Removing Gum from Clothing
Having chewing gum stuck to clothing can be a nightmare. Whether it’s from your own mealtime mistake or those of your children, it can be extremely frustrating when you’ve got a gummy stain on the clothing. But don’t worry – there are a few tried and true methods you can use to successfully remove the gum from your clothing.
Freezing Method
One time-tested and simple method for removing a gum stain is by freezing. Place the clothing in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. The gum should freeze and become brittle and can then be snapped off the clothing.
Removing Freeze-Dried Gum
Once the gum has been removed, you’ll likely want to remove any residual gum. Try using a portion of ice cubes and gently rubbing them into the gum-stained area. As the ice cubes melt, the gum should come out of the clothing without any need for intense scrubbing.
Using Hot Water
If the freezing trick doesn’t work, the next option is to try hot water. You’ll need to follow some specific instructions to ensure the gum isn’t pressed further into the fabric. Start by placing a dry cloth on the gum-stained area and place another towel between the clothing and an iron. Heat the iron on the steam setting and press the dry cloth for about 2 minutes. The heat and steam should loosen up the gum and it should float up from the fabric. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining residue.
Using Cooking Oil or Other Oils
If the gum isn’t coming out, try using a drop of cooking oil or other oil and rubbing it in with your fingers. The oil should make the gum softer and easier to remove.
Using Peanut Butter
Using a bit of ordinary peanut butter is another popular method for removing gum from clothing. Simply rub a bit of peanut butter into the gum until it’s softened up, and then make sure to wash the clothing with a stain remover and lukewarm water.
Preventative Tips
To prevent gum from sticking to clothing in the future, keep a jar of peanut butter in the house – it will make the gum less sticky, and therefore easier to remove. Furthermore, try to avoid having gum in anyone’s pockets, and make sure to wash clothing immediately after it gets gum on it.
Conclusion
Gum on clothing can be a tricky mess to deal with, but luckily there are a few techniques you can use to remove it. From freezing the gum to using peanut butter, each free and easy method can help you restore your clothes to their pre-chew days. Just make sure to exercise a bit of patience while you work to get the gum off.