Chewing gum is one of the hardest things to remove from textiles, hair, and other surfaces it shouldn’t be on. Because chewing gum is sticky, it’s not as easy to scrape or counterfeit off of textiles or hair as other stains. The easiest way to remove chewing gum is to replace the sticky mass with something more digestible that you have at home.
From removing gum from clothing to removing gum from hair, here are some tried and true tips.
How to remove gum from clothing?
Ice, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and ironing are proven ways to remove gum from clothes. If your clothes are stuck with gum stains, these tips will save your day. There is also a tip for removing gum from shoes that can be used for sneakers as well as shirts.
Use ice to remove gum from your clothes.
Place a freezer bag or sandwich bag filled with ice on your gums for 20 minutes. Once the gum has hardened, scrape it off with a plastic spatula and use your fingers to scrape off the remaining gum. If any gum remains, scrape it off with a toothbrush and dishwashing liquid, rinse the stain and let it dry naturally.
Using an iron to remove gum from clothing
Place the garment, gum side down, on a piece of cardboard. Use a medium heat iron and press down on the area where the gum has remained. Do not move the iron as the stain may spread. When the gum is hot and elastic, you can remove the iron. This will make it easier to transfer the gum to the cardboard.
Removing chewing gum with vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is a safe and natural cleaning, disinfecting, and degreasing agent that can be used for many tasks, including gum removal. Place a bowl of distilled white vinegar in the microwave and heat it until hot. Dip a toothbrush into the hot vinegar and rub the vinegar into the gums until they come off the cloth. Remove the gum with your hand. You may need to use a plastic scraper to remove the residue, but it will be much easier after using vinegar.
Use rubbing alcohol to loosen the stuck-on gum.
Apply rubbing alcohol until the gum is saturated. Once the alcohol has dried, press a strip of tape against the gum and remove it. Remove any remaining gum and wash the soiled area with warm water.
How do I remove chewing gum from carpets?
Like gum stuck to clothing, many other fabric fibers stick to the carpet. This means you have to try several methods to remove it, and here are the ones you should try first.
Ice to remove chewing gum from carpets
Place a few ice cubes or freezer bags on top of the gum until it hardens, then scrape off as much as you can with a dull butter knife. Use a citrus-based cleaner to remove any gum residue. Once the gums are removed, cover the wet area with a clean cloth to absorb excess water.
Using a hairdryer to remove gum from a carpet
Plugin the hairdryer and set it to medium heat. Heat the gum, being careful not to melt the carpet fibers. When the gum begins to melt, remove it with a plastic sandwich bag. The gum should stick to the plastic bag slightly and the carpet should lose its grip. Continue heating and removing the gum until the stain is no longer visible.
Removing gum that sticks to the carpet with WD-40
We’re not big fans of the harsh chemicals found in many commercial products, but sometimes we have to resort to stronger means to remove chewing gum from carpet. Spray the gum with WD-40 and let it work for 5 minutes. Spray the gum with WD-40 and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then wipe off the melted gum with a toothbrush and repeat if necessary. Then clean the microfiber cloth with soapy water.
How do you remove chewing gum from fabrics and upholstery?
If you own sofas, chairs or other upholstered furniture, you already know how difficult it can be to keep them clean. If you have children or chew gum often, you definitely need to know how to remove gum from your upholstery. Here are a few tips on how not to ruin your beautiful upholstery.
Freeze the stuffing with ice.
Use ice if necessary, but ice in an ice bag or plastic bag will not get the fabric too wet. Place the ice on the gum until it hardens, then remove it with a dull butter knife. Repeat until the gum is gone. Since upholstered furniture is made from a wide variety of fabrics, it is advisable to read the recommendations on the care label to remove any remaining stains.
Freezing the fabric
This method is almost identical to the one described above, but it can be especially useful if the gum is stuck to several areas of a pillowcase or removable cushion cover. Remove the cover with the stuck gum and put it in the freezer; wait 30 minutes, remove the frozen pillowcase and start peeling off the gum.
Skip the ice and keep the cold at bay.
Another method is to use compressed air to loosen the gum. This method is suitable for silk and other delicate materials that are susceptible to water staining. Spray the gum until it hardens, then breaks off the pieces and remove them. To remove the last piece, use a vacuum cleaner and a brushing attachment. If the stain is still there, check the label or contact a professional. Also visit: best couch cleaning in Bonnet
How to remove gum from hair
If you or your child has ever had gum in your hair, you know how scary it can be to get an emergency haircut. But don’t panic just yet! If you want to know how to get the gum out of your hair, don’t reach for the scissors, but try the following remedies.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter has a high oil content, which can neutralize the stickiness of the gum and make it easier to remove from the hair. This method can only be used if it’s dirty, so you’ll need some towels. Remove the gum from your hair and apply the peanut butter from the roots to the ends. Wait 5 minutes, then gently squeeze the gum out of the hair with a comb.
Vinegar
The acid in vinegar breaks the chemical bond between the gum and the hair, making it easier to remove. Moisten the affected area with vinegar, pinch your nose and wait at least 5 minutes. If you see that the gum has loosened, remove it with a comb.
Vegetable oils and fats
This method requires a little more care than the previous two, but it is not that complicated. All you need is vegetable oil and a cotton swab. Mark the spot where the gum is stuck and dab it with a cotton swab dipped in oil. The gum will soon come off. You can remove it with a cotton swab, but remember to replace the stick with another one each time. It may take a while, but if you remove the gum as you go, you’ll be surprised how well it works.
And now, wash your hair!
Want to know how to clean other sticky messes and remove stains from your clothes, carpets, and mattresses? Check out our handy guide to removing all kinds of stains from cushions, floors, and more. If you need help cleaning, you can always count on Clean Couches Sydney. We offer expert advice and a host of helpful services to help you keep your home clean.
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