How To Remove Gum from Clothes

Yuck, you've got gum all over your clothes! You've picked off as much as you can but that dreaded gum is still there. Instead of yelling and throwing a fit, why not try some methods that will often remove the gum from the clothing?

Boiling method

1. Cover the area in boiling water.
2. Let the garment soak in water.
3.While under hot water scrape off the gum with a knife or something sharp.
4. Scrub the fabric while still immersed in boiling water.
5. Let the garment dry and repeat as necessary.

Gas (Petrol) Method

1. Put some gas on the cloth where you have gum. Gas (aka "petrol") dissolves the gum. Be very careful, since gasoline is flammable and hazardous. Use as little as will work.
2. Wash the clothing, by itself, according to its normal laundering instructions to remove any odor you have from the gas.
3. If you don't have any Gas (Petrol), alcohol such as Gin can work just as well!

Freezing Method

1. Fold the clothing so that the gum faces outwards.
2. Place this into a plastic bag, making sure the gum does not stick to the bag. If you can't figure out a way to keep the gum from sticking to the bag, place the article of clothing on top of the bag.
3. Seal the bag and place into the freezer for several hours (depending on the size of the gum and the garment) until it feels frozen. If you put the fabric on top of the bag rather than in it, make sure there's enough room in the freezer so that the clothing isn't touching anything in there except the plastic bag it's sitting on. 
4. Remove from the freezer, open the bag and take out the contents. Peel the gum off the clothing as quickly as possible with an old, dull knife or a butter knife (to avoid cutting the fabric). Do not allow the gum to thaw out, as the freezing solidifies it and makes it easier to scrape off. If the gum does thaw out before you get it all off, freeze the garment again or use an ice cube (see Tips below). 

Ironing Method

1. Place the article with the gum facing downwards onto a piece of cardboard.
2. Set an iron to medium heat.
3. Iron the clothing until the gum is no longer on the article, but has been transfered to the cardboard.

Peanut Butter Method

1. Spread peanut butter all over the gum itself. Keep in mind that the peanut butter is likely to get on the fabric and may stain it because it's a very oily substance. In case the peanut butter does leave a stain, use a liquid stain remover to remove the oils left by the peanut butter prior to washing. Alternatively, WD-40 works amazingly well.
2. Scrape gently with a blunt knife, exposing as much of the gum as possible to the peanut butter, which adheres to the gum so that the gum no longer adheres to the fabric.
3. Wait until the gum gets softer and loses its sticking ability.
4. Scrape the gum off the clothing.

Vinegar Method

1. Heat a cup of vinegar.
2. Dip a toothbrush in the hot vinegar and then rub the gum with it. Do it quickly, since the vinegar works best when it's hot. 
3. Continue dipping and rubbing until the gum is gone. Reheat the vinegar as needed.
4. Wash the garment to remove the vinegar smell.

Liquid Laundry Soap Method

1. Cover the gummy area in liquid laundry soap.
2. Use a toothbrush to rub the laundry soap into the gum, breaking it up.
3. Use a blunt knife and gently scrape at the gum.
4. Lastly, use your fingernail to scrape the remaining gum off the fabric.
5. Throw it in the washing machine.

Lighter Fluid Method

1. Soak the back of the area where gum is stuck in old fashioned Lighter Fluid - the kind that comes in a can to fill old style cigarette lighters.
2. Turn the item back over, and you should be able to easily scrape away the gum.
3. Use a little more to finish the job, then rinse thoroughly before you launder it or clean as usual. Neither home nor commercial washers and (especially) dryers are intended to dispose of flammable liquids.

Ironing Method

1. By simply ironing the affected areas the gum will slowly disintegrate to the point were it is no longer visible. After washing the material the gum is all the way removed.

Goof Off Method

1. This is not a plug-it works! You can buy this at any hardware store.
2. First squirt a little Goof Off on a hidden area to make sure it won't remove color.
3. Now squirt some on the gum. Immediately scrape with a butter knife.
4. Rub remaining gum with paper towel to remove residue.
5. May have to squirt a little more Goof Off onto residue and wipe some more with paper towel.
6. Leave garment outside until Goof Off completely evaporates.
7. There is a product called Goo Gone that also works very well and washes easily out of clothing. You can get it at most grocery, drug, or department stores, or online.

Tips

• Try rubbing an ice cube on the gum to freeze it if there is only a very small piece of gum on the clothing. To avoid the fabric getting wet as the ice melts, place a plastic barrier (such as plastic wrap) between the ice and the fabric. Once the gum is completely frozen, scrape it off with a butter knife quickly as described above. 
• If all else fails, or if you don't want to risk damaging a delicate or expensive piece of clothing, take it to a reputable cleaner who can apply special solvents that will not stain or damage the fabric. It will cost you, but it's your best chance at saving a valued garment.

Warnings

• Vinegar, peanut butter, and any other substances not intended for this use can damage the fabric.
• Rubbing with a toothbrush, scraping with a blunt knife, or applying heat may also permanently ruin the garment.
• Do not use flammable cleaning fluids near heat, sparks (including "static"), or any exposed electrical connection.
• Petrol (gasoline) is a known carcinogen and is proven to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Avoid contact with skin and inhalation of fumes.