I. Introduction
We’ve all had it happen to us at some point, you’re innocently walking down the street or sitting at a restaurant and suddenly notice gum stuck to our clothes. It’s frustrating, unsightly and can ruin your favorite outfit. Fortunately, there are several DIY methods that can remove gum from clothing, so you don’t have to throw the garment away. In this article, we’ll explore six of the most effective methods for removing gum from clothing.
II. The Freezer Method
The freezer method involves removing the gum by freezing it, which makes it easier to peel off. This method can work on a wide variety of fabrics but works best on those that cannot be washed in hot water or machine dried.
Step 1: Place the clothing in a plastic bag.
This will prevent the gum from spreading to other areas of the fabric. Ensure that the bag is tightly sealed.
Step 2: Put the bag in the freezer.
Leave the garment in the freezer for at least two hours, this will harden the gum.
Step 3: Remove the clothing from the freezer.
Take the garment out of the freezer and remove it from the plastic bag.
Step 4: Peel off the gum.
With a blunt object like a spoon, scrape the gum off the clothing. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Advantages:
The freezer method is both simple and safe to use on most fabrics.
Disadvantages:
It can take some time to work, and on certain fabrics, it may leave a residue behind.
III. Hot Vinegar Method
The hot vinegar method works by dissolving the gum so that it can easily be wiped away. This method is best used on clothes that can handle high heat.
Step 1: Soak a cloth in hot vinegar.
Fill a bowl with white vinegar and microwave it until it’s hot. Soak a cloth or rag in the vinegar until it’s saturated.
Step 2: Apply the cloth to the gum.
Apply the vinegar-saturated cloth directly to the gum and let it sit for 30-60 seconds.
Step 3: Scrape off the gum.
Using a spoon or blunt object, scrape the gum off the fabric, being careful not to damage it.
Advantages:
The hot vinegar method is both inexpensive and easy to execute.
Disadvantages:
The vinegar may cause discoloration on certain fabrics.
IV. Ice Cube Method
The ice cube method is an easy and inexpensive technique that involves hardening the gum with ice before removing it. It works best on clothes that can be washed in hot water or mailed washed.
Step 1: Freeze the gum with an ice cube.
Put an ice cube on the gum, and let it sit for several minutes until the gum has hardened.
Step 2: Scrape off the gum.
Using a spoon or blunt object, scrape off the gum from the fabric. If the gum is still sticky, freeze it again and scrape it off later.
Advantages:
The ice cube method is very effective and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Disadvantages:
This method may not be as effective on heavier fabrics.
V. Boiling Water Method
The boiling water method works by dissolving the gum and freeing it from the fabric, making it easy to wipe away. It’s best used for clothes that can withstand high heat.
Step 1: Boil the water.
Boil water in a pot or kettle until it’s hot.
Step 2: Pour the hot water onto the gum.
Pour the hot water directly onto the gum-covered area, being careful not to get the water on the rest of the clothing.
Step 3: Wipe the gum away.
Using a cloth or rag, wipe the gum away.
Advantages:
The boiling water method is fast, easy and can be performed with everyday household items.
Disadvantages:
This method can be dangerous and has the potential to burn your skin if you’re not careful.
VI. Rubbing Alcohol Method
The rubbing alcohol method disrupts the sticky bonds in the gum, making it easier to remove. It can work on most fabrics and is easily accessible.
Step 1: Saturate the gum with rubbing alcohol.
Use a cotton ball or cloth to apply rubbing alcohol to the gum-covered area.
Step 2: Allow the alcohol to sit for several minutes.
Wait for a minute or two and let the rubbing alcohol soak into the gum.
Step 3: Scrape off the gum.
Using a spoon, blunt object or your fingers, gently scrape the gum off the fabric.
Advantages:
The rubbing alcohol method is generally very useful and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond rubbing alcohol.
Disadvantages:
This method can take some time, and you must avoid spilling rubbing alcohol on other areas of the clothing.
VII. Duct Tape Method
The duct tape method is an uncomplicated and convenient technique that works by sticking the tape to the gum and pulling it off. The tape pulls the gum off the fabric, leaving no residue.
Step 1: Stick the duct tape onto the gum.
Stick one end of the duct tape onto the gum and press it down firmly.
Step 2: Pull off the duct tape.
Peel off the duct tape, which should pull the gum off the fabric. If some gum is left, use another piece of tape to pull it off.
Advantages:
The duct tape method is very quick and convenient.
Disadvantages:
This method may not effectively remove all gum from the fabric, and the tape can leave residue on certain fabrics.
VIII. Conclusion
There are many effective methods to remove gum from clothing, from the freezer method, which works best for delicate fabrics, to the duct tape method, which is ideal for removing gum quickly and efficiently. It’s worth noting that each method should be used appropriately, following the instructions and considering the fabric type.
To sum up, the best method to use depends on your fabric, the severity of the gum’s grip, and personal preference. Most importantly, try not to panic when gum ends up on your clothes, as one of the six methods listed is likely to eliminate it quickly and efficiently.
Further Advice and Tips:
- If you’re using chemical agents like rubbing alcohol or vinegar, test them on a small, unexposed area of the fabric first,
- Wash the clothing in hot water and soap once you’ve successfully removed the gum,
- If you don’t want to use any of the DIY methods, visit a dry cleaner, who can professionally remove the gum,
- Buy chewing gum removers.
