How to Remove Gum Stains From Clothes & Carpet

How to Remove Gum Stains From Clothes

1. Harden the Gum

   Place the stained item in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for several hours. This method is best if the gum has melted in the dryer or gotten smeared over a large area of the fabric. Alternatively, if the gum stain is relatively small, place ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold it in place on the gum for a few minutes.

2. Scrape off the Gum

   Take the garment out of the freezer (or remove the ice cubes) and immediately scrape off the gum with a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. The goal is to remove most of the gum solids. Failing that, refreeze the item and scrape again.

3. Pretreat the Stain

   Treat the remaining spot with an equal mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and white distilled vinegar. Gently rub in the solution from the front of the fabric, and allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes.

   Dealing With Dried-Up Gum

   If a gum stain on clothing is old and dry, use some petroleum jelly to loosen the gum. Place a dab of petroleum jelly on your finger or a cotton swab and work it into the fabric at the base of the gum wad. The gum should loosen enough so you can pick it off. Before washing, you must treat the fabric to remove the grease stain caused by the petroleum jelly. Use a stain remover or a bit of heavy-duty laundry detergent to pretreat the stain, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then launder as usual.

4. Wash As Usual

   Wash the garment as you normally would, using your favorite laundry detergent. Inspect the stained area carefully before air drying or putting the garment in the dryer. If any of the stain remains, treat it again with the soap and vinegar mixture, then wash again. Do not dry in the dryer unless the stain is completely gone. If there's any doubt, it's safer to air dry and check again for the stain once the garment is dry.

How to Remove Gum Stains From Shoes

1. Freeze the Shoe

   Place the shoe in a plastic bag, seal it, and place it in the freezer for an hour, or so, until the gum is hard. Or use the ice cube and plastic bag method described above.

2. Remove the Gum

   Scrape off the bulk of the gum with a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Be extra careful with suede shoes and boots.

3. Apply Soap and Vinegar

   Treat any remaining gum stain with a solution of liquid dishwashing soap and white vinegar. Sponge on the solution, wait about 10 minutes, then blot it off with a clean cloth. Repeat if necessary, and finish by blotting with a clean cloth dipped in plain water. Allow the shoe to air dry. If leather shoes look dull after the gum is removed, use a leather conditioner to restore the shine.

How to Remove Gum From Upholstery and Carpet

The same products and techniques can be used to remove gum from both upholstery and carpet.

1. Apply an Ice Pack

   Place a few ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag, and set it onto the gum stain for a few minutes to freeze and harden the gum.

2. Scrape Carefully

   Use a very dull knife or a spoon to gently scrape off the gum, removing as much as possible.

3. Apply a Cleaner

   For a carpet stain, mix a solution of equal parts liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Use a soft-bristled brush to work a very small amount of the solution into the stain. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then blot it up with a clean white cloth dipped in plain water. Keep blotting with a clean area of the cloth until no more solution or residue is transferred to the cloth.

4. Dry and Fluff

   Allow the carpet fibers to air-dry completely, then vacuum the fabric or carpet to fluff the fibers. 

Additional Tips for Removing Gum From Clothes & Carpet

Many other ingredients may be tempting to try in the removal of gum and gum stains. However, some items (such as gas or lighter fluid) can be hazardous and could cause further problems or stains. Below find more tips and safer options in your efforts to remove gum from materials.

• Rubbing alcohol may also loosen gum from fabric or carpet. Rub it on with a clean white cloth or paper towel and leave it on for a couple of minutes before removing the gum.
• In a pinch, try spraying hairspray on the gum to harden it up before trying to remove it.
• Sometimes you can do the opposite of freezing the gum; dipping the area with the gum into very hot water can loosen it up.
• Steam may also do the job of loosening up gum from fabric. Try a steamer or if you don't have one, use a teapot with a spout; hold the fabric so the steam directly hits the gum. Try removing the gum after a minute of steaming.
• Boiling vinegar can also soften up gum. Dip the gum into the vinegar and then use a toothbrush to remove it from the fabric.
• If trying to remove gum from pants pockets, pull the lining out of the pants to make it easier to work on.
• Keep a towel handy to wipe up any condensation the ice packs or ice cubes make while you're removing the gum.
• If you find gum stuck on the inside of your washer or dryer, use the ice cube freezing method to harden it and use a dull utensil or credit card to scrape it off.

When to Call a Professional

If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, harden the gum and remove as much as you can. As soon as possible, head to the dry cleaner and point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. If you are using a home dry cleaning kit, be sure to treat the remaining stain after the solids are moved with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag.

If attempting to remove gum or a gum stain from upholstery and the fabric is silk or vintage, consult a professional before attempting to remove it.