We’ve all been there: you sit down to relax, only to find that you’ve accidentally gotten gum on your favorite shirt or pants. Not only is gum a sticky mess, but it can feel nearly impossible to remove without causing damage to your clothing. Luckily, at Princess Laundry, we’re here to help you with some easy, at-home solutions that can tackle this sticky situation without the need for special cleaners or tools. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to remove gum from clothes using common household items you already have on hand.
Why Is Gum So Stubborn on Clothes?
Gum is made of a mix of sticky resins and rubbery substances, which allow it to stick to surfaces. When it gets on fabric, it bonds with the fibers, making it tough to remove without the right technique. The good news is, you don’t need to rush out and buy expensive commercial gum removers. With a little patience and the right approach, you can get that gum off your clothes and keep them looking like new.
5 Easy Ways to Remove Gum from Clothes
Here are some easy ways you can remove gum from your clothes, using items that are likely already in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room!
1. Freeze the Gum with Ice
One of the simplest ways to remove gum is by freezing it. This method works by hardening the gum, making it less sticky and easier to scrape off.
How to do it:
- Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag or wrap them in a towel.
- Press the ice pack against the gum for 10–15 minutes, allowing it to freeze.
- Once the gum has hardened, use a butter knife, spoon, or your fingernail to gently scrape the gum off the fabric.
- Be careful not to rip or damage the fabric as you scrape.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have ice, you can also use a frozen gel pack or even pop the garment in the freezer for a few hours.
2. Use Peanut Butter to Loosen the Gum
Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches—it’s also a great tool for removing gum from clothing. The oils in peanut butter help break down the gum, making it easier to remove.
How to do it:
- Apply a small amount of creamy peanut butter directly to the gum stain.
- Gently rub the peanut butter into the gum using your fingers or a cloth, loosening the gum from the fabric.
- Once the gum is loosened, use a butter knife or spoon to scrape it off.
- Wash the clothing as usual to remove any peanut butter residue.
3. Try Vinegar for a Quick Fix
White vinegar is another common household item that can help dissolve the sticky residue left by gum.
How to do it:
- Heat some white vinegar in the microwave until it’s warm, but not boiling.
- Soak a cloth or sponge in the warm vinegar and apply it to the gum stain.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to loosen the gum.
- Once the gum is softened, gently scrape it off the fabric.
- Wash the garment as usual to remove any remaining vinegar scent.
4. Rub Alcohol or Hairspray onto the Gum
Rubbing alcohol or hairspray is another effective way to break down gum without damaging your clothes. Both of these items can freeze the gum and make it easier to scrape away.
How to do it:
- Soak a cotton ball or clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or spray hairspray directly onto the gum.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes to break down the gum’s sticky properties.
- Scrape the gum off with a spoon, butter knife, or even your fingernail.
- Wash the clothing in the laundry as normal to remove any leftover alcohol or hairspray residue.
Pro Tip: Always test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure the alcohol or hairspray won’t cause discoloration or damage.
5. Use Baking Soda to Scrape Away the Gum
Baking soda isn’t just for cleaning—it can also help lift gum off clothes! This method works by using the abrasive texture of baking soda to gently scrub away the gum.
How to do it:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the gum.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or your fingers to gently rub the baking soda into the gum.
- As the gum begins to break apart, scrape it off with a spoon or butter knife.
- Once all the gum is removed, wash the clothing to get rid of any baking soda residue.
Say Goodbye to Gum Stains
Getting gum on your clothes is a frustrating experience, but with a few simple household items, you can often remove it yourself. Whether you choose to freeze it, use peanut butter, or try vinegar or rubbing alcohol, these methods are easy and cost-effective.
Got a gum stain you need help with? Contact Princess Laundry today and let our expert team help you restore your clothes to their pristine condition!