Chewing gum is a culinary product that allows you to restore freshness to your breath. However, not everyone strives to bring used chewing gum to the trash can, throwing it under their feet, or even worse, attaching it to benches, tables and chairs. Getting rid of frozen gum can sometimes be very difficult. There are several tips on how to remove chewing gum from clothes without unnecessary effort and damage to the fabric.
How to remove chewing gum using liquid soap
This method is only suitable for fresh chewing gum located on the surface of the fabric. Old and dried gum cannot be removed with liquid soap. If you find chewing gum on clothing, you should:
- apply liquid soap or dishwashing detergent to the elastic band;
- Gently rub the soap mixture into the chewing gum using an old toothbrush;
- Remove any remaining elastic with a knife, being careful not to damage the fabric.
This method will also help to remove gum marks. Afterwards, the item should be washed in a machine or by hand. To enhance the effect, liquid soap or dishwashing detergent can be added to the powder.
How to choose the right cleaning method
Known methods for removing chewing gum from clothes are divided into types:
- hot;
- cold;
- chemical;
- using home remedies.
The choice of technology that can eliminate the problem on a woven base is carried out taking into account the type and properties of the material and the color of the product.
Delicate fabrics that are sensitive to high temperatures are not recommended to be cleaned with an iron or hot water. This applies to satin, chiffon and silks. For them, use a cooling aerosol, dry ice or a commercial spray. For natural wool and synthetics with unstable coloring that can fade, hot steam and boiling water are prohibited.
Cold methods of dealing with chewing gum on clothing are the safest, but are suitable for fresh stains in a small area. It is not always possible to achieve a positive effect on outdated pollution.
It should be remembered that harsh chemicals on susceptible fabrics will get rid of the sticky mass, but will leave an impressive faded stain on an expensive jacket.
Gasoline, acetone and other aggressive preparations are not used to clean velvet, corduroy, or fabrics with colored patterns. Before using them, it is advisable to carry out testing in an inconspicuous area or on the reverse side, so as not to discolor the item and avoid mechanical damage.
Cold methods for removing stuck gum
The best results are obtained by removing the elastic from clothing after a long period of cooling.
Before removing gum from clothing, you can place it in the freezer or freeze the stain with ice cubes. In the first case, the soiled item is carefully folded, avoiding the chewing gum sticking to other parts of the fabric. Then the item is packaged and placed in the freezer. To obtain a lasting result, it is enough to leave the product in the cold for several hours. Then the item is taken out, and the frozen chewing gum is cleaned off with a knife. To remove residues, use liquid soap, laundry soap or stain remover.
Note! This anti-pollution technique is perfect for cleaning thin and delicate fabrics. In this way, you can restore the purity of silk, chiffon, and guipure. The procedure should be completed by gentle hand washing.
The situation is much more complicated with large things. Soiled jackets, blankets or upholstered furniture are “frozen” point by point with ice cubes. The main rule is to act as quickly as possible. Place an ice cube on the stuck gum and wait for a few minutes. Don't wait for the ice to melt. As soon as the chewing gum freezes, it is carefully removed from the product and the trace is carefully cleaned. This method is a real find for owners of natural fur coats, woolen coats, and sheepskin coats. It allows you to peel off chewing gum even from such difficult-to-care materials.
What methods can you use to remove chewing gum at home?
Chewing gum copes well with its “direct responsibilities”: freshens breath, removes food debris, etc.
However, due to its adhesive properties, the product causes many problems by sticking to clothing. How to remove chewing gum from trousers that has already smeared? This question will be relevant throughout the existence of chewing gum. Penetrating deeply into the fibers of the fabric, it leaves marks that are difficult to remove on its surface. Therefore, when it is detected on things, you need to take action as quickly as possible. There are many ways to remove chewing gum and chewing gum stains at home, the effectiveness of which depends on the type of fabric and its “hardiness”. If the chosen method did not cope with its task, move on to the next one. Proven and effective methods for cleaning chewing gum:
Freezing
Freezing in the freezer is a great way to remove gum from delicate fabric. During the procedure, the product hardens and loses its stickiness, after which it is well cleaned from the surface of the material.
