How to Remove Chewing Gum From Laundry & Clothes

Even if gum has been washed and dried on your laundry, it can still be removed with this method.

Finding chewing gum on your laundry or clothes is a disheartening sight. The sticky nature of chewing game makes removal seem impossible. Fortunately, you can remove chewing gum from clothing rather easily. Using the proper products and techniques is the key to successfully removing gum from clothing and laundry.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer
• Butter knife
• Rag
• Dry cleaning solvent
• Water
• White vinegar
• Bowl
• Microwave
• Old toothbrush

Instructions

1. Place the gum-stained fabric into the freezer. Let it sit in the freezer for about two hours to completely harden.

2. Remove the clothing from the freezer. Scrape the hardened gum from the clothing with a butter knife. Remove as much of the gum as possible with the knife. Use caution so the fabric does not become damaged in the process.

3. Saturate a clean rag with dry cleaning solvent. Sponge the solvent onto the gum stain.

4. Wash the clothing or laundry as usual. Inspect the fabric for any traces of the gum prior to putting it into the dryer.

5. Use warm vinegar if the gum stain remains. Place a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl. Microwave the vinegar for 20 to 30 seconds, or until it is warm.

6. Dip an old toothbrush into the warm vinegar. Scrub the gum spot. Add more vinegar and continue scrubbing until the gum stain is gone.

7. Launder the clothing as usual. It may be necessary to repeat the application of warm vinegar a few times to remove all of the gum.

Tips & Warnings

• Always test the product you are using on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric prior to applying it to a more noticeable area.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Stain Buster -- Felt-Tip Marker
• Planet Green: Remove Gum From Clothing the Eco-friendly Way