You don't need 12 different ways to remove gum from clothing - you just need ONE way that works. This is the only method you'll need to get gum off of your clothes or any other fabric. Please read this before you smear peanut butter all over your pants.
That right there is bum gum. I have no idea how it got there all I know is when I took my jeans out of the washing machine AND the dryer, I saw it. So not only was I dealing with chewing gum bum, I was dealing with bum gum that had gone through a variety of procedures that ensured it was completely baked on.
I've never been so happy in my life. For AGES I've wanted to show you this gum removal trick.
As luck would have it I must have sat on some gum recently, allowing me to fulfill one of my greatest dreams as a blogger. Showing you how to get gum off of clothing. Any fabric really.
I've already taught you how to remove stickers from glass, permanent markers from walls, ticks from any body part and various other critical lessons in removing things from where they shouldn't be. WARTS! I also showed you how to remove plantar warts.
Therefore it is with great pleasure I present to you my bum gum. And the removal of it.
Table of Contents
Video
How to get gum out of clothing
Like I said in the opening, you don't need a zillion options to get rid of stuck on chewing gum. You just need one that works. And this is that method.
I know this because I've tried all the methods.
It works by dissolving the sticky stuff in the gum, letting you pull it away from the fabric. Not with your fingers though.
Materials
Q-Tips
Rubbing Alcohol
Duct Tape
- Dip a Q tip into rubbing alcohol and soak the offending gum. In these photos I'm only removing the top blob of gum.
2. Allow the rubbing alcohol to sit for 45 seconds or so.
3. Press a piece of duct tape onto the gum and pull it away.
4. Repeat pressing the duct tape to the gum over and over until it's all gone.
If the gum doesn't start to lift within the first 2 or 3 pulls with the duct tape you can soak the gum with rubbing alcohol on a Q Tip, wait another 45 seconds and try again. It will work.
The gum is gone.
How Does Rubbing Alcohol Get Gum Out of Clothes?
When it's wet the rubbing alcohol breaks down the polymers (the sticky stuff) in the gum. After 45 seconds or so of sitting the alcohol has had time to break down the polymers and then dry so you can use the duct tape to remove the gum.
It won't stain, ruin or damage delicate materials like silk or satin.
How to Remove Gum From Clothing.
How to remove gum from fabric (even silk or satin) with no mess.
Materials
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Q Tip
- Duct Tape
Instructions
- Dip a Q tip into rubbing alcohol and soak the offending gum. In these photos I’m only removing the top blob of gum.
- Allow the rubbing alcohol to sit for 45 seconds or so.
- Press a piece of duct tape onto the gum and pull it away.
- Repeat pressing the duct tape to the gum over and over until it’s all gone.
Notes
If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand and are experiencing a gum emergency you can:
1. Put the garment in the freezer to make the gum hard enough to scrape off.
2. Soak the gum in vinegar and use a toothbrush to scrub it off.
3. Use a commercial adhesive remover like Goof Off or Goo Gone.
3 Other Methods for Removing Gum
Honestly, you don't need another method. This one works. But if you don't have alcohol on hand you can try one of these methods.
- Soak the gum in vinegar and scrub it with a toothbrush.
- Put the garment into the freezer to harden the gum then try to pick the chewing gum off with a blunt knife or your fingernail. (gross)
- Put an ice cube in a plastic bag and hold it over the gum until the gum is frozen. (if you don't put the ice cube in a baggie you'll get the gum and clothing all wet which will make it harder to remove)
- Use an adhesive remover like Goof Off or Goo Gone.
I have not tried or tested any of these methods other than Goof off and Goo Gone, which I can tell you do work but are messy and in the case of Goof Off, stinky.
Now that you're armed with this information get out there and wink at men, wink at women, shake your ass around; fully confident that even if you have bum gum no one will notice because you are radiating with the confidence of someone who knows how to easily remove it.
Kassi
This really works, and fast. I had gum on sheets and pillow case and it came off like a breeze!
Karen
That's great! ~ karen
Kat - the other 1
Great! Now how to remove melted chocolate from the butt of white jeans?
Asking for a friend. No really! Its happened to her multiple times. Don't know why she keeps putting Hershey's kisses in her back pocket. Then forgetting. And sitting... Lol
Ladybird
What should you do when the “ass-gum” gets stuck onto the inside of a clothes dryer? This happened to me yesterday and it won’t come off 😳! Help!!
dustanddoghair
Tragically, my ass shakes involuntarily...so it’s rarely with gum-less pride, more like bc of pizza.
Anywho, I am BIG into this wonderful solution, because I always keep gum (and dog treats) in my pockets. Then I launder my clothes and have treat crumbs, which are easily removed, in one pocket. Alas, I have gum wads, less easily removed, in the other.
But tbh, I would’ve happily read this if only for the phrase “ass gum,” forever added to my lexicon along with “ass toothpaste” bc I often do my makeup while sitting on the countertop next to the sink.
Also, yay border opening!!!
Lynn
Thank you Karen
Lynda Boonstra
What about built up adhesive from sanitary pads on the edges of underwear? I have no idea why it's building up, but it is.
Maureen
My best removal method for the adhesive build-up is to soak the stuck up panties. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes. The adhesive and plastic should peel right off. If it's just the glue, it is a bit pickier to remove, but the same process.
/anne...
I acquired some on a pair of red leather boots. I can state with authority that leaving them for 30 years enables you to easily pick off the gum.
Elizabeth
okay any guesses on if this works on pine pitch! I worked a bit too close to some weeping white pines yesterday. oops...its in my hair. lol.
Kat - the other 1
I've always heard for things like that in hair to use either peanut butter, olive (or vegetable) oil, or mayo.
Garth Wunsch
Try butter