The item is wrapped in a bag and placed in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Then they take it out and carefully remove the chewing gum with a sharp object, being careful not to damage the material.
Ice
Treating with a piece of ice is an alternative to freezing; it can be used to treat items that do not fit in the freezer or if it is not possible to remove a soiled item.
FEATURES: You should not wrap ice in a cloth or immediately apply it to the product, as this will soften the chewing gum and penetrate the fabric even more.
Ice cubes are placed in polyethylene and applied to the contamination. After the product has hardened, it is cleaned off with a sharp object or a stiff brush (if the fabric allows).
Freezing Spray
The product is sprayed onto the dirt, and after the product has hardened, it is cleaned off with a sharp knife. Detailed instructions for using the substance are not included in its packaging.
CAUTION: Clothes must be removed before using the product; do not spray it on products that are on the body.
Iron
Before treating the stain with an iron, the item is turned inside out and thick paper is placed inside so that it is located under the chewing gum. The device is also applied to the stained area through paper and wait for the product to soften without making any movements on the material. We replace the soiled paper with clean paper and repeat the procedure. At home, you can use this method to remove a smeared chewing gum stain from trousers, jeans or a bologna jacket. But you must take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations for ironing the product so as not to spoil it.
REFERENCE: Chewing gum cannot be removed by applying an iron to the front side through auxiliary materials or directly onto the product itself. This will cause the stain to increase or the device to become dirty.
Hairdryer
You can treat the stained area on pants that cannot be removed at the moment using a hairdryer. To do this, a hot stream is directed directly onto the chewing gum and waits for it to soften. After this, clean off the product with a sharp object or toothbrush.
Boiling water
Exposure to high temperature allows you to soften and quickly remove the elastic from the surface of the fabric. The item is immersed in boiling water, waited for 2 minutes, and then the chewing gum is removed with a sharp object without removing it from the liquid.
You can also act on the contamination locally by pouring a stream of boiling water from a kettle onto the chewing gum and then cleaning it off.
ATTENTION: This method is not used on delicate fabrics or bright materials that may fade.
Steam
If it is not possible to immerse the fabric in hot water, you can use steam. To do this, boil a kettle of water and bring the contaminated area to the steam. After softening, the product is removed with a toothbrush.
ATTENTION: Methods for removing chewing gum by softening it under the influence of a warm stream of air, hot water or steam should be carried out with extreme care, making sure that the stain is not smeared further. You should clean from the periphery to the center of the stain to prevent it from growing.
Vinegar
The method effectively copes with removing chewing gum from jeans at home. The vinegar is heated to a temperature of about 30°C, a toothbrush is moistened in the solution and the stained area is cleaned. After removing the product, the product is washed in the usual way.
Alcohol
Also suitable for thick denim. The remaining product is scraped off the surface of the product, and then the contamination is treated with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. After the fabric is cleaned, the item is washed as usual.
CAUTION: Do not use the substance on colored, faded items, as a light mark will remain on the treated area.
Soak
If the product is strongly ingrained into the fibers of the fabric, generously apply washing powder to the chewing gum stain, soak the product in hot water, and then wash it twice in the washing machine.
Peanut (vegetable) oil
Peanut butter deprives the gum of elasticity, after which it can be easily removed. The substance is carefully applied directly to the product itself, left for a while, and after it hardens, removed with a blunt object.
FEATURES: Oil must be applied so as not to stain the fabric, otherwise greasy stains will remain on the material. If the substance does get on the fabric, apply dishwashing liquid or stain remover to the stain and then wash it off.
Scotch tape
Freshly stuck chewing gum can be removed with tape. To do this, cut a piece of adhesive tape, cover the surface of the product and sharply tear it off. The procedure is repeated until the contamination is completely removed.
