05 May 2023
Well, here’s a sticky situation that nobody wants… finding chewing gum plastered to your clothing is pretty unpleasant, not least because it could belong to somebody else!
But don’t panic because there are ways to remove the gum and save your item of clothing.
Before we get started though, remember our 3 smol basics on chewing gum removal:
- Patch test your method on a small area of clothing first. You don’t want to discolour your item.
- Take your time. If you rush you are more likely to damage your clothing.
- If the gum has left a mark once removed - pre-treat with smol stain gel before washing as normal.
So… time to pick a method.
1. blown away.
Hairdryers aren’t just for the salon.
- Lay your clothing on a flat surface.
- Grab your hairdryer, aim it at the gum and turn it on.
- Aim the dryer away every few seconds so your clothing doesn’t overheat.
- When the gum is hot enough it will start to melt.
- Peel it away gently when it is melting.
- Wash as normal with your smol capsule of choice.
2. full steam ahead.
No time for a brew, there’s work to do.
- Boil your kettle.
- Hold the gum near to the steam (but not directly over it).
- The heat will melt the gum.
- Peel it away gently when it starts to melt.
- Repeat until the gum is all gone.
- Wash as normal with your smol capsule of choice.
3. just chill.
If you can’t stand the heat, just head to the freezer.
- Place an ice cube on top of the gum.
- Put a second cube underneath the chewing gum.
- Once frozen, the gum will go hard.
- Use a spoon or blunt item to scrape it away.
- Wash as normal with your smol capsule of choice.
And if you don’t have any ice cubes ready made to hand you can also use your freezer.
- Place the gummy clothing in a see through freezer bag.
- Make sure the gum isn’t touching any other parts of your clothing.
- Pop the bag in the freezer for 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, the gum will go hard.
- Use a spoon or blunt item to scrape it away.
- Wash as normal with your smol capsule of choice.
4. that’s the spirit!
Clear vinegar to the rescue once again!
- Pour one cup of white spirit vinegar into a microwavable dish.
- Heat for around 1 minute or until the vinegar is hot.
- Dip a clean old toothbrush into the vinegar and gently rub the chewing gum.
- The acid will loosen the gum from your clothing.
- When you see clumps of gum on your brush - remove them and continue.
- Wash as normal with a smol capsule of your choice.
5. a pressing engagement.
An iron is not just for creases.
- Place some cardboard on your ironing board.
- Set your iron to a medium temperature.
- Lay your clothing down with the chewing gum face down onto the cardboard.
- Iron the back of your clothing.
- The heat will melt the gum, allowing it to stick to the cardboard.
- Gently pull your clothing off of the card so the gum stays on the cardboard.
- If you need to repeat the steps - use a clean bit of cardboard each time.
- Wash as normal with a smol capsule of your choice.
And remember, our 3 smol basics will help whichever method you choose.
- Patch test your method on a small area of clothing first. You don’t want to discolour your item.
- Take your time. If you rush you are more likely to damage your clothing.
- If the gum has left a mark once removed - pre-treat with smol stain gel before washing as normal.
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