How to remove chewing gum from clothes is a question that almost every inhabitant of our planet has asked at least once. No matter how tasty chewing gum is, and no matter how good it sometimes helps when fresh breath is urgently needed, it is unlikely that it will bring as much benefit and admiration when it ends up on your clothes or shoes, especially if it is a new thing.
It's even worse if you find chewing gum in your hair. In three out of five cases, this is a ticket to a beauty salon to see a hair specialist. Such an incident can happen to you at any inopportune moment and cause a lot of discomfort.
The most important thing to do when you suddenly find chewing gum stuck to your clothes is to remain calm. Do not commit rash and thoughtless actions. Do not try to scrape the gum off right away, because then you will only smear it all over your clothes, and getting rid of it will be an impossible task. Read this article, choose several methods that are most suitable for your situation and, strictly following the instructions, do them at home.
Ways to clean chewing gum from clothes
There are a huge number of different methods, each of which is suitable for a specific case depending on the type of fabric you have, its structure and the complexity of the work.
The main classification for methods for getting rid of chewing gum from clothes is the division into:
- cold acting methods;
- hot action methods;
- other.
Cold acting methods
- Removing gum using the freezer.This is perhaps the most effective and common method. You just need to put the stained item in the freezer and leave it there for several hours until the gum is completely frozen. Chewing gum turns to stone and falls off on its own, as it loses its properties when exposed to low temperatures.
- Using ice to combat chewing gum. If the item stained with chewing gum is large and simply does not fit in the freezer, you can use ice. The principle of operation of this method is the same as in the previous version, however, in this case, you need to apply ice to the stained area and wait until it freezes and falls off. You can help chewing gum by rubbing it with a blunt or thin object. This method is ideal for cleaning carpets, car seats, outerwear and any other large items.
Hot action methods
- Using boiling water. To carry out all the manipulations using this method safely and efficiently, you need an assistant. In this case, one person should pour boiling water on the gum, and the other should immediately scrape it off with a hard toothbrush. To achieve the best effect, you need to dip the area of clothing in boiling water and wait until the gum becomes soft and structureless. Next, without removing the item from the water, you need to tear off the chewing mass with a sharp object. After these steps, you should dry the item and, if necessary, repeat the steps.
- Method using an iron. To get rid of chewing gum using an iron, take any absorbent paper, gauze or napkin, apply it to the contaminated area and iron it with a hot iron.Do not forget about safety rules, and also remember the characteristics of the fabric you are working with. Delicate and thin items may not withstand high temperatures and will deteriorate. It is worth noting that after such a procedure, most likely, a white spot will remain on the fabric, but do not worry. It can be easily removed using any stain remover. You can also place a sheet of cardboard or paper under the bottom of the chewing gum and iron the area with the chewing gum from the back side until the chewing gum remains on the sheet.
- Hairdryer With the help of a vein, you can not only dry your hair and style your hair, but also quickly and easily get rid of chewing gum on clothes. To do this, you just need to warm up the stuck gum with a stream of hot air and scrape it off the surface with a hard toothbrush. If necessary, the item must be washed.
Other ways to remove chewing gum from clothes
- Using vinegar. This method is most effective for cleaning denim fabrics. To perform this cleaning method, you need to heat a small amount of vinegar and rub it into the area with the chewing gum using a toothbrush, then scrape it off using the same brush.
- The most absurd, but at the same time quite effective method is to get rid of chewing gum using the same material. All you need to do is take used chewing gum and stick and peel one piece of gum to another with sharp movements. This way, your newly stuck gum will simply come off the item along with the new gum.
- Application of a special spray. Special hardware and chemical stores sell a spray for removing chewing gum from fabric.Its action is similar to that described in cold cleaning methods. The spray freezes the mass and promotes its rapid removal. To do this method, you need to apply a small amount of spray to the chewing gum and wait a few seconds for it to act on the material.
- Chemical method. To get rid of chewing gum, you can use a number of toluene-based chemicals. Any technical liquid with such a component in its composition must be applied to the soiled area and wait until the material dissolves during a chemical reaction between the substances of the liquid and chewing gum. The chemical method can also include the use of stain removers when washing damaged items. An effective method in this case is Using acetone to get rid of chewing gum. However, it is only suitable for fabrics that do not fade. In this case, you need to apply a small amount of liquid to the chewing gum, wait until it dissolves and scrape it off with a brush.
- Using Peanut Butter. In this case, it is worth remembering only one rule: peanut oil should under no circumstances get on a clean area of clothing. To do this method, you need to apply a little peanut butter to the gum and scrape it off with a brush. Then wash the item in your usual detergent. If oil does end up on clothes, the contaminated area must be doused with a stain remover before washing.
- Chemically pure. This method is used in the most severe cases, when the thing cannot be saved at home, or if a person simply does not want to work on this issue on his own.
- Washing things. This method is used if the chewing gum has become deeply embedded in the fabric and has dried out.To do this method, you need to soak the damaged item in washing powder and a strong stain remover. The main condition in this case is the use of a large amount of cleanser.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that in the matter of removing chewing gum from fabric, the main thing is patience and perseverance. Carry out a set of cleaning measures, carefully follow the advice, and the problem of chewing gum stuck on your clothes will no longer be a problem for you.