Hair fixation spray
Suitable for processing thin, delicate materials. Lay the product on a horizontal surface, spray the varnish onto the contaminated area, wait about 5 minutes and carefully remove the product with a knife.
Acetone
Acetone is an aggressive agent that can cause irreparable harm to the material. It is used exclusively on dense fabrics and as a last resort, when other solutions have failed.
Before using the substance, remove the bulk of the chewing gum from the surface of the product, and then apply the solvent with a cotton pad directly to the stain. Moving from the edge to the center, thoroughly saturate the dirt, and then wash the item in the washing machine.
Petrol
Gasoline is used on thick cotton fabrics. To do this, remove most of the chewing gum from the product with a sharp object, and then clean out the remaining product with a sponge soaked in the substance. After the procedure, the item is washed several times.
CAUTION: This product is not suitable for cleaning delicate fabrics.
Toluene
It also helps with cleaning the product from chewing gum. The surface is treated with liquid, then scraped off with a knife and washed with the addition of powder.
Nail polish remover
Use in the same way as gasoline and acetone. For delicate fabrics, choose a product without acetone, since it does not damage the structure of the material and does not affect its color.
Specialty chemistry
In stores you can find special products for removing chewing gum and traces of tape. They contain components that deprive it of stickiness and help remove the product from the surface of the material without leaving a trace. When using such products, be sure to read the instructions on the package.
Removing chewing gum with pharmaceutical alcohol
You can use regular pharmaceutical alcohol to dissolve chewing gum on clothing. This budget product is found in almost every home. Alcohol easily removes the chewing gum itself and the white sticky residue. How to clean chewing gum using rubbing alcohol:
- the liquid is applied to the site of contamination;
- additionally moisten the area around the gum;
- leave for 15-30 minutes;
- Remove the softened gum with a blunt knife.
If necessary, the application of alcohol can be repeated several times. For most tissues, the liquid is harmless. In addition, using alcohol allows you to quickly remove unpleasant odors from clothes. Clear alcoholic drinks are also allowed. In particular, using regular vodka allows you to remove chewing gum.
It should be borne in mind that the use of alcohol for thin synthetic fabrics is in some cases undesirable. Also, the liquid can negatively affect the brightness of the color of clothing. Before using to remove a stain, perform a paint and fiber fastness test on the reverse side of the product.
How to remove the remaining stain after removal
Unfortunately, after applying the above methods, you can get rid of the chewing gum, but in its place an oil or colored stain remains. Removing it with water or detergents is a waste of effort. You'll have to try to clean the marks with solvents.
- Acetone works effectively, but is not suitable for all fabrics due to its aggressiveness. It is applied with a sponge to the stain for a few minutes. Then wipe off the dirt, moving from the edges to the center. Wash the item in the usual way.
- Nail polish remover does the job successfully. An acetone-free product is suitable for colored fabrics. It will not leave streaks and will not spoil the color of the material. Apply the liquid to the stain and gently rub the fabric. The remains are carefully collected with a sponge. You will need to do a separate wash afterwards.
- Special stain removers are selected for the type and color of the fabric so as not to spoil the product. They are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If such a nuisance as chewing gum on clothing occurs, it must be removed quickly. In a short time, the viscous substance can penetrate into the fabric structure and the chances of removing persistent stains without consequences are significantly reduced. Those who are afraid of ruining the item or if using the above methods did not bring results should contact a dry cleaner.
We use gasoline
Another way to unstick the hated rubber band from a thing is to use gasoline. This flammable liquid is an aggressive solvent that can destroy the structure of chewing gum in a matter of minutes. Gasoline is not used to clean silk and other delicate fabrics. It should not be used to remove stains from black or colored items. If you decide to wash the chewing gum with gasoline, then you should check the color fastness of the product in advance. How to remove chewing gum from clothes with gasoline:
- apply liquid to the gum itself;
- moisten the cloth around the stain;
- wait 15-20 minutes;
- carefully remove the elastic from the fabric;
- Wipe the sticky mark again with a cotton pad soaked in gasoline.
