Chewing gum stuck to a car seat can make us dizzy! Luckily, there are several ways you can clean the gum and all the sticky residue! Be prepared to try more than one cleaning method.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Freezing Chewing Gum
Step 1. Use ice in the bag
Put 3 to 4 ice cubes in a plastic bag, then tie the bag tightly. If there is no ice at home, buy a freezer pack.
- The bag helps to contain the melted ice cubes.
- If you're worried that water will leak out of the plastic, use a lined bag.
Step 2. Glue the pouch to the gum
Stick the ice pack directly over the gum. Allow it to sit on the gum for 5 minutes, or until the gum hardens and becomes brittle.
- The ice will freeze or harden the gum. Hard, non-sticky gum is easier to clean.
- You can also hold the ice pack while attaching it to the gum. Wrap your hands in a towel to prevent them from freezing.
Step 3. Clean the hardened gum
Use a putty knife or a dull knife to lift the hard gum off the seat. The knife will remove all or most of the remaining gum.
- Position the knife flat against the seat when cleaning the gum to prevent the upholstery from being punctured by the knife.
- Do it patiently. It may take you a long time to lift the gum off the seat. Do it slowly to avoid the cloth stabbed with a knife.
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning Chewing Gum and Stubborn Chewing Gum
Step 1. Remove the gum from the upholstery or vinyl with white vinegar
Soak a small piece of cloth in warm white vinegar, then rub the cloth against the gum. Let the vinegar soak into the candy for a few minutes. The vinegar will loosen the gum and cause it to rise to the top. After that, clean the gum that has softened with your fingers or tweezers.
- Use this method to remove gum from fabric or vinyl. Don't do it on leather upholstery.
- To speed up the cleaning process, preheat the vinegar.
Step 2. Brush and wash off the remaining candy
Mix 1 tbsp. liquid dish soap, 1 tbsp. white vinegar, and 2 cups warm water in a medium-sized bowl. Stir the solution until it forms a soapy lather. Dip a toothbrush, nail brush, or clean cloth in the solution, then gently rub off the remaining gum. Repeat as necessary. Wipe the area you scrubbed with a clean, damp cloth to absorb the solution. Air-dry the upholstery or dry with a clean towel.
Step 3. Remove the remaining gum with masking tape
Tear off a piece of tape and stick it to the rest of the gum. Pull the tape, then the rest of the gum will come off. Repeat as necessary.
- This method is safe for use on upholstery covered with leather.
- If after applying the freezing method you find that there is still some gum remaining on the seat, this method will completely clean it.
Step 4. Clean the affected area with a commercial degreaser
Spray the degreaser on a clean, damp cloth. Rub the remaining gum with a cloth. Take another cloth, soak it in cold water, then use it to wipe any remaining gum or commercial degreaser off the upholstery.
Make sure you read the degreaser instructions before use! Make sure the product is safe to use on fabric, vinyl, or leather upholstery before you use it
Step 5. Clean the upholstery
Once the gum has been removed, clean and/or moisten the affected area. Use products that are suitable for fabric or leather car seats.
- Clean the upholstery with an upholstery cleaner. This product is able to clean chewing gum stains.
- Protect the car seat by applying leather conditioner to the gum affected area. Conditioner will prevent your car seats from cracking.
