How to Remove Gum From Microfiber

Chewing gum can create a sticky, hard-to-remove mess on fabrics.

Microfiber clothing or furniture items are subject to the same type of stains that affect other clothing and upholstery fabrics. Unfortunately, chewing gum sometimes finds its way onto microfiber and becomes stuck to the fabric. Attempting to wipe the sticky mess away will only make it worse. Instead, you will need to change the temperature of the gum so it's easier to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack or clear, sealed bag filled halfway with ice cubes
• Butter knife or plastic scraper
• Cotton swab
• 2 cloths
• Commercial solvent

Instructions

1. Hold an ice pack or a clear, sealed bag, filled halfway with ice cubes on the chewing gum on the microfiber until the gum becomes hard. This could take 10 minutes or more.

2. Scrape the gum from the microfiber with the dull edge of a butter knife of the edge of a plastic scraper. Take care not to harm the fabric.

3. Dip a cotton swab into a bottle of commercial solvent and dab it onto the remaining chewing gum residue. Dab a dry cloth on the stain to remove it.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the care label on the microfiber item for codes to see what the fabric can tolerate:

• W-Water or a water and mild detergent mix can be used

• S-Solvents can be used

• S/W-Water or solvents can be used

• X-Vacuum cleaner or dry brushing only

• Use a solvent that is recommended for microfiber. If in doubt, test the solvent in an inconspicuous area of the item to see if it will damage the fabric.

References

• Microfiber: How to Clean Microfiber