How To Remove Gum From Almost Anything
"How did that get there?" It's always frustrating to find gum stuck to your clothes, shoes, furniture, or even in hair. Gum has a way of attaching itself to just about anything, and removing it can seem impossible.
Fortunately, with a few common household items, you can remove gum from almost any surface.
Let’s explore some effective methods for removing gum from hair, clothing, shoes, and carpets without damaging your items.
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Removing Gum from Hair
Before you reach for the scissors, try this trick: peanut butter. The natural oils in peanut butter can reduce the gum’s stickiness, making it easy to remove.
Spread creamy peanut butter over the gum using your fingers or an old toothbrush, and let it sit for a few minutes. The fats will harden the gum, loosening its grip.
If you’re out of peanut butter, you can use petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, or toothpaste. These substances lubricate the hair, helping the gum slide off.
Apply one of these to the gum and work it in gently, using a wide-tooth comb if necessary. Once the gum is out, wash your hair thoroughly to remove any residue.
Removing Gum from Clothes
To get gum off clothes without ruining the fabric, ice is your best friend. Ice hardens the gum, making it easier to scrape off. First, try to remove as much gum as possible with your fingers.
Then, put a few ice cubes in a freezer bag and place it on the gum until it hardens. Carefully scrape the gum away, and if any residue remains, scrub it with an old toothbrush.
Another effective solution is white vinegar. Heat a small amount of vinegar in a saucepan, dip an old toothbrush into it, and scrub the gum-covered area.
The acid in the vinegar helps dissolve the gum, allowing it to come off easily. After removing the gum, wash the clothing in cold water to remove any remaining residue.
Removing Gum from Shoes
It’s all too easy to step on gum, leaving your shoes sticky and dirty. To remove gum from your shoes, WD-40 works wonders.
Spray a small amount on the gum, wait a minute, and then wipe it away with a cloth or paper towel. The spray dissolves the gum, making cleanup easy.
If you have some time to spare, another option is to freeze the shoe. Place the shoe in a plastic bag and leave it in the freezer for a few hours. Once the gum is frozen, you can peel or scrape it off with a butter knife.
Removing Gum from Carpets
Gum on carpet or fabric upholstery may look like a disaster, but it’s manageable with a little patience. The freezing method works here, too. Apply ice to harden the gum, then carefully peel or scrape it away.
Another option is to use oil to weaken the gum’s hold. Dab the gum with an oil-dampened cloth and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Then, gently remove it with a butter knife. Before using oil, test a hidden spot on the carpet to ensure it won’t stain. Once the gum is gone, clean the area with a little dish soap and warm water to remove any oily residue.
Final Thoughts
Gum may be stubborn, but it doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark. With a little peanut butter, ice, vinegar, or WD-40, you can remove gum from almost any surface.
These household remedies save you from the hassle of costly cleaning products and allow you to handle sticky situations with ease.
Next time you find gum stuck where it doesn’t belong, remember these simple tricks to restore your items. Goodbye, gum—and hello to clean clothes, shoes, and furniture!
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Source: Clean My Space
Last update on 2025-01-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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