How to Remove Chewing Gum From a Clothes Washer

Finding chewing gum inside your clothes washer does not have to ruin your day.

Chewing gum sticks to many surfaces, and once it dries, it can become difficult to remove. The chewing gum can become stuck to the inside of your washing machine such as on the drum or rubber seals. It needs proper removal to keep the machine in good condition and to protect your clothes from chewing gum stains. Removing the chewing gum improperly can result in damage to the washing machine that can affect its performance and appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Ice cubes
• Dull butter knife
• Laundry detergent
• Baking soda
• Nonabrasive sponge

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes. Place the ice cubes directly onto the chewing gum. Allow it to sit on the chewing gum until it becomes hard.

2. Scrape the hard gum off with a dull butter knife.

3. Run the washing machine on the rinse cycle. Set the machine to the hot water setting and add one capful of laundry detergent.

4. Apply a mixture that contains one part water and one part baking soda to the chewing gum stain if you still notice it. Allow the solution to sit on the stain and then scrub on it with a nonabrasive sponge. Rinse the area to remove the residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using abrasives on the washing machine because it can scratch the surface, which can cause the machine to rust.

References

• Simply Teeth: Chewing Gum and Bubble Gum
• Tip King: Remove Chewing Gum
• Stain Expert: Chewing Gum: The Biggest Enemy
• Good Housekeeping: How to Remove Melted Chewing Gum From a Dryer