How to clean gum from fabric: effective ways

Chewing gum is a favorite treat for many people, especially children, and a real headache for those who are responsible for laundry in the family. If a chewed gum lump sticks to the fabric, you're in for a real problem.

However, over the years that have passed since the invention of chewing polymer, many effective ways have been invented to remove it from clothing and textiles. OBOZ.UA tells you about them in detail.

Tip one: first remove, then wash

Don't throw a gum-stained garment straight into the washing machine. And even more so in the tumble dryer. When exposed to high temperatures, gum can melt and penetrate very deeply into the fibers. All you have to do after that is say goodbye to the item forever.

Tip two: cold

You might assume that if heat has a bad effect on the gum-cleaning process, then cold should help with it, on the contrary. And this assumption will be correct. Put the stained item in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for one to two hours. Or until the lump of chewing polymer is completely frozen. After that, take the item out and scrape off the contamination with a butter knife or plastic card. Often, you can remove the gum after freezing with your fingers.

You can also put a few ice cubes in an ice pack on the stained area. After 20-30 minutes, try to peel off the gum. If it doesn't work, replace the ice and keep the item for another 20-30 minutes. This is a convenient way to clean, for example, carpets.

Tip three: the iron

After reading this, it may seem paradoxical, but you can clean gum with an iron. The trick is to heat the gum to another object. Place a piece of thin cardboard or several layers of paper towels on the ironing board. Arrange the item so that the gum is touching the paper and run the iron over it on the opposite side of the fabric. The heat will melt the polymer and it will stick to the paper. But do not heat the iron too much. This will only make the gum penetrate deeper into the fabric.

Tip four: vinegar

Vinegar is an all-purpose disinfectant and cleaner. It is also the best way to remove gum from clothes. Heat some plain white vinegar in the microwave or over a fire until it is warm but not hot. Dip an old toothbrush or cotton swab in the warm substance and start scrubbing the chewing gum until it begins to come off the fabric. The acid of the vinegar will soften the gum, and it will be easy to remove from the textile. Pick up the remnants with your fingers or a butter knife.

Tip five: medical alcohol

Alcohol, like vinegar, can weaken the polymers in chewing gum. Dampen a sponge or cloth with alcohol and press it against the stain for at least 30 seconds. When the alcohol dries, the gum should be easily scraped off. This method of cleaning will not harm even silk and satin.

Tip six: final processing

After such cleaning, most of the chewing gum residue should disappear. But it is better to clean the fabric from the residue at the end. To do this, spray a mixture of dishwashing detergent and vinegar onto the stain and leave it on for 15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water and wash the item as usual.

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