How to Remove Chewing Gum From Anything
Chewing gum can get stuck everywhere and sometimes we don’t even notice, for example, when it’s on the sole of our shoe or on the back of our clothes. 5-Minute Crafts has listed 9 methods to remove chewing gum from anything, including hair.
1. Use peanut butter.
Peanut butter is great because its oils will stiffen the gum and make it less sticky. This method works for all types of fabric, but it’s also very good for gum that has gotten stuck in hair:
- Find a jar of creamy peanut butter.
- Cover the gum completely with the peanut butter using your fingers or a toothbrush.
- Wait a few minutes until the product works properly.
- Start removing the gum from the surface.
- If the gum is stuck in hair, wash the hair afterward.
2. Use hairspray.
Apply the hairspray directly onto the chewing gum and it will make the gum harden. Then you can just scrape it off with your fingers.
3. Use mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise is a high-fat product that can work as a good chewing gum remover, you just need to take the following steps:
- Use your fingers to cover the stuck gum with mayonnaise.
- Wait for a few minutes.
- Gently remove it.
- If it’s stuck in hair, wash the hair after this process.
4. Use WD-40.
WD-40 spray can dissolve the gum, making it easy to peel off with a cloth. Simply spray it on the affected area and wait. This method can work within just a few minutes, but it’s preferable to spray it on and leave the item for a few days to ensure you are able to remove everything.
5. Use vinegar.
Soak a cloth in white vinegar (full-strength). Rub the cloth into the gum that’s stuck on the surface. The vinegar can soften the gum up enough and make it possible to remove it easily.
6. Use lemon juice.
Soak your clothing piece with the gum stuck to it in lemon juice. Wait a few minutes, and then scrape the gum off with a butter knife. After removing the gum, wash the clothing item on a normal wash cycle.
7. Freeze the area with an ice cube.
Freezing will make the gum less sticky and easier to remove. You can try to freeze the gum with an ice cube, this works well if the gum is stuck to fabric:
- Wrap the ice cube in a cloth towel or plastic bag.
- Rub the area where the gum is until the frozen gum residue falls off.
- If some gum remains stuck, use a toothpick or butter knife to pick it off.
8. Put the item in the freezer.
If freezing the gum with an ice cube doesn’t work, you can try to put the whole item in the freezer. Just do the following:
- Clean the fabric and empty the pockets, if the piece of clothing has them.
- Fold the fabric carefully and place it in a compact plastic bag.
- Tuck in any openings and squeeze out the air.
- Place it in the freezer for several hours.
- This method will deep freeze the gum and make it easier to remove.
9. Use a hairdryer.
Instead of freezing it, you can also heat the area with an indirect source of heat. A hair dryer should be enough to melt the gum without damaging the clothes. When the gum is about to melt, peel it away from the surface. Use plastic gloves to prevent yourself from getting burnt. This is a good option for cotton fabric.