How to remove chewing gum from clothes: how to remove chewing gum if it is very stuck or smeared, how to remove a stain from fabric?

Chewing gum stuck to clothes is not so easy to remove quickly.
To remove it, time-tested home recipes and special preparations that are intended specifically for such cases will be useful. In this case, it is necessary to take into account prohibitions and warnings, the violation of which can lead to damage to things.

We will tell you in this article how to remove chewing gum from clothes, even if it is very stuck and smeared.

Traditional methods for removing stains at home

When cleaning, you should consider:

the degree of neglect of the situation (old, smeared chewing gum is more difficult to remove than fresh chewing gum, which has not had time to stick “tightly”);
the material from which the affected clothing is made;
availability of preparations used for cleaning.

There are several basic methods for cleaning material from chewing gum:

Temperature (heating, freezing).
Chemical (exposure to solvents and other reagents).
Mechanical.

In most cases, it is necessary to use a set of measures, combining different approaches. In this case, for example, exposure to a solvent is combined with mechanical cleaning of clothing items.

Heating with a hairdryer if it is very stuck

Hardened chewing gum stuck to the fibers of the material can be removed by heating it. For these purposes, it is convenient to use a hair dryer.

Work order:

the hair dryer is set to supply warm air;
a stream of heated air is directed onto the elastic band;
When the chewing gum becomes soft, it can be removed with a brush or napkin.

Heating cannot be used with all materials. Wool, thin chiffon, natural silk and other delicate fabrics are prohibited.

How to remove the ferry?

For processing, you need to boil water. Hold the cloth over the still boiling water, exposing the affected area of the item to the steam. The rubber band will soften and can be removed. This method can only be used for high temperature resistant fabrics.

Clean with vinegar

The use of vinegar is effective due to its effect as a solvent . In order for the result to be higher, it must be heated to a warm temperature.

This can be done using a water bath or microwave. You can use warm vinegar like this: dip the bristles of the brush into it and use it to clean off the gum.

If the liquid has cooled down and the work is not completed, the preparation must be heated again. Completes the cleaning - washing.

This method can lead to discoloration of paints , so it is not used for caring for clothes with bright colors or unstable dyeing.

Remove with boiling water

The impact method is aimed at softening the structure of the gum. After this, it is cleaned off with a brush.

Boiling water can be used in three ways:

pour on the treated area;
dip the area with the rubber band into boiling water;
Dip the entire thing into boiling water.

This method is not acceptable for things that cannot tolerate high temperatures. The possibility of such an impact must be clarified on the product label.

Without loss, you can process, for example, light natural cotton in this way.

Remove with iron

Using an iron softens the elastic. For processing you will need additional fabric and porous paper. The technique is simple, but is not suitable for synthetics, genuine leather, suede and delicate materials.

Treatment:

Turn the item inside out.
Place additional cloth or porous soft paper under the stained area.
Apply a heated iron to the problem area.
After warming up the gum, clean it off.

After such treatment, a stain may remain in place of the stuck gum. You will have to deal with it using a stain remover and subsequent washing.

You should not touch the chewing gum directly with the heated sole of the iron. Otherwise, you will have to clean the iron itself and deal with the issue of chewing gum smeared over an even larger area.

When using an iron, you should apply it to the material without moving it from side to side . Otherwise, the stain may only become larger.

Freeze and peel

This method is one of the simplest and yet most effective. But it can only be used for dried chewing gum, otherwise stains on the material may occur.

To implement it you need:

prepare cellophane into which the item will fit completely;
Free up enough space in the freezer.

Work order:

Fold the damaged item so that the section with the elastic is on top.
Place the bag in the freezer.
Wait about an hour, sometimes longer.
Take the item out of the package.
Before the gum gets hot, scrape it off with a spatula, scraper, or other non-sharp object.
If necessary, repeat the manipulation.

This method is designed for small products that fit freely in a household freezer.

Peel off using ice

For bulky items that do not fit in the freezer due to their size, you can use the local impact technique. To do this, ice frozen into cubes is placed in a cellophane bag and applied.

