How to Remove Gum From Polyester

Though it may seem like a simple invention, chewing gum serves many purposes. The combination of gum base and sweeteners, plus artificial colors and flavors, makes chewing gum a tasty treat until a piece lands on your polyester clothing. The sticky gum will hold fast. Knowing the tricks to removing gum from your polyester garments can save your clothing.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Ice cubes or freezer
• Scraper or butter knife
• Vinegar
• Toothbrush
• Peanut butter

Instructions

1. Wet the area of the garment that is stained so that the gum is saturated with water.

2. Place the garment in a freezer bag and freeze overnight. If the garment is too large or you do not have access to a freezer, hold ice cubes over the gum to freeze it. Scrape or peel the frozen gum from the garment.

3. Warm vinegar in a pot or a microwave. Do not heat it to burning or boiling; just warm it slightly.

4. Soak the bristles of a toothbrush in the warm vinegar and work at the base of the gum. The vinegar will loosen the gum's hold on the polyester; peel it away when it is loose.

5. Rub peanut butter over the gum. Then scrape off with a scraper or butter knife. Wash as normal to remove any peanut butter residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Warm vinegar will also remove any stains that the gum left on the garment.

• Spot test vinegar on an inconspicuous part of the garment or on a spare piece of polyester to ensure it will not discolor the clothing.

References

• Thriftyfun: Removing Gum
• HowtoCleanStuff: How to Remove Gum
• How to Get Gum Out of Polyester

Resources

• Chewing Gum Ingredients