vinegar can also soften up gum. Dip the gum into the vinegar and then use a toothbrush to remove it from the fabric.
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If trying to remove gum from pants pockets, pull the lining out of the pants to make it easier to work on.
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Keep a towel handy to wipe up any condensation the ice packs or ice cubes make while you’re removing the gum.
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If you find gum stuck on the inside of your washer or dryer, use the ice cube freezing method to harden it and use a dull utensil or credit card to scrape it off.
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If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, harden the gum and remove as much as you can. Immediately head to the dry cleaner and point out the stain. Take silk or vintage fabrics to the cleaners as well.
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If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, treat the remaining stain after the solids are removed with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.
How to Remove Gum Stains From Clothes After Washing and Drying
If gum has been washed and dried onto clothing, you can use the following methods to soften up the sticky residue:
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Saturate the stain with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
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Dab on petroleum jelly to loosen the gum before scraping it off.
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Try using plain white toothpaste to remove the gum. Test a hidden spot first to make sure the toothpaste does not damage any color.
How to Remove Gum Stains From Shoes Without Damaging the Material
Be extra careful when removing gum stains from suede shoes and boots. Use a dull knife or the edge of a credit card to gently scrape off the gum. If the gum is stuck to the sole of the shoe, apply a bit of peanut butter or butter, or give it a quick spray of WD-40, then scrape off the gum.
How to Remove Gum Stains From Carpets Without Leaving a Stain
Mix a solution of equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush to work a very small amount of the solution into the stain. Blot it up with a clean white cloth dipped in plain water. Keep blotting with a clean area of the cloth until no more solution or residue is transferred.
