Oh my goodness, fellow moms! I am right there with you in the throes of frustration when it comes to finding gum stuck all over our kids' clothes – or even our own! It's like a nightmare that just won't end. You think you've seen it all, and then bam, there's a big, gooey wad of gum ruining that cute little outfit or your favorite funny vacation t shirts. But don't you panic, because I've scoured every corner of my homemaking knowledge and found some solutions that might just save the day.
Before Getting Started to get gum out of clothes
Before you go tearing your hair out and tossing the gum-covered garment in the trash, take a deep breath. First things first, check the fabric label. Some delicate fabrics like silk or lace might require extra special care, and you don't want to accidentally damage them further. Also, gather up your supplies. You might need a plastic bag, some ice cubes, an iron, a steam cleaner (if you have one), vinegar, canned air, gum-removing products (if you've got them on hand), rubbing alcohol, detergent, and believe it or not, peanut butter. Having everything ready will make this battle a bit less chaotic.
11 Ways to Remove Gum From Clothes
1.Clean the Gum with More Gum
Yes, you read that right! If you have a piece of fresh chewing gum, you can use it to remove the stuck gum. Take the fresh gum and press it onto the stuck gum. Gently roll it around a bit, and you'll notice the old gum starts to come off and stick to the new piece. It's like using a magnet to pick up metal shavings. Just be careful not to spread the mess further.
2.Remove Gum with Ice
Grab a plastic bag and fill it with ice cubes. Press the bag firmly against the gum. The cold temperature will make the gum hard and brittle. After a few minutes, you should be able to carefully peel or scrape the gum off the fabric. This works wonders for those times when the gum has just started to set.
3.Freeze Gum off Clothing
Similar to using ice, you can put the entire garment (if it's small enough) or just the gummed area in the freezer. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour. Once it's frozen solid, the gum will break off easily when you give it a gentle tug or scrape. This is great for larger wads of gum that seem impossible to budge.
4.Remove Gum with an Iron
Place a piece of brown paper bag or a thin cloth over the gum. Set your iron on a low heat setting (no steam!). Gently iron over the covered gum. The heat will melt the gum, and it will stick to the paper or cloth. Keep moving the iron around to avoid scorching the fabric. You might need to change the paper or cloth a few times if there's a lot of gum.
5.Remove Gum with Steam
If you have a steam cleaner, hold it a few inches away from the gum and let the steam work its magic. The moisture and heat will soften the gum, making it easier to wipe away. Be careful not to soak the fabric too much, though, as it could cause water stains or damage.
6.Use Vinegar on Gum
Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and press it onto the gum. Let it sit for a few minutes. The vinegar can help break down the gum's sticky texture. Then, use a clean cloth or your fingertips to gently rub and lift the gum off. Rinse the area with water afterward.
7.Tackle Gum with Canned Air
Turn the can of canned air upside down and spray the gum. The extreme cold from the aerosol can freeze the gum on contact, making it brittle and easy to remove. Just be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong.
8.Use Gum-Removing Products
There are several commercial gum-removing products on the market. Follow the instructions on the label. Usually, you apply the product to the gum, let it sit for a while, and then wipe or scrape the gum away. These can be really handy if you're dealing with a particularly stubborn gum stain.
9.Remove Gum with Alcohol
Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and dab it onto the gum. The alcohol can dissolve the gum, making it easier to remove. Keep dabbing until the gum is gone. Be careful not to use too much alcohol on delicate fabrics, as it could cause discoloration.
10.Clean Gum with Detergent
Mix a small amount of your regular laundry detergent with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the gum and let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush or your fingertips. The detergent can help break down the gum and lift it from the fabric. Rinse thoroughly.
11.Remove Gum with Peanut Butter
Spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter over the gum. Let it sit for a few minutes. The oils in the peanut butter will help loosen the gum. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe away the peanut butter and gum. Wash the garment afterward to get rid of any remaining residue.
Let's Conquer This Gum Mess!
I know it feels like the end of the world when you see that gum on your clothes, but with these tips and a bit of determination, we can get through this. Let's show this sticky mess who's boss and keep our families looking presentable, no matter what kind of gum disasters come our way. After all, we're strong, resourceful moms, and we won't let a little gum ruin our day! And speaking of messes, if you've ever dealt with acrylic paint stains, you might feel just as overwhelmed. But don’t worry,check out Here’s how to get dried acrylic paint out of clothes
