Chewing gum can sometimes stick to clothing—for instance, if you happen to sit on a seat in a public space or on a bus where gum has been left behind. This can be quite frustrating, and you might assume the gum is impossible to remove; however, there are several effective methods for getting gum off clothing, which we will outline in this article.
How to remove chewing gum from clothing:
Freezing. Freezing is one common method for removing gum from garments: Place the affected item into a freezer bag, ensuring the gum does not stick to the bag itself, then place the bag in the freezer. Make sure the bag is sealed tightly; this method is safe to use on all types of fabric. Leave the bag in the freezer for at least two hours. Remove the bag from the freezer. Take the garment out of the bag and lay it on a sturdy, flat surface. Peel the gum off the clothing as quickly as possible while it is still frozen.
If you cannot remove the gum with your fingernails, you may use a sharp knife or another suitable tool—but exercise caution, as using such items could potentially cause injury to yourself or damage the fabric. Gently peel or scrape the gum away, wash your hands thoroughly, and then launder the garment as usual. Ice: You can also remove chewing gum from washable fabrics using ice. Simply place an ice cube directly onto the gum, wait for it to freeze, and then scrape it off using a dull knife or the edge of a card. ...such as a credit card.
Another method involves using ice: place one ice cube directly beneath the stain and another directly above it, aligning them vertically. Leave them for thirty minutes—or until the gum becomes very cold—then scrape it off using the non-serrated edge of a knife.
To use the boiling method, follow these steps:
Place the affected garment in a container of hot water. While the garment is submerged, scrape the gum off using a toothbrush and a knife. Scrub the affected area while it remains submerged in the hot water. Allow the garment to dry; if the stain is not completely removed, repeat the process.
Note: You can also remove gum by boiling water in a pot and exposing the affected part of the garment directly to the steam for one minute. The steam will soften the gum, which can then be scrubbed away in one direction using a toothbrush. To remove gum using heat, you can use an iron: place a piece of cardboard on your work surface, then lay the stained garment on top with the gum-stained side facing down—directly against the cardboard. Set your iron to a medium heat, place it onto the garment, and press down firmly without moving it in any direction.
To prevent the stain from spreading over a larger area, use this method: the heat will melt the chewing gum, causing it to transfer onto the cardboard.
Lemon juice is an effective household remedy for removing chewing gum from clothing; it does not damage the fabric and is very inexpensive. Simply soak the affected garment in lemon juice, then scrape off the gum using the edge of a sharp tool. It is best to wash the garment as soon as possible after the gum has been completely removed.
Removing gum with vinegar: Heat some vinegar in a microwave-safe container, dip a brush into the liquid, and scrub the stained area. The acid helps loosen the gum, releasing it from the fabric. Alternatively, you can pour vinegar directly onto the gum, sprinkle it with baking soda, and let it sit for a while before removing the residue.
Vinegar and soap: To treat any remaining traces of gum, apply an equal-parts mixture of liquid dish soap and white vinegar. Gently scrub the area from the front, leave the mixture on the fabric for at least fifteen minutes, and then wash the garment as usual. Check that the stain is completely gone before drying; if it remains, repeat the process with the soap-and-vinegar mixture and wash the garment again.
Using petroleum jelly (Vaseline): If the chewing gum is old and dry, you can apply some petroleum jelly—simply dab it on with your finger—to help loosen it. ...or a cotton pad, then gently remove the chewing gum. Before washing the garment, you must first remove the petroleum jelly (Vaseline) by using a detergent that contains enzymes capable of breaking down fats and oils. Scrub the area with a brush, leave it for fifteen minutes, and then proceed to wash the garment.
Using Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Petroleum jelly can be used to loosen chewing gum, especially if it has become old and dry. Apply a small amount using your finger or a cotton swab, then gently remove the gum. Before washing the garment, the petroleum jelly residue must be removed; use a detergent containing enzymes—which break down fats and oils—scrub the area with a brush, let it sit for fifteen minutes, and then proceed with washing.
Using Dish Soap: Dish soap can also be used to remove chewing gum from clothing by following these steps:[6] Remove any excess gum from the fabric. Mix equal parts of liquid dish soap and distilled white vinegar. Gently rub the stain with the solution. Leave the mixture on the stain for at least fifteen minutes. Wash the garment as usual.
Ensure the stain is completely gone before placing the item in the dryer. Repeat the process if necessary until the stain has vanished entirely. Dry the garment at a high temperature. Using Peanut Butter: Peanut butter can be used to remove gum from clothing; its oil content helps dissolve the adhesive substance in the gum. Follow these steps:[7] Apply a portion of peanut butter to the affected area by dabbing it on. Leave it on the fabric for a few minutes. Take a soft cloth.
Wipe away the gum residue from the clothing using the soft cloth. Gasoline is a hazardous, flammable substance that can be used to remove chewing gum from clothing. By applying a small amount directly to the gum, it dissolves the substance, allowing it to be scraped off using a toothbrush or a knife. Afterward, the garment should be soaked and thoroughly washed to eliminate any lingering odor of gasoline.
If gasoline is unavailable, one can use the light-weight fluid typically found in cigarette lighters; simply soak the affected area in a sufficient amount of the fluid until the gum is completely removed, then wash the garment thoroughly. Hair spray can also be used: by spraying it directly onto the gum, the gum hardens, making it easy to scrape off with a suitable tool. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) is another effective option that is safe for the fabric and its color; follow these steps: apply some alcohol to a small cloth or sponge, rub the gum on the clothing with the sponge, wait a few minutes, gently scrape the gum away using a wooden spatula or sponge, soak the garment in a laundry detergent or fabric softener (if desired), and finally, wash it as usual with soap and water, rinse, and dry.
Liquid laundry detergent: You can clean and remove chewing gum from clothing using liquid laundry detergent by following these steps:
Cover the gum stain with liquid laundry detergent. Scrub the gum with a toothbrush to help break it down. Gently scrape off the gum using a sharp knife. Use your fingernails to scrape away any remaining gum from the fabric. Wash the garment in the washing machine as usual.
Adhesive tape: Adhesive tape can be used to remove chewing gum stuck to clothing by following these steps:
Cut a piece of adhesive tape and press it firmly onto the gum, ensuring the entire stained area is covered. Peel the tape off. Repeat the process if the gum has not been completely removed.
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