How to Remove Chewing Gum From Any Clothes

Kids love to to chew and play with their chewing gum so it can easily land on and stick to their clothes.

Getting chewing gum caught on clothing creates a sticky situation that can potentially ruin your garments. It's best to remove the gum immediately when it is still fresh. The majority can be pulled off quickly with your fingernails but removing the remainder can be trickier, and as more time passes, the gum further cements into the fabric and becomes even more difficult to eliminate. Freezing the area, however, is a simple and effective method to treat most clothes.

Things You'll Need

• Ice cubes
• Butter knife
• Detergent
• Flat surface

Instructions

1. Stretch the garment out on a flat surface. Place one ice cube underneath the area where the gum is lodged.

2. Hold a second ice cube on top of the area, clutching the two cubes together until the gum hardens. Smaller articles can be placed in a freezer bag and stored inside the refrigerator until the gum hardens.

3. Dislodge the gum from the clothing using the dull side of a butter knife. Be sure to scrape and remove all particles from the garment with your knife or fingertips.

4. Pre-treat the garment with an enzyme detergent such as Tide.

5. Launder the clothing as normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Rubbing alcohol and non-acetone nail polish remover are effective agents in removing gum. Follow steps 3 to 5 after applying the liquid to the material.

• When all else fails or if the fabric is particularly delicate, take the garment to a professional cleaner.

References

• Removing Chewing Gum from Clothing - Good Housekeeping
• Removing Chewing Gum from Fabric

Resources

• Stain Removal: Tide Stain Solutions