Removing chewing gum stuck on clothes is a headache for many people. But don’t worry — Modern Life will show you 12 simple ways to remove gum from clothes right at home. By using readily available materials, you can completely get rid of chewing gum quickly and effectively.
Things to Keep in Mind When Removing Chewing Gum from Clothes.
Before you try any tips to remove chewing gum from clothing, it’s important to treat the stain properly and keep the following notes in mind to prevent the gum from sticking even more:
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Don’t mix gum-stuck clothes with other laundry: This can cause the gum to transfer to other garments and make the mess even worse.
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Test methods on a small hidden area first: Before applying any removal method on a large area, test it on a small, inconspicuous part of the fabric to make sure it won’t damage or discolor your clothes.
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Only treat the affected area: Most gum removal methods are quite strong, so apply them only to the gum-stuck area to avoid damaging the fabric fibers or altering the color of your clothing.
Chewing gum can make your clothes look messy and even cause damage to the fabric. To help you deal with this problem quickly and effectively, Blog Modern Life brings you 12 simple and easy methods to remove gum from clothing.
With these practical tips, you can restore your clothes at home without needing to take them to a professional dry cleaner.
Use Alcohol or Gasoline to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes
Alcohol and gasoline are among the most effective cleaning agents for removing chewing gum without damaging the fabric. However, both substances are highly flammable, so it’s important to use them in small amounts and avoid using them near open flames or heat sources. After cleaning, be sure to rinse the clothing thoroughly and use fabric softener to reduce the smell of alcohol or gasoline.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Apply a small amount of alcohol or gasoline directly onto the gum-stained area of the clothing.
Step 2: Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes so it can soak into the gum.
Step 3: Gently scrub the area with a soft brush to lift the gum off the fabric. If the gum is still sticking, add more alcohol and continue scrubbing gently.
Step 4: Once the gum is removed, rinse the fabric with clean water to reduce the smell, then wash the clothing as usual.
Quick Way to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Using Ice Cubes
Anyone who loves laundry and home care has likely struggled with the question: "What should I do if chewing gum sticks to my clothes?"
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is using ice cubes to harden the gum — then all you need to do is gently scrape it off with a knife.
For larger or more spread-out gum stains, placing the clothing in the freezer is a better option. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Fold the clothing item neatly and place it in a plastic bag. Make sure the gum-stained area is facing outward to speed up the freezing process.
Step 2: Put it in the freezer for about 30 minutes until the gum hardens completely.
Step 3: Once the gum is frozen, use a soft brush or a craft knife to gently scrape it off the fabric.
Step 4: If the gum is especially stubborn, you can use ice cubes during the scraping process to help keep it frozen and easier to remove.
Washing Clothes with Hot Water – A Simple Trick to Remove Chewing Gum
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can also use hot water to remove chewing gum from clothes. However, this method is not recommended for colored clothing, as hot water may damage the fabric’s structure and cause colors to fade quickly.
This is an easy method that doesn’t require any special tools or materials — just follow the steps below:
Step 1: Soak the garment in hot water for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Use your fingers or an old toothbrush to gently remove the gum.
Step 3: If the gum is difficult to remove, you can carefully use a dull knife or scraper to clean it off.
Step 4: Once the gum is removed, wash the clothing as usual.
Using Laundry Detergent or Bleach to Remove Chewing Gum
To remove chewing gum from clothes, you can use regular laundry detergent or a stronger bleach solution. The cleaning agents in detergent help reduce the gum’s stickiness on the fabric, making it easier to lift off.
Washing gum-stained clothes is quite similar to regular laundry. If the gum residue is stubborn, apply a small amount of bleach directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual.
However, if you're treating white clothing, be sure to use bleach specifically designed for whites to avoid discoloration.
How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Using an Iron
Besides using laundry detergent to remove chewing gum from clothing, you can also use a household iron to get rid of the sticky mess more effectively. Though not commonly used, this method is surprisingly effective. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare a piece of cardboard and a dry iron (avoid using a steam iron, as it won’t be as effective).
Step 2: Place the cardboard or a thick piece of paper directly over the gum-stuck area.
Step 3: Turn the garment inside out and press the iron firmly on the back side of the gum-stained fabric for a few passes.
Step 4: As the gum softens from the heat, it will stick to the cardboard or paper. Simply peel the paper off and throw it away. Then wash the garment as usual.
Using Peanut Butter to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes
Peanut butter isn’t just a common household food — it can also be a clever trick for removing chewing gum from clothes! This method not only helps lift the gum off but also protects the fabric from damage. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Apply a small amount of peanut butter directly onto the gum-stuck area.
Step 2: Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then use a brush to scrub the gum off thoroughly.
Step 3: Wash the clothing to remove any remaining residue.
Using White Vinegar or Alcohol to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes
White vinegar or alcohol is a powerful natural cleaner that works well on many household items. In addition to removing chewing gum from fabric, vinegar is also great for tackling various other stains. The acid in vinegar helps soften the gum quickly, making it easier to peel off. This method not only breaks down the gum’s polymers but is also safe for delicate fabrics like silk, satin, polyester, and more.
Step 1: First, heat the vinegar on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot.
Step 2: Dip an old toothbrush into the vinegar and gently scrub the gum-stuck area.
Step 3: Once the gum has been loosened and removed, wash the garment as usual.
How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Using Lemon Juice
One of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of chewing gum stuck to your clothes is by using fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice not only has strong natural cleaning properties but also removes gum without damaging the fabric fibers. To use this method, all you need is some fresh lemon juice. Then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Apply the lemon juice directly onto the gum-stained area. If you're working with colored clothes, avoid letting the juice spread to unstained areas, as it may lighten the fabric.
Step 2: Gently scrape off the gum using a soft scraping tool to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 3: If the gum is stubborn, rub a cut lemon directly onto the gum to help loosen it.
Step 4: Once the gum is removed, wash the garment as you normally would.
How to Remove Old Chewing Gum from Clothes Using Hairspray
Chewing gum that’s been stuck on clothes for a long time can be much harder to remove. Luckily, the chemicals in hairspray can help by hardening the gum, making it easier to scrape off. This method is simple and effective — here’s how to do it:
Spray a generous amount of hairspray directly onto the gum-stained area.
Wait a few minutes for the gum to harden.
Once the gum becomes stiff, gently peel or scrape it off the fabric.
How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Using Coconut Oil
When chewing gum sticks to your clothes, cleaning it off can be quite a hassle. However, coconut oil offers a natural and effective way to remove gum without damaging the fabric. This method is safe and easy to do at home. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Heat some coconut oil on the stove until warm (not boiling).
Step 2: Dip the gum-stained part of the fabric into the warm oil.
Step 3: Use a soft brush to gently scrub and lift the gum off the clothing.
Step 4: Wash the garment thoroughly to remove any oil residue.
With the 12 methods above, Modern Life hopes to help you answer the question: "What should I do when chewing gum sticks to my clothes?"
By using common household items like tape, hand sanitizer, a hair dryer, or rubbing alcohol, you can easily remove chewing gum without having to visit a dry cleaner.
Don’t forget to follow Modern Life for more practical everyday tips and cleaning hacks!
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