The cooled gum becomes brittle and is removed . On cold winter days, the frost outside will help deal with chewing gum - just placing the thing on the open balcony for a couple of hours.

If the ice melts too quickly, you need to take another one and continue processing.

Means for refilling lighters

You can freeze chewing gum using a lighter refill can. The rubber material becomes brittle from such exposure and can be removed by prying it with some object.

This method is one of the fastest in response . In addition, the gas does not leave stains or other damage on the material.

Use gasoline to remove stubborn chewing gum

Using gasoline will help you cope even with well-dried chewing gum. The affected area of the material is well moistened with gasoline. After standing for 5-10 minutes, the elastic band is removed.

You can’t do without subsequent washing. It will help remove solvent residues and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Wash with liquid soap, shampoo, shower gel

A soapy detergent will deal with the elastic if it is not old.

The damaged area of the material is moistened in warm water and soaped well . Remove the softened stain by helping yourself with a scraper, spatula or spoon.

This method is gentle, but may not be effective for old stains.

Acetone

Acetone is applied liberally to the sponge and applied to the area with the rubber band. Acting as a solvent, acetone weakens the adhesion of the viscous mass to the fibers of the fabric, and allows you to remove the chewing gum with a napkin. The use of acetone is not suitable for cleaning delicate fabrics.

Hair fixation spray

Any varnish is suitable for the job, except those containing glitter . The product is actively sprayed onto the gum.

After the preparation has dried, the chewing gum can be removed by prying it off with a blunt knife or spatula. The item will need to be washed after treatment.

Get rid of it using alcohol

A sponge soaked in alcohol must be applied to the problem area on the fabric. By rubbing and slightly shaking the sticky lump, you should try to remove it. At the same time, alcohol will not leave chewing gum stains.

How to Outsmart a Sticky Spot

The forums will tell you many ways to remove chewing gum from clothes. Among the reviews there may be some that are quite strange at first glance. But don't dismiss them outright. After all, for example, a freezer and acetone are indeed quite working options at home.

Appliances

Using trial and error, experienced people have tested probably all suitable household appliances to remove “chewing gum” stains. What came out of this and what remedies are actually good?

Freezer. You can remove chewing gum from your pants or jacket by freezing it. First you need to put the soiled item in a plastic bag. The item can be made of any fabric, the main thing is not to get it wet. Because, for example, the fur may stretch after “cryotherapy”. Then you need to put this bag in the freezer and forget about it for a while. The main thing is that at least 60 minutes pass. Some housewives write that they froze their clothes even for a day or two. Chewing gum hardens when exposed to low temperatures. And now it is quite easy to peel it off. You can pry it with a knife or fingernail. But with this method, the elastic band sometimes falls off on its own.
Iron. Using an iron you can get rid of this trouble in the following way. We plug the device into the outlet and wait for it to heat up to maximum temperature. Take a sheet of any paper and cover the elastic band. Now we turn the soiled clothes over so that the paper is on the ironing board and the iron is on the wrong side of the clothes. Next, iron it well. Due to the hot temperature, the chewing gum will melt and stick to a more “comfortable” paper surface.
Hair dryer. This is another way to remove chewing gum from clothes. The action of a hair dryer is similar to that of an iron. Chewing gum under a strong stream of hot air will become very soft. All we have to do is scrub off the gum with an old toothbrush. It will be great if the brush is of the hard category. She has stiffer stubble.

It is unlikely that you can wash chewing gum in a washing machine without first treating the stain. In addition, there is a risk that during the cycle, part of the elastic band will separate from the fabric and clog the filter. Before automatic washing, it is recommended to soak the soiled item for several hours in a concentrated solution of powder or gel. This should make it easier to remove stuck particles, which must be done manually.

Water

Water has three states. We only need two of them. It is solid and liquid. Household appliances, of course, are easier to use, but suddenly you find yourself in an unpleasant situation, for example, in a cafe.

