How to remove chewing gum from clothes?

To remove chewing gum from clothes, freeze it for a few hours and then scrape the gum off the garment. Alternatively, you can apply petroleum jelly, essential oils, toothpaste, or solvents like rubbing alcohol to the gum and rub it until it breaks up. Finally, wash the affected areas thoroughly using clean water and suitable detergent.

If you find it difficult to remove, it is best to walk to a professional laundromat to get the job done.

Key Takeaways

  • Chewing gum is a sticky, rubbery substance and a type of confectionery that is designed to be chewed but not swallowed.
  • There are numerous ways to remove stuck chewing gum from clothes; the most effective method is to use either toothpaste or solvents like rubbing alcohol, vegetable oil, or petroleum jelly.
  • Freezing the clothes to remove the stuck chewing gum is also considered a safe and effective home remedy.

Does chewing gum damage clothes?

There are several ways chewing gum can damage clothes.

Without prompt removal, gum can harden and become more difficult to remove, possibly damaging the fabric as you scrape it.

Some types of chewing gum also contain artificial colors and flavors that can easily bleed onto the fabric and leave stains.

Also, chewing gum can change the shape of clothes, stain them, and attract dirt and dust, which makes the clothes even dirtier.

Also, pulling it out improperly can stretch out the fabric, causing permanent wrinkles.

How to remove chewing gum from clothes?

It can be difficult to remove chewing gum from clothes when it gets stuck there accidentally.

However, there are a few home remedies and tried-and-true hacks that you can try to get the chewing gum out of your clothes.

Freezing

Freezing the garment is one of the best ways to remove gum from your clothes. This method has been used by many for ages.

A garment or its affected surface can be frozen in two ways. The first is to place the item in the freezer for a few hours. The second method is to rub the ice cubes over the gum.

Let’s say you want to freeze the garment. Just put the gum-affected clothes in the freezer for a few hours, then pop the gum off.

The cold will make the gum hard and brittle, so it will come right off without leaving any residue behind (in most cases).

The second method for freezing the garment is to rub it with ice cubes until the gum hardens and releases.

Once the gum hardens, use a blunt knife or another object to gently scrape the frozen gum away from the fabric.

Be careful not to cut or damage the fabric while removing the gum.

Vinegar or rubbing alcohol

Let’s say you’re dealing with a delicate fabric. Here,  you can try dissolving the gum with vinegar or rubbing alcohol.

Simply soak a cotton ball in either substance and apply it to the gum.

After a few minutes, the gum should be soft enough to scrape off.

If you are rubbing alcohol in the gum, it will dissolve the adhesive or sticky properties that are holding the gum to the fabric.

This method works best on fresh gum stains but can also be used on older stains.

So, to remove chewing gum from clothes with alcohol, first wet a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol. Then, rub the stained area with the saturated cotton ball or cloth until the gum comes off the fabric. Once the gum is removed, wash the clothing as usual.

WD-40

Gum stuck to clothing can also be removed with lubricants such as WD-40.

You simply need to spray WD-40 on the gum-affected area and allow it to absorb for a few minutes.

Then, use a blunt object, such as a butter knife or spatula, to scrape the gum off.

Lastly, wash the clothing or the affected surface with soap and water to remove any residual WD-40.

Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is often used to get chewing gum out of clothes quickly and easily.

First, rub a generous amount of petroleum jelly into the chewing gum.

Then, wait a few minutes for the petroleum jelly to break down the gum.

Finally, use a butter knife or other sharp object to scrape the gum off of your clothing.

If there is any chewing gum residue left on the fabric, you can remove it by repeating the process or simply rubbing a small amount of petroleum jelly into it and then washing the garment as usual.

Peanut butter or natural oil

 Stuck chewing gums can be treated with oily solutions to remove them safely.

Simply apply a small amount of vegetable oil or peanut butter to the chewing gum and then rub it gently with a cloth.

The oil will help to break down the gum so that you can easily wipe it away.

You may need to repeat this process a few times if the gum is particularly stubborn, but eventually, it should come off completely.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to be gentle and take your time to ensure that you don’t damage the fabric.

Drycleaner

If all the above methods fail, you can always take the garment to the nearest professional dry cleaner. They should be able to remove the gum without damaging your clothes.

Depending on the fabric, dry cleaners use a variety of solvents.

These solvents quickly break down the gums so that they can be wiped away without hurting your clothes.

Wash the Garment

Once you’ve removed the gum, be sure to wash the area with soap and water or as per fabric instructions to remove any residue.

Allow the garment to naturally dry on a clothesline or drying rack.

Final Thoughts

Removing chewing gum from clothing doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you use the proper techniques.

The best way to remove chewing gum from clothes is to freeze them. If that doesn’t work you can opt for other methods mentioned above.

That being said, if you can’t get it off, just go to the nearest laundromat and ask for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does chewing gum come out of clothes?

Yes, you can get chewing gum out of clothes by freezing them or using a solvent like vinegar, toothpaste, rubbing alcohol, vegetable oil, or petroleum jelly.

What dissolves chewing gum?

A combination of lemon and vinegar can assist in loosening the chewing gum. Alternatively, you can also use rubbing to loosen the chewing gum.

Does baking soda remove gum from clothes?

Baking soda aids in the removal of chewing gum from fabric and can be used as a home remedy to weaken the gum.

Does olive oil dissolve chewing gum?

Olive oil does not dissolve chewing gum. However, it helps to loosen and weaken the stickiness.

Manish Singh is an expert in electrical engineering with a Diploma in the field. With over 12 years of experience, he specializes in repairing music systems, washing machines, dryers, and other laundry-related appliances. His in-depth knowledge in electrical repairs and decent knowledge about garment care makes him a trusted authority in the field of appliance repair and laundry related topics. If you have any questions or need assistance with your appliances, you can reach out to Manish through email: manish.singh (at) portablelaundry.com