How to Remove Chewing Gum From Trousers

Remove gum on trousers by hardening it in the freezer.

Gum is a sticky substance that clings to fabric when it dries. Removing gum from trousers is difficult as the gum wraps around threads in the fabric. Trying to remove the gum while soft is virtually impossible without damaging the material. You can remove stubborn gum from clothes when you know the proper way of handling the gum residue.

Things You'll Need

• Towel
• Freezer
• Butter knife
• Dry-cleaning fluid or acetone
• Washer
• Laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Wrap a towel around the trousers. Place the bundle into the freezer. The towel protects the trousers from adhering to the surface of the freezer or from getting stained.

2. Leave the trousers in the freezer overnight. The gum hardens from the cold, making it easier to remove.

3. Remove the trousers from the freezer and crack off the hardened gum, using a butter knife to work under the gum. Do not use a sharp knife as you risk cutting the fabric.

4. Place dry-cleaning fluid or acetone on a cloth and rub into any gum fragments left on the trousers. Test an unseen area of the trousers first with either fluid to make sure it does not fade the color of the trousers. The fluid loosens the gum still clinging to the fabric.

5. Place trousers into the washer and add regular laundry detergent. Wash on a normal cycle.

6. Inspect trousers for any leftover gum before placing in the dryer. If trousers still have pieces of gum attached, rub more acetone or dry-cleaning fluid onto them and wash again.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put trousers in plastic and then into the freezer as the plastic may keep the gum from hardening sufficiently.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Removing Chewing Gum From Clothing
• Stain Expert: Chewing Gum: The Biggest Enemy