Do you know how to remove chewing gum from your clothes? Chewing gum is one of the most difficult substances to remove from clothing, especially once it is had time to harden off. And it is not only difficult to remove from clothes! Local Authorities regularly spend huge amounts of money trying to eradicate the problem of chewing gum stuck to pavements, bus shelters and buildings.
But if you have ever leaned against a hot radiator in an office or classroom, only to discover that melted chewing gum has stuck to your clothing as a result, the last thing you are likely to care about are budget problems down at the local Council offices. So what is the best way to sort the problem of removing chewing gum from your clothes?
The best way to remove chewing gum is while it is fresh. You might be lucky enough to find that once you have scraped the gum off, there is no residue left and your clothes have survived the unfortunate encounter. If this is not the case, read on for some useful tips on how to remove chewing gum from your clothes.
Method 1: One tried and tested method of removing chewing gum from clothing or fabric is to freeze the gum. Obviously this is impossible if the gum has attached itself to your sofa—not many people are lucky enough to have a freezer the size of the two car garage—but if the gum has stuck to your clothing, remove the item, place it in a plastic bag, and pop it into the freezer. Ice packs can be placed in larger items, although this will not be as effective.
Frozen gum can be removed far more easily than soft and sticky gum. Use a sharp knife and gently lift the hard gum from the fabric, but take care not to damage the garment. If the chewing gum begins to soften again, simply stick the garment back in the freezer until it is hard.
Method 2: Another method of removing chewing gum from items or clothing is to use vinegar. White vinegar should be a staple in everyone’s store cupboard as it has a number of useful applications for stain removal and general cleaning around the home. In this instance, white vinegar helps to break the bond between the chewing gum and the fibres of the garment. Warm the white vinegar and apply to the affected area using a soft cloth. The vinegar should soften the gum enough to allow you to lift the piece away from the fabric easily. Once the gum has been removed, wash the item to remove any remaining residue of gum and vinegar.
Method 3: WD40 can be used on chewing gum stains, although it should never be used on delicate fabrics, as the chemicals will probably ruin the garment. Leave the solvent to soak in and once the gum has softened, scrape it off gently.
Method 4: Alcohol is also a useful solvent for the removal of chewing gum. It is probably better not to throw a bottle of your father’s best vodka on the stain, but application of some cheap clear alcohol such as gin should help to soften the gum enough to allow you to remove it.
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