How to Get Gum Out of Clothes: Different Ways

by

Gum might be delightful to chew, but it becomes a serious nuisance when it ends up on your clothes. Whether it’s your child’s school uniform, your favorite pair of jeans, or a formal outfit, gum stuck to fabric can be frustratingly stubborn. It adheres tightly to fibers and creates a sticky mess that’s difficult to remove with regular washing. But don’t worry — there are multiple ways to get gum out of clothes without damaging the fabric or leaving residue behind.

How to Get Gum Out of Clothes

This in-depth guide explores all the most effective, tried-and-true methods for removing gum from clothes. Whether you’re looking for household solutions or gentle options for delicate fabrics, you’ll find a range of approaches that work for different scenarios. So, if you’re facing a gummy emergency, read on — help is here.

Why Gum Sticks to Fabric

Gum is designed to be soft, sticky, and elastic. When it comes into contact with fabric, especially when warm, it quickly adheres to the fibers. As it cools, it hardens and clings tightly to the weave of the fabric. The longer it remains in place, the deeper it embeds, making it tougher to remove without some effort.

Preparation Before Removing Gum

Before diving into any gum-removal technique, it’s important to take a few simple preparatory steps:

Scrape Off Excess Gum

Use a dull butter knife, spoon, or even the edge of a credit card to lift off as much of the gum as possible. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the gum or push it deeper into the fabric.

Test for Colorfastness

Before applying any substance (like vinegar, oil, or detergent), test a small hidden area of the clothing to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Method 1: Freezing the Garment

One of the most popular and effective ways to get gum out of clothes is by using the freezing method.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Fold the garment so the gum is on the outside.
  2. Place the item in a plastic bag or wrap it with plastic wrap to avoid direct contact with other items.
  3. Put it in the freezer for at least 1–2 hours.
  4. Once frozen solid, quickly remove it and use a dull tool to scrape the hardened gum away.

When to Use This Method

  • Best for clothes that can fit easily in a freezer.
  • Ideal for natural fibers like cotton or polyester.
  • Works great when the gum hasn’t been embedded for too long.

Method 2: Ice Cube Treatment

If your garment is too big for the freezer, use ice cubes as an alternative.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag.
  2. Rub the bag directly over the gum until it hardens.
  3. Once the gum is solid, gently scrape it off with a blunt tool.

Benefits

  • Useful for heavy clothing like jackets and blankets.
  • No need for a freezer.
  • Won’t introduce moisture to the entire garment.

Method 3: Hot Vinegar Soak

Vinegar is an effective softening agent and can help break down the stickiness of gum.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Heat vinegar in a small pan (do not boil).
  2. Soak a clean cloth in the hot vinegar.
  3. Place the cloth directly on the gum.
  4. After a minute or two, use a dull knife to lift the gum off.

Bonus Tip

  • You can also pour hot vinegar directly over the gum if the fabric can withstand it.
  • After removal, launder the garment to eliminate vinegar odor.

Method 4: Peanut Butter Technique

This may sound strange, but the natural oils in peanut butter help break down the gum’s stickiness.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Apply a small amount of creamy peanut butter over the gum.
  2. Let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Gently rub with a cloth or your fingers to loosen the gum.
  4. Scrape it off with a dull knife.
  5. Rinse the fabric thoroughly and wash to remove the peanut butter.

Caution

  • May leave an oily residue, especially on delicate fabrics.
  • Only use on items that can handle oil-based substances.

Method 5: Using a Hair Dryer

A hair dryer can help warm the gum, making it pliable and easier to pull off in larger pieces.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Aim the hair dryer at the gum from a few inches away.
  2. As it softens, use your fingers or a dull tool to gently peel it off.
  3. Blot any remaining residue with a paper towel.

Ideal For

  • Synthetic fabrics or when freezing isn’t an option.
  • Fast removal without using liquids.

Method 6: Rubbing Alcohol or Acetone

Alcohol and acetone help break down gum oils and adhesive.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol or acetone on a cotton ball.
  2. Gently blot the gum area.
  3. Wait for a few minutes, then lift the gum with a scraper.

Caution

  • Always test in an inconspicuous spot first.
  • Acetone can discolor or damage certain fabrics, especially acetate or rayon.

Method 7: Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent, especially when applied directly, can help dissolve the gum residue after physical removal.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. After most of the gum has been scraped off, apply a dab of detergent to the area.
  2. Gently rub with an old toothbrush or cloth.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Wash the garment as usual.

Use On

  • Cotton, denim, and synthetic blends.
  • As a finishing step after other methods.

Method 8: Ironing with a Paper Bag

A heating technique that transfers the gum from the fabric to another surface.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Place a brown paper bag over the gum.
  2. Use a warm iron (not hot) to press over the bag.
  3. The gum should soften and stick to the bag instead of the fabric.

Tip

  • Move the bag around to a clean spot as gum transfers.
  • Do not use steam mode on the iron.

Method 9: WD-40

WD-40 works as a solvent and can help dissolve the stickiness of gum.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Spray WD-40 directly onto the gum.
  2. Wait a minute or two.
  3. Use a cloth or scraper to lift the gum.
  4. Wash the garment thoroughly to remove any oily residue.

Best For

  • Durable fabrics like denim.
  • Sticky, embedded gum that won’t come off easily.

Post-Gum Removal Cleaning

After you’ve removed the gum, the affected area may still feel slightly sticky or stained. Here are some quick ways to fully restore your fabric:

Wash the Garment

Launder the garment using the hottest setting safe for the fabric to remove any remaining residue.

Use Stain Remover

If there’s a stain left behind, pre-treat it with a stain remover or a bit of laundry detergent before washing again.

Dry Naturally

Avoid machine-drying the item until you’re sure the stain and gum residue are gone. Heat can set any leftover stain permanently.

Special Considerations for Different Fabrics

Cotton and Denim

These fabrics are durable and can handle scraping, freezing, and hot vinegar methods without damage.

Wool or Silk

Use the ice cube or freezing method to avoid damaging delicate fibers. Avoid heat or harsh solvents.

Synthetic Blends

Can typically handle most methods but always test a small area first when using chemicals.

Preventing Gum Mishaps

While it’s not always avoidable, you can take some steps to reduce the chance of gum getting on clothes:

  • Don’t allow kids to chew gum near sofas, beds, or laundry.
  • Check pants pockets before doing laundry.
  • Keep gum stored in wrappers and dispose of it properly.

Final Words

Getting gum out of clothes doesn’t have to mean throwing them away or living with a stubborn stain. With the right method — whether freezing, heating, or using common household items — you can remove gum effectively without damaging your favorite pieces.

The key is acting quickly and choosing the method that suits your fabric and situation best. Keep this guide handy, and the next time you find a sticky surprise, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Leave a Comment