How to Remove Chewing Gum Stains

kid blowing bubble
It's fun now, but gum stains can really burst your bubble.
David De Lossy/Getty Images

A stick of gum can be relaxing and calming. Of course, that peaceful state of mind­ may end with a sticky stain. When that happens, here's some advice to chew on.

When you get into sticky situations with chewing gum, use the above tips to get you out of them.

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After you identify the affected material, follow the steps on these pages to get rid of that gum stain:

Fabrics

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from fabrics such as Acetate, Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Cotton, Fiberglass, Linen, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rayon, Silk, Spandex, Triacetate and Wool:

  • Freeze (the method of using ice against the stain to make it easier to remove) until gum gets hard.
  • Carefully scrape (the method of using a scraping tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) or rub the matter from the fabric.
  • Sponge with a cleaning fluid.
  • Apply a dry spotter to the stain and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with the dry spotter.
  • Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
  • Change the pad as it picks up the stain.
  • Keep the stain and pad moist with the dry spotter.
  • Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining materials and residue from stain removers) with a dry-cleaning solvent.

If stain remains:

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  • Reapply the dry spotter and cover.
  • Check the stain every 5 minutes and press hard against the stain when you are checking.
  • Continue the alternate soaking and pressing until all the stain has been removed.
  • Flush with the dry-cleaning solvent.
  • Dry.

Household Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from household surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Aluminum, Asphalt, Paint/Flat, Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane and Vinyl Clothing:

  • Freeze until gum gets hard.
  • Carefully scrape or rub the substance from the surface.
  • With a clean cloth dipped in warm sudsy water, wipe the surface until all traces of the gum have been removed.
  • Rinse well and wipe dry.

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Bamboo and Cane

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Bamboo and Cane:

  • Freeze until gum gets hard.
  • Carefully scrape any excess.
  • Wipe with a cloth dipped in a solution of warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
  • Rinse well and allow to dry.

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Felt

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Felt:

Since felt is not woven, but rather fused together, take every precaution in removing any excess gum as chunks of the felt may come with it.

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  • Freeze to harden the remainder.
  • Gently brush (the method of stain removal using a stiff-bristled brush) with a sponge or fine-bristled brush (such as a toothbrush). This should remove any excess that remains on the surface.

In extreme cases:

  • Very carefully rub a razor blade with the nap. This will remove any stubborn matter, but will also remove some of the felt fibers.

If stain persists:

  • Make a paste of cornmeal and a small amount of water and apply it to the stain.
  • Give it plenty of time to work.
  • When it is dry, carefully brush it off with the nap.

Fur

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Natural Fur and Synthetic Fur:

  • Take care not to remove the fur when removing the gum.
  • Freeze to harden the remainder and gently rub it with a dry sponge or brush to remove the remaining gum.
  • Very careful treatment with spot remover wipes or disposable cloths, works well.
  • Another effective treatment is to dampen a sponge or cloth in the suds of a mild detergent and wipe in the direction of the nap to remove any sugary residue.
  • Take care not to over-wet the pelt or backing. Allow to air dry.

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Leather

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Leather:

  • Carefully scrape excess gum.
  • Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
  • Swish to create a great volume of suds.
  • Apply only the foam with a sponge and scrub gently until matter is removed.
  • Dry with a clean cloth.
  • Follow with leather cleaner or saddle soad to condition the leather.

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Linoleum, Vinyl Tile and Vinyl Wallcovering

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Linoleum, Vinyl Tile and Vinyl Wallcovering:

  • Freeze the gum to harden it.
  • Use a dull tool such as a metal spatula to scrape the brittle matter without gouging the surface.

If there is any residue:

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  • Try rubbing it with a cloth dipped in cleaning fluid.
  • Wipe gingerly, then rub with extra fine (number 000) steel wool.
  • Wash the area and wax when dry.

Suede

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Suede:

  • Very carefully scrape to remove excess.
  • Gently rub an artgum eraser over the remaining substance.
  • If any stain remains, cautiously rub the spot with an emery board or extra fine (number 000) sandpaper.

You are removing a fine layer of the hide, so work slowly and carefully.

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Wood

Follow these steps to remove chewing gum stains from Wood:

  • Take special precautions in removing any excess so as not to remove any of the finish.
  • Rub gently with a cloth dipped in the suds of hot soapy water.
  • Rub only on the portion that is stained.
  • Rinse by wiping with a cloth dipped in clear water.
  • Wipe dry immediately and polish or wax as usual.

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