top 10 ways to remove chewing gum from clothes.

smol’s top 10 chewing gum busters.

1. ice, ice baby.

Chilling is often the easiest way to harden gum so you can break it off.

• put an ice cube on the gum for a few minutes.
• no ice? Pop the item in a freezer bag and leave in the freezer for 3 hours. 
• wait for the gum to harden.
• scrape it off gently with a spoon or blunt knife.
• wash as normal with smol capsules or liquid.

2. blow-dry bye-bye.

Turns out, your hairdryer has many uses:

• lay your clothing flat.
• blast the gum with a hairdryer for 30 seconds at a time.
• as it softens, peel the gum away carefully.
• repeat if needed, then wash as usual according to clothing care label. 

3. full steam ahead.

There’s time for a cuppa later on, but first:

• wear some rubber gloves and be careful not to burn yourself.
• boil a kettle and hold the gum near the steam.
• as the gum softens, gently prise it off with a spoon.
• it may take a few rounds. Be patient, the tea can wait.

4. it’s in the can.

Got a can of compressed air for cleaning your keyboard?

• flip it upside down and spray the gum until it freezes solid.
• gently ease it off from your clothing. 
• wash as normal with the smol of your choice.
• this method is great for delicate fabrics or tricky spots.

5. iron it out.

• place some clean cardboard on your ironing board.
• put your garment gum-side down onto the card.
• iron the reverse (use a medium heat) for 15 to 30 seconds.
• the gum should stick to the cardboard and lift off.
• move to a fresh bit of card each time if you need to repeat.

6. vinegar vision.

• pour white vinegar into a microwave-safe dish.
• heat it for 1 minute until hot (not boiling).
• dip in an old toothbrush and gently scrub the gum.
• As it loosens it will clump up.
• Wipe with a clean cloth and repeat until gone.

7. surgical precision.

• soak a cotton pad or cloth in surgical spirit (isopropyl alcohol)l.
• press it into the gum and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
• gently peel or scrape the gum away.
• wash as normal.
• this method is great for synthetics or delicates.

8. gum vs gum.

Ok… bear with us because it works: 

• grab a fresh piece of chewed gum (sorry).
• dab it over the stuck gum and pull away quickly.
• the stickiness lifts the original stuck gum off.
• not got any fresh gum? Try duct tape instead.

9. super soap.

• rub smol laundry liquid or washing up liquid straight into the gum.
• use a toothbrush to gently work it in.
• the detergent breaks down the gum’s stickiness.
• rinse with cold water and wash as usual.

10. peanut butter power.

Yes, we saved the most fun method for last! 

• cover the gum in smooth peanut butter (sorry crunchy fans).
• leave for a few minutes.
• the oils will start to break down the gum.
• gently scrape the butter and gum off with a spoon.
• rinse thoroughly, then wash.

Warning: this is best on old clothes or lighter fabrics as the peanut butter can leave an oily stain.