Ice. Ask the waiter for a few cubes and a cloth napkin (you will need it to prevent your fingers from freezing during manipulations). Place frozen water into the sheet. Now we will tie the ends and attach the knot to the chewing gum. Once the elastic has frozen or hardened, you can remove it from the fabric. If you are trying this method at home, use a toothbrush for convenience.
Boiling water. You have to be careful here. Better yet, call your husband for help. Bring the water to a boil. Take the contaminated clothing and put it in boiling water. Wait a few seconds for the gum to melt. Now we ask the “second hands” to take a knife and “scrap” the gum. As soon as the main part has been removed, we take the item out of the water and remove the remains with a stiff-bristled toothbrush.

Chemical reaction

Nowadays there is a huge amount of all kinds of chemicals in stores. Some of them will help cope with the problem that has arisen. After all, “chemistry” cleans almost any surface. The main thing is to choose the right one.

Special spray. People encounter this problem so often that manufacturers of household chemicals have developed a special spray. It quickly cools the contaminated area. All we have to do is pry off the Velcro with a knife and - voila. True, such products are not sold in every store and are often included in the range of companies engaged in network sales.
Acetone or nail polish remover. With its help you can remove traces of chewing gum from clothes. Carefully apply the product to the contaminated area or the gum itself. Leave it for a while. You need to try not to touch clean areas around. When the elastic comes off, you need to send the item to the wash.
Stain remover. You can remove chewing gum stains using a stain remover that is correctly selected for the type of fabric. Apply it to the contaminated area. We leave it for the time indicated on the package, wait or do other things. As soon as the time is up, remove the elastic and send the prepared item to the wash.

If you decide to use acetone or nail polish remover, be extremely careful. These products, together with chewing gum, can remove the color from clothing. Therefore, before starting the procedure, it is better to try a few drops on a special piece of fabric, which usually comes with the product upon purchase.

Top 3 special compositions

There are quite a lot of products on the household chemicals market that are designed to remove chewing gum. These products are fast-acting and effective, allowing you to remove stuck lumps from various surfaces.

If a little prankster who loves chewing gum lives in the house, and problems with gum in unexpected places often arise, it makes sense to purchase the appropriate product.

Spartan Chewing Gum Remover

The drug is available in an aerosol can . Its action is to remove the gum by freezing. Weight – 84 grams. In addition to chewing gum, Gum Remover is suitable for removing wax and other sticky substances.

Application is very simple, since the product is completely ready for use. Gum Remover is sprayed onto the affected area and the frozen gum is scraped off with a scraper. Price – about 320 rubles.

SAPUR FREEZE

Aerosol SAPUR FREEZE is designed to eliminate gum by freezing . The drug is applied by spraying onto the stain. The freezing process is very fast. Having become fragile, the elastic band is easily cleaned without leaving any stains behind. Price – 700 rubles per bottle.

Anti-chewing gum Lucky Bee

Lucky Bee is produced in Russia. Release form: gel. The drug is packaged in small convenient bottles of 30 ml. Anti-chewing gum is applied directly to the gum, allowing it to be removed not only from clothing, but also from other materials. Does not leave behind stains. Price – from 155 rubles.

If you need to act quickly

If gum is stuck to your clothes and you don't have time to wash or freeze it, there are a few other methods you can try. Some of them are suitable even if trouble happened on the street.

Saving jeans with vinegar

If you are faced with the problem of how to remove chewing gum from jeans, the surest way is to do it with vinegar. We will also need a toothbrush again. The whole action takes place in four steps.

Heating. The vinegar should be slightly warm.
Application. Dip a toothbrush into the seasoning and immediately apply to the gum.
Delete. Using a brush, remove the chewing gum.
Wash. We send the prepared item to be washed. But if you are in a hurry, and there is nothing to change into, then that’s all for now, and go about your business - the remains of the stain will not be noticeable. However, the vinegar smell may remain, so it's best not to walk for long periods of time. When you return home, you should wash your jeans immediately.

We remove chewing gum... with chewing gum

If the chewing gum is very stuck, and there is nothing at hand, you can quickly run to the nearest store and buy... chewing gum there. This is a convenient way to get rid of chewing gum outside the home. Once we have everything we need, we need to do two things.