After all manipulations, clothes must be washed in a machine or by hand according to the instructions on the label. It is strictly forbidden to delay washing - prolonged exposure to flammable liquids can cause damage to the product.
General recommendations
If you're addicted to chewing gum, don't immediately throw away your pants or spend money on dry cleaning. You can remove stuck gum in a variety of ways, but there are general rules.
Here's what to do if chewing gum gets on your clothes:
- The main thing is not to delay removal; doing this in a few days will be much more difficult.
- You should not remove chewing gum with sharp objects: scissors, nails, as this will not eliminate the problem, but will only worsen it: the stain will become larger, and it will be much more difficult to wipe it off. In addition, the mechanical method can damage delicate fabrics.
- Before the procedure, it is necessary to take into account the type of tissue on which the chewing gum has fallen. This will help you choose the most appropriate methods.
- Colored items should not be treated with alcohol, solvents, acetone, hot air, or boiling water, otherwise the clothes may fade.
- After cleaning the main stain, you should wash the item. This can be done either in a washing machine or by hand. However, you should not wash clothes, this will not bring the desired effect, but will ruin both the equipment and the item.
- If the material is very delicate and the product is expensive, it is better not to save money, but to entrust the damaged item to professionals. It is very difficult to remove stains from fabrics such as silk and satin without ruining their structure.
- When using aggressive household chemicals, do not forget about protection: thick rubber gloves, a medical mask. If caustic professional products come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, you must immediately rinse the damaged area with clean water; in serious cases, it is better to consult a doctor.
Will tape help?
If the chewing gum has just stuck to the surface of the clothing and has not yet penetrated deep into the fibers, then you can try to remove it with regular adhesive tape. This method is very hygienic - it eliminates the need to touch the gum with your hands. In order to tear off the gum, you should:
- cut a piece of tape that can completely cover the stain;
- carefully glue the tape onto the chewing gum, avoiding indentation;
- With a sharp movement, remove the tape along with the chewing gum.
The sticky mark can be treated with any solvent. For example, acetone, nail polish remover or white spirit.
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Oils
This method is great for cases where chewing gum is stuck in your hair. Olive, sunflower or peanut oil is applied to the frozen mass. After a few minutes it becomes soft and can be removed without problems. All that remains is to wash your hair with shampoo. Theoretically, fabrics can be cleaned in the same way, but the oil should only be applied to the chewing gum itself. If you miss the mark, the fabric will have to be washed.
An alternative may be mayonnaise, as it contains oils. It is rubbed into the chewing gum like a cream until it softens completely.
How to remove chewing gum from jeans by boiling
If all the tips on how to get gum out of clothes have been tried, but have not worked, you should consider the “heavy artillery”. Boiling is only suitable for natural fabrics: cotton, denim, linen. You should not resort to this method if the item is made of delicate fabrics or colored material. Boiling is not suitable for synthetics and wool products. Removing gum in hot water:
- the product is completely or partially immersed in boiling water;
- boil for 5-10 minutes;
- then remove the clothes and remove the elastic with a dull knife.
It is important to remove the chewing gum from clothing before it cools completely - otherwise the whole point of the procedure will be lost. You can achieve success by removing elastic from denim directly in hot water after it has cooled to a tolerable temperature.
Bonus! 5 steps to get rid of gum on your LCD monitor
- Unplug your TV or computer monitor.
- Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
- Dampen a cotton cloth with the resulting solution. The fabric should be damp, but not wet.
- Gently blot the gum with this cloth. Be careful not to touch or press on the surface of the screen.
- Try removing the gum with your fingers. If it does not give in, repeat steps 3 and 4. After the chewing gum falls off the screen, wipe it with a special napkin and connect it to the network.
