How to Remove Gum From Clothing: Quick and Easy Tips

If you’ve ever encountered the unpleasant surprise of finding gum stuck to your clothing, you know how frustrating it can be. Thankfully, there are several effective methods for removing gum from clothes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various techniques and household items that can help you get rid of that sticky mess. Whether you’re dealing with gum on your pants, shirt, or shoes, we’ve got you covered.

Preparing to Remove Gum

Before diving into the different methods, it’s essential to take some initial steps to prepare for gum removal. First, resist the urge to pull on the gum, as this may result in tearing the fabric. Instead, follow these steps:

• Test for Colorfastness: To ensure that the gum removal method you choose won’t damage or discolor your clothing, perform a colorfastness test. Apply a small amount of hot vinegar to an inconspicuous area of the garment and let it sit for 1-3 minutes. Then, blot the area with a paper towel. If no color transfers to the towel, your garment is colorfast, and you can proceed with the gum removal process.
• Pre-treat the Area: Before applying any gum removal techniques, pre-treat the affected area with a stain remover spray or a dab of dish or laundry soap. This will help break down the gum and make it easier to remove later.

Now that you’re ready to tackle the gum, let’s explore the different methods you can use.

Method 1: Clean the Gum with More Gum

This may seem counterintuitive, but using another piece of gum can actually help remove the sticky mess. Take a wad of chewed gum or a piece of duct tape and press it directly onto the gum on your clothing. Gently pull away from the fabric, and you’ll find that the gum sticks to the chewed gum or tape, making it easier to remove.

Method 2: Remove Gum with Ice

Ice can be a handy tool for hardening gum and making it easier to scrape off. Here’s how to use ice to remove gum from clothing:

• Place ice cubes or a freezer pack on top of the gum.
• Allow the gum to freeze and harden for about 20 minutes.
• Once the gum is hardened, use a credit card, dull knife, or paint scraper to pop or scrape it off the fabric.
• If any gum residue remains in the fabric fibers, you can use a dry-cleaning solvent to remove it.

Method 3: Freeze Gum Off Clothing

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, using your freezer can be an effective way to remove gum from clothing. Here’s what you need to do:

• Place the gum-studded garment in your freezer with the gum facing up.
• Leave the garment in the freezer for approximately one hour or until the gum hardens.
• Once the gum is hardened, carefully scrape it off the fabric using a credit card or a dull knife.

Method 4: Remove Gum with an Iron

Using heat from an iron can help transfer the gum from your clothing to a piece of cardboard. Here’s how to do it:

• Turn the garment inside out and place a piece of cardboard underneath the gum.
• Set the iron to medium heat and press it firmly on the back of the fabric, directly over the gum.
• Avoid moving the iron around, as this may spread the gum.
• As the heat melts the gum, it will transfer to the cardboard.
• Continue applying heat until all the gum has been transferred.

Method 5: Remove Gum with Steam

Steam can soften the gum, making it easier to remove from the fabric. Here are two ways you can use steam to remove gum from clothing:

• Hold the gummed-up section of your garment over the spout of a steaming teakettle. The steam will soften the gum, allowing you to remove it with a scraper or toothbrush.
• Alternatively, you can place the garment in a bowl filled with boiling water. Let it sit until the gum has softened enough to be easily removed.

Method 6: Use Vinegar on Gum

Vinegar can be an effective natural solution for removing gum from clothing. Here’s how you can use it:

• Pour distilled white vinegar into a microwave-safe container and heat it in the microwave.
• Dip a toothbrush into the warm vinegar and rub it into the gum.
• The acid in the vinegar will help soften the gum and make it easier to remove.
• Alternatively, you can create a “volcano effect” by pouring vinegar over the gum, sprinkling baking soda on top, and letting the resulting foam work its magic.

Method 7: Tackle Gum with Canned Air

Canned air, typically used for cleaning computer keyboards, can also be used as a freezing agent to solidify gum. Follow these steps:

• Spray canned air directly onto the gum until it hardens.
• Once the gum is hard enough, you can scrape it off the fabric.

Method 8: Use Gum-Removing Products

If you prefer a ready-to-use solution, there are specific gum-removing products available in the market. Here’s how to use them:

• Start by pulling off as much loose gum as possible.
• Apply a sticker or adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone, to the remaining gum.
• Let the remover soften the gum, and then remove the residue with a scraper or a clean white rag.

Method 9: Remove Gum with Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be an effective gum removal agent. Follow these steps:

• Use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol directly onto the gum.
• Allow the alcohol to soak through the gum for less than a minute.
• Pull off the gum and residue by using a strip of duct tape.

Method 10: Clean Gum with Detergent

Liquid laundry or dish soap can help break up the gum’s fibers, making it easier to remove. Here’s how to use detergent to remove gum from clothing:

• Apply a small amount of liquid laundry or dish soap directly onto the gum.
• Use a toothbrush to rub the soap into the gum, breaking up its fibers.
• Afterward, wash the garment as usual, and apply stain remover if necessary.

Method 11: Remove Gum with Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can serve as a natural gum remover due to its fats and oils. Follow these steps:

• Spread a generous amount of creamy peanut butter over the gum.
• Let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the fats and oils in the peanut butter to make the gum less sticky.
• Once the gum has softened, scrape off the gum and peanut butter with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card.

Remember to pre-treat the area with stain remover and wash the garment according to the care instructions after using any of these gum removal methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gum damage a washing machine?

Yes, gum can cause damage to a washing machine if it spreads to other clothing or clogs the drain. It can also melt and leave a sticky residue on the machine’s interior, which may affect future loads. If you find gum stuck inside your washing machine, try freezing it off with ice or gently chipping it off with a plastic utensil. Soften any remaining residue with hot tap water and a washcloth, or create a paste with powdered laundry detergent for more stubborn stickiness. Run a cleaning cycle before using the machine again.

Does toothpaste remove gum from fabric?

Toothpaste can be used to remove gum from fabric, but exercise caution. Some toothpaste brands contain whitening agents that can bleach and discolor dark fabrics. If you choose to use toothpaste, opt for standard white toothpaste and avoid gels or brands with whitening properties like hydrogen peroxide.

With these methods and tips at your disposal, you can confidently remove gum from clothing and restore your garments to their pristine condition. Remember to test any gum removal technique on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric before proceeding, and always follow the care instructions on your clothing labels. Say goodbye to sticky situations and hello to fresh, gum-free clothing!