Chew. It is advisable not to prolong the pleasure.
Clean clothes. Now, using a fresh rubber band, peel off the stuck layers from your clothes step by step. So - until the successful ending.

Scotch tape works on a similar principle. Peel off the top of the sticky rubber band and stick the rest to pieces of adhesive tape.

If the “trouble” stuck to the shoes

Even if such a problem happened to the boots you just bought, don’t be upset. There is a way. You will need a liquid containing acetone or itself.

We apply. We apply the liquid to a rag and carefully try to saturate the unfortunate area.
We wait. We will need a few minutes for the chemical processes to begin.
Delete. This is where a knife comes in handy. Or any sharp object. We use it to remove gum from shoes.

There are quite a few ways to deal with the “chewing” problem and they help. You can even remove old chewing gum from clothes. But it is important to understand that not every experiment ends successfully. Therefore, if the item is very expensive and the fabric is delicate, then it is better to play it safe and go to a dry cleaner, where they can remove chewing gum from clothes using professional methods.

Video on the topic

Features of processing taking into account the type of fabric

The choice of cleaning method for fabrics should take into account their composition. Information about this can be found on the product label and by reading the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Cotton

Cotton items can be cleaned by exposure to a stream of warm air (hair dryer, steam). For light-colored fabrics, the option of using very hot water, alcohol or vinegar, or freezing is also suitable.

Linen

Cooling to sub-zero temperatures is a method that works well for linen items. High temperature processing is suitable for dense materials that do not contain synthetic impurities. Alcohol and vinegar can be used to a limited extent by testing their effect on an inconspicuous area.

Synthetics

Methods of influence when cleaning synthetics should take into account the density and texture of the product. Heating should not be used for any artificial materials - things will react unpredictably to such treatment.

The best options for delicate synthetics are as gentle as possible. For example, using liquid soap.

Wool

The fleecy, porous texture of wool makes chewing gum difficult to remove . When cleaning sweaters, cardigans, and other similar items, the best cleaning method is to place the item in the freezer. You can also use alcohol for cleaning.

Leather

Freezing will help deal with chewing gum. To do this, the item is placed in the freezer for a couple of hours, after which the elastic band can be easily removed.

The mark left after removal can be washed using liquid soap . After drying, it is advisable to treat a genuine leather item with a special product - spray or cream.

Artificial and patent leather cannot be frozen. Read this article about how to remove chewing gum from leather products.

Jeans

Thick denim allows the use of heat . 100% cotton can be cleaned by heating the affected area with a hair dryer or other method. Alcohol, refined gasoline and special products are also suitable for cleaning.

Velor, suede, nubuck

Suede, nubuck and velor are very high-maintenance materials. Removing chewing gum from such a complex surface is a very responsible undertaking.

The best way is to use freezing. After removing the main mass, the surface can be treated with a special brush.

What not to do?

When starting to clean things, you need to remember the existing prohibitions:

It is not advisable to use sharp objects - you can damage the fabric. Their use must be very careful.
You won't be able to remove a well-adhered rubber band by simply pulling it. Zealousness can lead to damage to the product.
It is forbidden to apply intense pressure to thin, delicate materials.
When cleaning, you can’t rush, you need to act systematically. In an effort to speed up the process, you can smear the gum even more.
You should not leave unfinished cleaning, as gum residue can adhere even more strongly to the fibers, and a stain will often form on the area where the gum has already been removed if the item is not washed.

Alefa.ru

No matter how tasty chewing gum is, it is unlikely to cause admiration if you, your child or just one of your friends sits on the gum or it sticks to a blanket or... No one is immune from this trouble. Chewing gum on clothes - we encounter this problem when using public transport; in a cafe, where this former delicacy is stuck to the bottom surface of the table; in the reading room, in the theater, even there they leave chewing gum on the seat. Some people believe that chewing gum stuck to clothing has completely and irrevocably ruined it, and the item cannot be restored. But that's not true! Let's look at how you can try to save your favorite clothes after gum gets stuck on them. Regular washing, unfortunately, does not remove chewing gum from clothes. There are several ways to save something without ruining it.