Removing chewing gum from an LCD monitor
If you know other methods on how to get rid of chewing gum, share them in the comments.
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Use of steam and vegetable oils
For large items, you can use regular steam. This method is much more humane about the fibers and color of the fabric, which means it is suitable for furniture upholstery, natural and artificial fur coats, silk and wool. To achieve the result, you need to boil a kettle with a thin spout. Then:
- Clothes spoiled by chewing gum are placed directly above the spout of the kettle;
- wait until the gum softens;
- Carefully clean off the dirt without removing the kettle.
Any vegetable oil can soften contamination. Sunflower, olive, and coconut are also suitable. The oil must be applied to the chewing gum and left for 30-60 minutes. When the elastic becomes soft, it can be easily peeled off. Oils can also be used to remove marks. They moisten an old toothbrush, and then carefully remove the white sticky layer. Then the treated item is immediately washed in warm water.
Exposure to cold
- You should not try to remove chewing gum at room temperature. It will not be possible to achieve the result, and even the thing will deteriorate. You just need to put the product in a bag so that it doesn’t get dirty, and then place it in the freezer for 40-60 minutes. Frozen chewing gum can be easily removed from the fabric and leaves no traces. The method is suitable for delicate and thin materials, because frozen chewing gum has no adhesive properties and does not damage the fibers. Freezing is effective for cleaning trousers, skirts, blouses, and dresses that have small dimensions.
- When you need to save large things: a jacket, a down jacket, a jacket or upholstered furniture, then the situation is more complicated. But there is a solution for such cases too. The same principle of freezing will help. The contents of the freezer should be collected in a bag and applied to the contamination. An ice cloth won't work because it will dampen the rubber band and end up leaving a stain. After half an hour, remove and scrape off the solid mass. Ice is effective for leather and drape clothing, woolen sweaters, and fur products.
Heating with an iron
Among the hot methods to get rid of sticky dirt on things, it is worth noting the use of an iron. The technique allows you to remove even old and dry gum. It is suitable for any fabrics that can be ironed at high temperatures. To clean fabric:
- a thin sheet of paper, a napkin or toilet paper is used for chewing gum;
- the iron is heated;
- Gently smooth the chewing gum through the paper surface.
The procedure is repeated as many times as necessary. It is worth considering that a low temperature may be enough to remove fresh gum. Only high-temperature conditions allow you to get rid of old stuck chewing gum. After the elastic has softened and been removed, the item should be washed. The sticky layer is removed with a brush or solvent.
Professional products
Technologies are developing very quickly, and now there are many products created specifically for removing chewing gum:
- Chewing Gum Removers. Under its influence, the gum becomes hard, after which it can be easily removed with a blunt knife or scissors.
- Premiere Chewing Gum Remover. The product in the form of a spray carefully removes chewing gum residue from even the most delicate materials, leaving no odor or traces.
- Auge Special OR8 helps to cope not only with chewing gum on fabric, but also with any other sticky stains.
- Premiere Break Up is similar in action to the previous product, but is more universal and suitable for any surface.
- Pramol-Chemie AG Gumex. This product cleans dense natural materials by dissolving dirt.
Hot vinegar
Vinegar is widely used in preservation, but it also does an excellent job of removing stains. It should definitely be kept in your personal “arsenal” to combat difficult stains. He can handle chewing gum too. However, to remove stains from things, it is worth knowing some nuances. In particular:
- Vinegar should be warmed before use. The liquid is poured into a cup and then placed in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- You must act quickly. It is important to clean the stain while the vinegar is still hot. A small brush or piece of thick cloth is placed in it, and then the sticky area is rubbed.
- The procedure is repeated until no trace remains of the stain.
The advantage of vinegar is its beneficial effect on the whiteness of the product and its ability to get rid of unpleasant odors. In addition, vinegar is suitable for almost all fabrics.
