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Get gum out of fabric easily with these simple home remedies
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Yuck, you've got gum all over your clothes! You've picked off as much as you can, but that dreaded gum is still there. Thankfully, there are numerous tricks and techniques you can try to remove gum from clothing using materials you’ve likely already got around the house! Keep reading for our guide to getting gum off of clothes using everyday household cleaners.
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I’m going to keep it short. My child loves gum. My child is not good at disposing of gum. I’ve got gum in my shirt and jeans for what feels l... Read More
You didn’t actually mention if the gum is wet or not, but I’m assuming it’s dried if you’re just discovering it. Anyway, there’s a simp... Read More
What has worked for me in the past is pouring a generous amount of detergent on the gum, letting it soak for a few minutes, and then pouring salt... Read More
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QuestionWhat method is best if the gum is really embedded and has been for a long time?Community AnswerIn my experience, soaking the clothes in a sink full of equal parts vinegar and warm water will work best for gum that's been embedded for a long time.
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QuestionDo the above remedies work on fabric that has been washed and dried with the gum on the fabric?Community AnswerThe Goo Be Gone and hot vinegar work great. It just takes elbow grease and a stiff toothbrush.
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QuestionFor the ironing method, do I have to use cardboard, or can it be something else?Community AnswerYou could also use parchment paper or something similar. Just be sure not to burn it.
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Tips
- If all else fails, or if you don't want to risk damaging a delicate or expensive piece of clothing, take it to a reputable cleaner who can apply special solvents that will not stain or damage the fabric. It will cost you, but it's your best chance at saving a valued garment.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/871658/the-best-way-to-get-gum-out-of-your-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-gum-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/get-gum-out-of-clothes-upholstery-2146890
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/floor-and-surface-cleaning/how-to-remove-chewing-gum-from-carpets-other-surfaces.html
- ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-gum-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/get-gum-out-of-clothes-upholstery-2146890
- ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/get-gum-out-of-clothes-upholstery-2146890
- ↑ https://www.thespruce.com/get-gum-out-of-clothes-upholstery-2146890
- ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/871658/the-best-way-to-get-gum-out-of-your-clothes/
- ↑ https://5minutecrafts.site/learn-tricks/how-to-remove-chewing-gum-from-anything-213/
- ↑ https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-gum-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/how-to-remove-gum-from-clothing-even-bum-gum/
- ↑ https://homelyville.com/how-to-get-gum-out-of-clothes/
- ↑ http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/clothing/chewing-gum-stain-removal.html
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/the-10-best-ways-to-get-gum-out-of-things/
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you’ve gotten gum on your clothes, the good news is that there are lots of ways to get it out. One easy method is to cover the gum with liquid laundry detergent. Work the detergent into the gum with your fingers, a rag, or a soft-bristled brush. This will soften and break down the gum. Use a blunt knife to scrape it away. Put your garment in the washing machine and launder it as you usually would. For more delicate fabrics, try rubbing alcohol instead of detergent. You can also soften gum with steam or boiling water, or freeze the garment so the gum becomes hard and brittle. This will make it easier to scrape off with a blunt knife. If you want to learn more, such as how to use peanut butter or hairspray to remove gum, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My husband came home frantic about a mysterious stain on his pants. At first I thought it was bird poo, but upon closer inspection it was more likely gum. I went through this list and only had WD40 at my disposal, so I tried it. It took a lot of scrubbing, but you could actually see the little flakes coming off (like dandruff pieces). Thanks for the tip!" ..." more
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"My husband came home frantic about a mysterious stain on his pants. At first I thought it was bird poo, but upon closer inspection it was more likely gum. I went through this list and only had WD40 at my disposal, so I tried it. It took a lot of scrubbing, but you could actually see the little flakes coming off (like dandruff pieces). Thanks for the tip!"
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"Just giving so many choices helped because if most people don't have one ingredient then they are likely to have another choice. For instance, I didn't have peanut butter, but had WD40. Another time I was out of WD40, but had alcohol on hand. Thanks!"
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"Warm vinegar immediately turned the gum into inert, non-sticky crumbs, and the brushing took them off completely. 100% success! Oily substances work, too, but you risk staining your fabric, even if you wash immediately after removing the gum."
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"My favorite rash guard was washed with a piece of gum in arm pocket. Your list gave me options like try rubbing alcohol first. It was easy and worked perfectly following your directions!! Thank you. "
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"I used the warm vinegar technique to remove gum from a set of sheets that had been washed and dried, gum still on sheets after figuring it out. I picked the warm vinegar and gum came off easily."
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