Remove Stuck Chewing Gum Without Damaging Your Carpet

Chewing gum getting stuck on the walls is not as much trouble as it does when gum is stuck to your carpet. Gum stuck to concrete surfaces is easy to remove with some detergent and mild scrubbing. However, most people use ineffective methods, which results in uneven patches on the carpet. If you are also ​​[...]

one of those who panic, here are some tips you must try.

Act As Fast As You Can

With time, stuck gum will be more difficult to remove. Also, someone could step on it and makes matters worse by dragging it across the home. Hence, when you notice the gum, remove large chunks of it with your fingers or use paper towels. Pluck off the smaller bits clinging to the carpet with tweezers. But be careful not to tug hard at those fine fibers.

Remove Gum From Carpets In Easy Steps

You also cannot throw the carpet into the wash as you do with washable fabrics. Hence, you need to follow the right approach to remove gum.

Using water, hot and cold treatments or peanut butter to remove stuck chewing gum are common methods preferred by most people. But in the process, they damage the fine fibers of the carpet with excessive scrubbing or plucking.

Cold And Hot Method

Steps to follow:

1. Cold – Place ice cubes in a zip-lock bag or a bowl and rub on the gum to freeze it. Gum gets firmer when chilled, and after around 10 minutes, it is easier to scrape off. Using a dull knife or a plastic spoon, scrape it off. But make sure you don’t pull too hard.
2. Hot – Place a paper towel on the stuck gum and use iron on it, adjusted to a low setting. This heat melts the gum, which gets attached to the paper towel. You can remove it easily until you get out all the remaining gum. If there is a stain, keep on ironing until everything looks uniform.

Alternatively, you can also use a hair dryer by setting it on medium heat. Wear a plastic bag on your hand and direct the hot air onto the gum. When the gum melts, remove it with your plastic bag covered hand.

Remove Gum with Peanut Butter Method

Steps to follow:

1. Apply peanut butter – Use a rich amount of creamy peanut butter on the carpet where the gum got stuck. Leave it in for several minutes.
2. Use damp cloth – Using a damp white cloth, blot the peanut butter and grab it. This removes residual gum along with peanut butter.
3. Rinse and dry – Rinse using soapy water or lemon juice and pat dry. Air dry the carpet or use a hairdryer.

Alternatively, use vinegar or any other butter. But make sure it is soft and creamy. Apply a limited amount onto the affected areas only, so as to prevent staining the whole carpet.

Remove Gum with Liquid Detergent Method

Steps to follow:

1. Apply detergent – Pour liquid detergent on the areas where the gum is stuck to the carpet.
2. Rub the carpet – Use a cleaning brush to scrape off the gum from the carpet. Remember to use gentle strokes until you get out every last piece.
3. Rinse with water – Rinse it off with water to remove remaining amounts of detergent and the tiniest traces of gum.
4. Dry with a towel – Pat the area dry using a blotting or paper towel. Make sure there is no liquid left in the carpet fibers. 

Contact Kwik Dry to Preserve Your Carpets For Many Years to Come

The above tips are only helpful when you do them the right way. However, it is not always possible. Getting help from a professional carpet cleaning will work wonders for your home.

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About the Author: Jason Knight
​Jason Knight is the founder and owner of Kwik Dry Floor to Ceiling Cleaning & Restoration. Since 2008, Kwik Dry has been a family-owned business dedicated to providing the highest quality cleaning and restoration services. We began in Greenville, Illinois and in May 2014 we opened up our new location in Gulf Shores, Alabama where we have continued to serve residential and commercial clients with the same value and commitment. Today we are happily serving residents and businesses along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida including Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Pensacola, Perdido Key and surrounding areas. We use the exclusive Kwik Dry cleaning system, featuring an All-Natural Citrus Cleaner that is SAFE for kids and pets and dries in about an hour. We provide professional residential and commercial cleaning for carpets, tile and grout, ceilings and more. We generously provide each of our customers with exceptional customer service and the cleanest ceilings, floors and surfaces possible. Learn about us on our website or call us with any questions. We're looking forward to giving you a cleaning experience worth talking about.