The longer the chewing gum remains on the surface of the clothing, the less likely it is to get rid of it without damaging the structure of the fabric. It is necessary to immediately remove the chewing gum from the product using proven methods.
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How to get rid of gum in your hair
Those who have children know: if chewing gum gets into the hair, then the child is guaranteed a “creative” haircut. (The procedure, as a rule, involves screams and whims of the child.) But do not rush to take up the scissors, because there are other, less radical, methods.
Peanut butter and vegetable oils
If the chewing gum is not yet very dry, you can remove it from your hair using peanut butter. To do this, you need to take a creamy paste without adding pieces of peanuts (that is, not crunchy). Then apply the paste with your fingers or a toothbrush to the gum stuck to your hair. The latter will absorb the oil contained in the paste, become elastic and non-sticky - it can be easily combed out of the hair with a comb. Excess paste should be removed with a towel and washed your hair as usual.
Removing gum from hair using peanut butter
Vegetable oils work in a similar way: olive, sunflower and others. But the effect is even better: when the chewing gum softens, it can quickly be removed with your hands. See for yourself:
Silicone hair drops
Typically, girls use these drops to combat brittle and split ends of their hair. They are usually produced in the form of a spray. But few people know that they can be used to remove chewing gum from hair. To do this, apply the drops to the chewing gum and wait 1–2 minutes. Then comb the elastic out of your hair and wash your hair.
Removing gum from hair using silicone spray
Vaseline and mayonnaise
Vaseline is in the medicine cabinet in almost every home. Therefore, this method can be considered publicly available. They need to lubricate the hair around the stuck gum, as well as the comb you plan to use to comb out the gum. It is believed that chewing gum will quickly slide off the hair.
Removing gum from hair using Vaseline or mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is also a commonly available means of combating chewing gum in hair. The principle of application is the same.
Aerosol for removing glue and WD-40
Adhesive remover aerosol is used to clean the adhesive base when applying nail extensions. But it is no less effective in the fight against chewing gum stuck in the hair. To do this, you need to spray the gum with a spray and rub it into it with your fingers. Then remove the gum from your hair with a paper towel and wash your hair.
Alternatively, you can use WD-40. To learn how this is done, read the article on unusual ways to use this drug.
Ice Cube
If in the case of vegetable oils the essence of the method is to soften the gum, here the opposite principle is used: the gum is frozen so that it can be easily pulled out of the hair. To do this, take an ice cube and apply it to the gum for 10–15 minutes. This time should be enough for the gum to harden; then it can be easily broken and removed from the hair in small pieces.
Removing gum from hair using ice
Baking soda
Another available remedy is baking soda. You need to make a paste from it: 1-2 tablespoons of soda to 1-2 teaspoons of water. This paste is applied to the “affected” area of the hair and wait until it dries. Then you should comb out the gum and wash your hair.
Toothpaste, tooth elixir and hand cleaner
A pea of toothpaste should be applied to the gum and rubbed in until the gum begins to be removed from the hair. Add paste if necessary.
Hygiene products that are effective in combating gum in hair also include hand cleaner (you need to rub it into the sticky gum) and mouth rinse (you need to rinse your hair after the cleaner). After about 5 minutes, the chewing gum will fall off.
Alcohol
Moisten a cotton pad with vodka or other strong alcohol and carefully use it to treat the area where the chewing gum is stuck. After a minute, the elastic band should begin to move away from the hair. After the procedure, wash your hair with shampoo.
Hairspray and toothpaste
Oddly enough, this cosmetic product makes chewing gum harden. Toothpaste works almost the same way. The product is applied to the sticky mass, left for a while, and then the dirt is removed piece by piece. Hairspray is also good because it does not leave stains on fabrics.
What should you not do? There is an opinion that you can remove the gum with another, fresher one. So to speak, knock out a wedge with a wedge. Sometimes it works, but more often than not it only makes the problem worse.
