Many people like chewing gum as a snack to train the jaw, relieve boredom, and even help quit smoking. Unfortunately, sometimes the gum sticks where you don't want it, like on the carpet. If you have gum stuck to your carpet, you can take several steps to remove it and prevent the stain from becoming permanent.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Freezing Chewing Gum
Step 1. Freeze the gum using ice
Put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag with a lid and place them on top of the bubble gum. Alternatively, you can also freeze the gum quickly by spraying it with a duster at close range, or placing dry ice on the gum.
- This freezing method works best on chewing gum that's just stuck to the carpet and doesn't sink too deep into the carpet fibers.
- Make sure the gum is frozen and not just chilled before you move on to the next step.
Step 2. Scrape the gum off the carpet using a metal spatula or butter knife
Using a slicing motion, gently lift the gum from the carpet fibers. Let the gum crack and break into small pieces, then clean it. Rub ice on hard-to-clean areas and repeat if necessary.
Step 3. Clean the area to remove any remaining residue
Dip a washcloth in a slightly vinegared soap solution, then gently rub the gum-affected area to complete the cleaning process. Dry with a towel and don't step on the area unless it's dry.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Chewing Gum with Oil
Step 1. Do a test on a hidden area of the carpet before you apply the oil to remove the gum
Some types of oil can change the color or bleach the carpet. Don't let the stain get bigger. Apply a little oil on the hidden area and check for any discoloration. The oil reduces the stickiness of the gum, making it easier for you to remove it from the carpet fibers. Try removing the gum from the carpet using one of the following oils:
- Eucalyptus oil
- Olive oil
- Peanut butter
- NOTE: Once the gum has been removed, you must thoroughly clean the grease adhering to the carpet.
Step 2. Use a cloth to apply oil to the gum
Do not pour the oil directly on the gum. You'll find it easier to direct the oil to the problem spot by applying it to a cloth first. Moisten the lump of gum with oil repeatedly using a cleaning cloth.
Step 3. Use a butter knife to gently scrape off the gum
Gently lift the gum off the carpet by slicing the knife across the gum in the same direction of motion. Remove any gum stuck to the knife after each time you finish slicing so it doesn't stick to the carpet again. If you scrub in a back and forth motion, this can damage the fibers of the carpet and floor.
Step 4. Clean the area using a solution of dish soap and water
After you clean the gum, there may still be some oil left. Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a quart of water, then scrub your carpet with a cloth dipped in the soap solution.
Method 3 of 3: Using Other Solvents to Remove Chewing Gum
Step 1. Apply a dry cleaning solvent, citron-based oil remover, or thinner to the gum
These ingredients can help dissolve the polymer in the gum, making it non-sticky and easy to remove from the carpet. Use a cloth to apply the solvent directly to the bubble gum. You can also use a muscle rub that contains methyl salicylate (gandapura) as a solvent.
Do a test by applying a small amount of solvent to a hidden area of the carpet to make sure it doesn't stain when you use it to remove the gum
Step 2. Allow time for the solvent to soak into the gum
Wait 5 to 10 minutes (depending on the hardness of the gum) before trying to remove the gum. During this time, the solvent will work within the gum polymer and loosen its structure so that the gum can be removed from the carpet.
Step 3. Use a butter knife to scrape off the gum
Scrape in the same direction of motion so as not to damage the carpet fibers.
Step 4. Use a sponge to scrub the area with a mixture made of 1 teaspoon mild detergent and 1 liter warm water
Finish the process by removing any residual solvent with soapy water, then dry the carpet with a towel. Now your carpet is clean of gum.
Tips
- Use the freezing method to get rid of the new gum in large chunks, and try applying the oil and solvent method to gum that's old or seeps into the carpet.
- If you can't get rid of the gum, contact a professional carpet cleaner. They will run a water extraction process which can usually clean the gum stuck to the carpet.
- Lemon juice can help remove any sticky residue after you've removed the gum from the carpet.
Warning
- never ever scrub the carpet when you clean it. This can damage the fibers and make the carpet even. This action can also push the gum further inwards, making it permanent.
- Always do a test on oil and solvents in a hidden area to make sure they don't stain worse when you use them to clean gum.
