Removing Gum From Clothes

There are products on the market that can assist in the removal of gum from clothing. However, it is also possible in many cases to remove the gum yourself without the need to purchase products.

Always check for colourfastness in a discreet spot before applying anything to clothes. Also be aware that some methods such as peanut butter may leave a greasy stain. Use as a last resort.

Try to act as quickly as possible. Always remove as much of the gum by hand before trying the methods below. 

Freezing:

• Harden the gum by either applying a plastic bag filled with ice cubes, or place the item in a plastic bag in freezer for an hour. This should make the gum hard enough to scrape off with a credit card or butter knife. Remove any remaining spots with an old toothbrush.

Vinegar:

• Remove as much gum as possible with a blunt knife.

• Warm half a cup of white vinegar in the microwave.

Iron method:

• Remove as much gum as possible with a blunt knife.

• Place a thick piece of cardboard underneath the item and then place the item on top of the cardboard, gum side down. Iron the area using a medium heat. The gum should transfer from the clothes to the cardboard.

WD40

• Spray the item with WD-40, wait for 5 minutes and then scrape off.

Peanut butter:

• Apply a layer of peanut butter of the gum, wait for 20 minutes for it to work into the affected area. Scrape off with a butter knife.

Also see:

How To Remove Gum From Hair