HOW TO GET GUM OUT OF CLOTHES QUICKLY AND EASILY
Accidentally getting gum stuck on your favorite clothing can be frustrating, but there's no need to panic. Gum can cling to various types of fabric, including jeans, shirts, sweaters, jackets and blankets, leaving behind sticky residue and potentially stubborn stains. Removing gum from clothes is possible with the right techniques, but it takes a little patience and elbow grease to help eliminate the stain.
Use this guide to explore the ways you can try to remove gum from your fabrics to help you tackle even the toughest messes.
DON’T LET GUM WIN: THE DOS AND DON’TS OF GUM REMOVAL
No matter the type of stain, you don’t want to attempt spot treatment without knowing the right methods. Discover the dos and don’ts of removing gum from your fabrics to help protect your fabrics throughout the process.
DO:
Check your garment’s care label for specific cleaning and drying instructions.
Spot test your chosen cleaning solution on a discreet area of the garment first.
Act quickly. Fresh gum is typically easier to remove than dried, set-in gum.
Use gentle scraping tools like a butter knife or the edge of a spoon.
- Make sure all the gum residue is removed before tossing the garment in the washer.
DON’T:
Use substances that may leave your garment stained or damaged.
Place the item in the dryer before the stain and residue have been completely removed.
Use harsh or sharp scraping tools to remove the gum, as this can tear or pill the fabric.
Directly place clothing with gum in the washing machine.
Extra Power
BOOST STAIN FIGHTING ON ANY WASH CYCLE
Maytag® washers with Extra Power give clothes an intense pre-wash and extra agitation to help wash stains away
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS WITH EXTRA POWER
Tap into power with a Maytag® washer with Extra Power, which boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away.
WHAT REMOVES GUM FROM CLOTHES?
When it comes to getting gum out of your favorite shirt, a few household remedies might work. However, they are not advisable for every fabric type. Before trying any of the following options, check your care tags first and try the process out on a small, hidden section of your garment before using it on the gum to make sure it’s safe for your specific fabric.
REMOVING GUM WITH LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently rub liquid laundry detergent directly into the gum. Once the gum loosens from the fabric, gently scrape it off using a butter knife or the edge of a spoon. Use a stain remover for any remaining residue, then wash as normal.
REMOVING GUM WITH ICE
Pretreat the gummy spot by rubbing the ice on the gum to freeze it, then use a butter knife or the edge of a spoon to gently remove the gum. Once the gum and residue are completely removed, wash the garment in the warmest water allowed for the fabric.
Maytag® washing machines
Designed for performance, control and convenience
Maytag® washing machines take stain fighting seriously with cycles built to push the limits of power
REMOVING GUM WITH ADHESIVE OR STICKER REMOVER
First, check if your adhesive remover is safe for clothing. Then, spot test the adhesive removing cleaner on a discreet location on your fabric to make sure it is fabric safe. Then, pull as much loose gum from the fabric as possible. Apply the remover to the remaining gum residue. Use a butter knife or the edge of a spoon to remove.
Be sure to check the ingredients list of your adhesive remover. If it contains alcohol, you must rinse the garment thoroughly before placing it in the washer or dryer. Alcohol is flammable and should not be placed inside your laundry appliances.
REMOVING GUM WITH VINEGAR
Using a microwave-safe container, heat distilled white vinegar for a few seconds in your microwave, just until it is warm, not hot. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, apply the vinegar to the gum and gently scrub. The acidic nature of vinegar can help break down the gum. Rinse the garment thoroughly before placing it in your machine, as vinegar may damage parts of the washer.
REMOVING GUM WITH AN IRON OR STEAM
Place the item gum-side down on a piece of clean, plain cardboard. Apply an iron, set to medium heat, to the back of the area. As the gum heats, it should stick to the cardboard. With caution, pull the garment off the cardboard. If the gum comes off in one piece, wash the item as you normally would.
REMOVING GUM WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL
For very durable fabrics like canvas or some denim, you may be able to use rubbing alcohol to remove gum. Do not use this method on delicate fabrics like silk. Gently apply rubbing alcohol directly to the gum with a cotton swab or cotton ball. Let the alcohol sit on the gum for about a minute, then place a strip of duct tape over the spot. Gently pull the tape off the garment to remove the gum.
Remember to check your care tags and spot test any cleaning products on an inconspicuous location of your garment first. Rubbing alcohol can’t be used on all fabric types, so spot testing is crucial. If you use this method to get gum out of your clothes, handwash and air dry the item after you are done working on the stain. Alcohol is extremely flammable and should never be placed inside your washer or dryer.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® WASHING MACHINES
Your tough messes need major cleaning muscle. Maytag® washing machines are designed for performance, control and convenience to help you keep laundry day running smoothly. Browse select models with features like the Power™ Agitator with a 360-degree wash action that keeps clothes moving to help break up messes, or the Built-In Water Faucet, which allows you to rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer.
