9 Genius Guaranteed Methods for How to Get Gum Out of Clothes

Gum on your clothes can be a nightmare, from sitting on a park bench or a mishap while chewing or getting gum stuck on your favorite shirt or jeans, which is exasperating. There are guaranteed methods to remove that stubborn gum without ruining your clothes.

How to Get Gum Out of Clothes

1. The Freezing Method

Freezing is one of the oldest tricks in the book for removing gum from clothes. It’s simple yet effective, making it a go-to method for many.

First, place the garment with the gum in a plastic bag. Make sure the gum doesn’t stick to the inside of the bag by positioning it carefully.

Next, put the bag in your freezer and leave it there for a few hours. The cold temperature hardens the gum, making it easier to remove.

Once frozen, take the garment out of the freezer and scrape off the gum with a blunt knife or a spoon. The gum should come off quickly without leaving much residue. This method is excellent for thick fabrics like denim and wool.

2. Using Ice Cubes

Ice cubes work similarly to freezing but provide more control over the process. This method is handy when you don’t want to freeze the entire garment.

Start by applying ice cubes directly to the gum. Hold the ice against the gum until it hardens. Depending on the gum’s size and length on the fabric, this could take a few minutes.

After the gum hardens, gently scrape it off with a butter knife or spoon. This technique is ideal for delicate fabrics that might get damaged by freezing.

3. Applying Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches; it’s also a surprising hero in gum removal. The oils in peanut butter help break down the gum’s stickiness, making it easier to remove.

Spread peanut butter generously over the gum. Wait for a few minutes to allow the oils to work their magic. Then, use a blunt knife to scrape off the gum and peanut butter.

Finally, wash the garment thoroughly to remove any peanut butter residue. This method works well but can leave an oily stain if improperly cleaned.

4. Utilizing Vinegar

Vinegar is a household item for tackling gum stains too due to its acidic properties. It breaks down the gum, making it easy to remove.

Start by heating a small amount of vinegar in the microwave. Apply the warm vinegar directly to the gum and let it soak for a few minutes. The heat and acidity will weaken the gum’s grip on the fabric.

Scrape off the gum with a dull knife or spoon. Follow up with a regular wash to remove any vinegar smell. This method is excellent for both synthetic and natural fibers.

5. Rubbing Alcohol Method

Rubbing alcohol weakens the adhesive properties of gum, making it an effective removal method. It’s beneficial for delicate fabrics that can’t withstand harsh treatments.

First, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. Apply it to the gum and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The alcohol will start to break down the gum’s stickiness.

Gently rub and scrape off the gum using a blunt object. Always do a patch test first to ensure the fabric doesn’t react negatively to the rubbing alcohol.

6. Hair Dryer and Plastic Bag

Heat can be a powerful tool in gum removal. A hairdryer can soften the gum, making it easier to peel off.

Start by applying heat to the gum with a hair dryer. Once the gum softens, use a plastic bag to peel it off. The gum should stick to the bag, lifting away from the fabric.

This method is best for sturdy materials, such as cotton or polyester, that can handle direct heat.

7. Laundry Detergent Technique

Liquid laundry detergent can break down gum residue when used correctly. This method is excellent for fabrics that require gentler treatment.

Apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent directly to the gum. Work it into the fabric gently using a soft brush. The detergent will start to dissolve the gum.

Wash the garment as usual. This technique ensures that any remaining gum residue is removed during the wash cycle.

8. Ironing with a Paper Bag

Ironing can transfer gum from your clothes to a paper bag using heat. It’s an old trick that still works wonders.

Place a paper bag over the gum. Heat your iron to a medium setting and iron over the paper bag. The gum will soften and transfer to the bag.

Lift the paper bag to see the gum stuck to it. This method is best for fabrics that can handle moderate heat, like cotton and linen.

9. Commercial Gum Removers

Sometimes, you need a specialized product to get the job done. Commercial gum removers are designed to tackle stubborn gum stains effectively.

Follow the instructions on the product for application. Typically, you’ll apply the remover to the gum, wait a few minutes, and then scrape it off.

After removing the gum, wash the garment to remove all residue. These products are convenient and often very effective.

Preventive Tips and Tricks

Preventing gum from sticking to your clothes in the first place is always better. Avoid sitting on benches or chairs where gum might be present.

If gum does stick to your clothes, act immediately. The longer it stays on the fabric, the harder it will be to remove. Keep a small kit with essential items like a plastic bag and ice cubes when out and about.

Regular maintenance of your clothes also helps. Check pockets and surfaces before washing to ensure no sticky surprises.

Environmental Impact of Chewing Gum

Research conducted by Research Gate highlights the significant environmental repercussions caused by chewing gum. Each year, chewing gum generates more than 105 tonnes of “plastic” garbage. This discarded, non-biodegradable residue contributes to plastic pollution, posing a persistent environmental challenge.

Enormous sums of money are spent annually to clean up abandoned gum from streets, exacerbating the issue. The gum also has a high potential to trap bacteria, which becomes particularly problematic during a pandemic.

Consequently, the waste from chewing gum presents multiple dimensions of pollution. Proper disposal of gum is essential in mitigating this issue. 

Bottomline

With these nine genius methods, you can tackle gum stains effectively and restore your garments to their former glory. Each method offers a reliable solution. Choose the one that best suits your fabric type and gum condition.