Realizing that you have managed to get chewing gum stuck somewhere can be a frustrating situation. This is especially true if the gum is nestled snugly within your child’s hair or you find that you have inadvertently created a stylish pink bubble gum design in your white carpeting! The first step in the chewing gum removal process is not to panic. The sight of gum stuck where it doesn’t belong can produce a knee jerk reaction in some people which usually results in them launching into action with a plethora of cleaning products and making the situation worse.
There are obviously commercially prepared gum removal solutions that do the job. They can offer the benefit of a one-stop removal process, but they do have drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is that the chemicals used in these preparations could potentially damage the fabric or material you are using it on. In addition when did you last buy commercial chewing gum remover? Do you have some in the kitchen right now? No, didn’t think so! Instead you might want to try some of the following chewing gum removal tips. These are both environmentally friendly and in addition most of the ingredients can be found right in your own home so you can get started immediately.
If you discover chewing gum stuck in your carpet, try placing a few ice cubes in a plastic bag. Small sandwich bags or freezer bags work well for this purpose. After placing the chilled bag on the gum, you simply wait. The waiting can be the hardest part of this process, but it is necessary, you can only proceed once the ice has frozen the chewing gum and then you simply chip it away. This method can also work on fabrics as well.
A more “hard core” approach to taking gum off of clothing can sometimes be necessary. Depending on the material you are working with, gasoline or liquid lighter fuel may work to dissolve the gum. This usually works better for heavier fabrics. You do need to remember that these are highly flammable and that you should not use it near a naked flame nor in a confined space, remember also to wash the item immediately after removing the gum. Alternatively harden the gum by putting the garment in the fridge or freezer.
Probably the worst place for chewing gum to appear is in someone’s hair, this is a parents nightmare, particularly for small girls. If it’s in your hair it can be a horrifying experience. But before you feel that panic taking hold and reach for the scissors and give yourself a new “punk” hairdo, visit your kitchen. There are two things in your kitchen that can help you become gum free and neither will involve you losing chunks of hair!
Believe it or not, peanut butter can actually remove gum from hair. OK it’s messy (and a bit smelly) but if the choice is between losing your hair or smelly a bit nutty, most people will choose the latter. You simply apply a generous amount of peanut butter to the hair that is surrounding the gum, and massage it in gently. This takes some time but it really does work. The same chewing gum removal method works for salad oil. This is a bit more slippery and requires patience, but it will take the gum out of your hair. Naturally you’ll want to shampoo your hair several times after using any of these gum removal methods.
For shoes, try taking a can of WD-40 and spraying the area of the shoe with the gum stuck to it. Allow at least one minute to pass. Then use a paper towel or rag to wipe away the gum and the oily spray from the sole of the shoe. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the shoe a second time to remove any additional residue. Repeat process if any sticky residue remains. Then throw the rag or paper towels away once you have finished.
Gum can be removed from almost anything it becomes stuck to. The main key to remember is with a bit of work and patience your hair; furniture, shoes and clothing can be good as new.
