How to Remove Chewing Gum From Cotton

Sticky chewing gum easily adheres to clothes.

Schools and some workplaces often ban the use of chewing gum because of its tendency to stick to objects once it has been chewed and improperly discarded. Unfortunately, cotton fabric is one such surface to which sticky gum adheres well. Once the gum sticks to clothing, it becomes difficult to entirely remove it, but it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-wash stain remover
• Metal spoon
• Damp paper towel

Instructions

1. Spray both sides of the cotton material where the chewing gum is present with a pre-wash stain remover.

2. Allow the pre-wash stain remover to soak into the gum for three to five minutes.

3. Scrape the gum from the fabric with the edge of a metal spoon. Wipe the gum residue from the spoon with a damp paper towel as it accumulates.

4. Spray the area with additional pre-wash stain remover and allow to soak in for three to five minutes if the stain persists. Scrape the area with the edge of the metal spoon to remove remaining residue.

5. Launder as directed on the fabric care label.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use this method on a fabric that is dry-clean only. Take the item to a dry cleaner and ask for advice.

References

• Hints from Heloise: How to Remove Gum From Clothing