How to get chewing gum out of clothes

So, you’re here because you found yourself in a sticky situation that landed you looking for guides on removing chewing gum from clothes. Luckily, there are various ways to get chewing gum from clothes, but what is the best way? Fear not, as Power Hygiene will explore various methods to effectively remove even the most stubborn chewing gum from your cherished garments and other fabric where you might encounter the challenge of sticky gum.

Removing Chewing Gum with House Appliances

As with most obstacles that we encounter, going for the natural approach tends to be the best solution, even more so when faced with getting chewing gum on your clothes. Numerous methods using common household items can be tried first before resorting to chewing gum removers and conventional cleaning chemicals. These readily available options around the house are certainly worth experimenting with:

Freezing

One of the most effective, straightforward and cost-effective ways to get chewing gum out of clothes is through freezing. Try applying ice to one or both sides of your clothes to get it to freeze into a solid state. If this approach proves ineffective, another option is placing the garment in the freezer.

Please note: Be sure to wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent any potential mess from food items stored in the freezer. Once the chewing gum has been frozen, begin to scrape it off with a blunt object like a butter knife and work slowly and carefully to not to rip or damage the fabric underneath.

Heating

Let’s take a completely different approach, do a 180 degree turn, and shift to the heating method. Instead of attempting to harden the gum as with freezing, applying heat should loosen its grip, making it easier for you to remove the gum effortlessly. Whilst almost any source of heat may do the trick, we recommend using a hairdryer on a high setting.

Hold the hairdryer around 6 inches away from the gummed fabric and blast away until the gum becomes soft enough to remove. Please note: You may want to use gloves to remove the gum once heated, as the gum can become extremely hot.

Ironing

Technically, ironing is considered a form of heating but we thought we would but this into its own category. Please note: We only recommend trying this solution on tougher fabrics like denim or canvas.

Simply place clean cardboard on a flat surface. Put the gum covered garment gum-side-down on top, ensuring the fabric is durable like denim or canvas. Set the iron to medium heat to avoid melting or insufficient warming. Apply the iron to the cardboard for 30 seconds to a minute, observing the gum transferring. If needed, adjust heat or time and repeat until the gum is entirely removed.

Removing Chewing Gum with Household Items

On to our next simple, yet effective methods using everyday household items to remove chewing gum from clothes effortlessly. These readily available solutions can save you from the hassle of using specialised products and house appliances if you do not have access to them:

Vinegar

Among the array of household products, vinegar stands out as an excellent solution for tackling chewing gum on various fabrics. To employ this method, immerse a cloth in vinegar and delicately rub it onto the gum-infested area until the gum begins to loosen its grip.

Please note: It’s important to allow the vinegar to permeate the fabric for a few minutes, ensuring it effectively penetrates the gum. With patience, the gum should gradually relinquish its hold, making it easier to remove effortlessly from the fabric.

WD-40

Should you be open to using a chemical solution, consider employing WD-40 as an effective method for eliminating chewing gum from clothes. Simply spray the WD-40 on the affected area, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Afterward, gently rub the gum off using a paper towel or cloth.

You may find it necessary to reapply the solution a few times for optimal results, but rest assured, the gum should eventually come off with minimal trouble, leaving your clothes gum-free and restored.

Nail Polish Remover

Another effective option for chewing gum removal is nail polish remover, but it’s crucial to exercise caution to prevent potential damage to your clothing. Begin by applying a small amount of nail polish remover to a cotton ball and carefully dab it onto the gum until it’s thoroughly saturated. This should facilitate an easy rub-off of the gum.

Similar to the WD-40 method, you may find it necessary to reapply the remover a few times to ensure the complete removal of the gum.

Removing Chewing Gum with Gum Removers

Concluding our exploration, we now turn our attention to the ultimate solution. If your attempts with household appliances or readily available items have proven unsuccessful in removing chewing gum from clothes, consider turning to dedicated chewing gum removers for a specialised and effective resolution.

Chewing Gum Removers

To remove chewing gum using dedicated chewing gum removers, apply a small amount of the solution directly onto the gum. Allow it to penetrate for a few moments, and then gently rub or scrape the gum away.

Please note: Repeat the process as needed until the gum is completely lifted, ensuring a thorough and efficient removal without damaging the fabric.

So, now you know the best ways to remove chewing gum from clothes!

Removing gum from clothes can be challenging, but with patience and the appropriate method, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This article aims to provide helpful guidance for your situation. If all else fails, consider seeking assistance from your local dry cleaners as a reliable option.