First of all, as soon as you see stuck chewing gum, you should under no circumstances try to tear it off. You will only allow it to eat into your clothes even more. Then the process of getting rid of it will be much more difficult.

Most advice on how to get rid of chewing gum involves freezing. You can put the item in the freezer. If the item does not fit into the refrigerator, then you can put ice cubes on the stain (after removing everything possible). If you have dry ice, place it under the stain (through a cloth). You can also use gas for lighters, gently applying a stream of gas to chewing gum anywhere and on anything. After freezing, the chewing gum does not stick, crumbles well and is easily scraped off with a dull knife. If there is a stain left, you can wipe it with alcohol. If chewing gum gets in your hair, which is not uncommon in children, you should freeze the chewing gum with ice cubes and then carefully untangle the bun.

As opposed to freezing, you can also use high temperatures to remove gum from clothes. You need to carefully remove what can be easily removed. In this case, you should not use sharp objects to avoid damaging the fabric. Then iron the area with a hot iron through a paper napkin, turn off the steam function on the iron and set the heating level for the fabric you will be processing. The chewing gum melts and is absorbed into the napkin. After this, you need to clean the area with a damp brush.

Many people believe that the easiest way to remove chewing gum from any place is to apply as much liquid as possible with a “degree”, such as alcohol, eau de toilette, and roll it up with a napkin or finger. The disintegration process begins immediately, rolls off like dirt and does not stick. You can use gasoline, it’s faster, but the smell... You can use white spirit, nail polish remover, acetone, but stains may appear!

If the item is made of thick fabric, you can try removing it with tape. Stick and unstick until all the chewing gum remains on the tape. But first, of course, the main part of the chewing gum must be removed. You can also take the chewed gum and stretch it with your fingers until it clings tightly to your fingers. And again do the same body movements: stick to clothes in the place where the chewing gum stuck, peel off, stick, peel off...

You can use a solution – Vanish diluted with water 1:1, pour it onto the stain, rub it with a toothbrush and leave for 20 minutes, and then wash.

There is a special product (sold in Carousel) “Stain remover for stains from glue and chewing gum” from “Dr. Beckmann” (Germany) - a small light green tube in the shape of a trapezoid.

All these methods are good, but I know a method that does not require much time or nerves and always helps me out. I consider it the best remedy for chewing gum for any material! Under running hot water, remove the gum with a dishwashing sponge, its rough side! Try it! Hot water and a dishwashing sponge will save your favorite things!

Recommendations

Expert advice will help you carry out the work as simply and without losses as possible:

The ineffectiveness of one method is not a reason to give up; you can try the following recipe.
Expensive, intricately decorated or delicate items, if you doubt your own abilities, can be dry-cleaned, entrusting the complex decision to professionals.
Before using solvents, heating or freezing, do not attempt to scrape/cut/pull off the gum by mechanical means.
Chemical removal methods are better suited for removing old stains.
For cleaning, it is convenient to use small brushes that allow you to carry out the treatment carefully. A convenient option is an old toothbrush.

You will find all the most important and useful information about removing chewing gum from various surfaces in this section.

"Chemistry"

In addition to special sprays and stain removers from chewing gum, you can use other chemicals. In this case, it all depends on the type of fabric. For example, instead of freezing or using ice, some people recommend trying chip coolant spray Apply the desired amount to the gum and once it has hardened, remove it with a knife or brush.

Instead of vinegar, alcohol or gasoline, you can use other solvents, such as toluene or solvents based on it.

As you can see, removing chewing gum from clothes is not that difficult. But still be careful - do not leave chewing gum on the table or bedside table

Regardless of which method you choose to remove chewing gum from clothing, you need to act quickly. The longer the chewing gum remains on the surface of the fabric, the less chance there is of removing traces of it without damaging the fibers of the material.

If you have already encountered a similar problem, share your experience in the comments. Describe what methods you used.