7 Ways To Remove Gum From A Shoe - WikiHow

Home » How To Remove Gum From A Shoe » 7 Ways To Remove Gum From A Shoe - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Gum from a Shoe PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Victor Adrian

Last Updated: April 27, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Freezing the Gum
    • |
  • Using Ice
    • |
  • Using WD-40
    • |
  • Using Peanut Butter
    • |
  • Using Sand and a Stick
    • |
  • Dissolving the Gum
    • |
  • Using Olive Oil
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Victor Adrian. Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 969,258 times.

Everyone has walked in gum at some point in their life -- it's not a fun experience, especially if your shoes are brand new. Luckily, there are several easy hacks for removing gum from the sole of your shoe. Find a method that appeals to you after the jump!

How to Get Gum off Shoes

Place the shoe in a plastic bag, letting the gum stick to the plastic. After 1–2 hours, peel away the bag, taking the gum with it. Alternatively, you can freeze the gum with ice and scrape it off, or use lubricants like WD-40 or peanut butter.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 7:

Freezing the Gum

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Place the shoe in a plastic bag. 1 Place the shoe in a plastic bag. Take your gum-ridden shoe and put it in a plastic bag, such as a large food storage bag or a grocery bag. It doesn't matter if the entire shoe doesn't fit in the bag, just make sure the part with the gum is pressed against the plastic.
    • This method is especially efficient if the shoe's sole is not smooth and flat.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 2 Press the plastic against the gum. Press the plastic bag firmly against the piece of gum for several seconds. You need the gum to stick to the plastic before freezing, otherwise this method won't work. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Place the shoe in the freezer. Clear a space in your freezer for the plastic-covered shoe. If the shoe is not fully inside the plastic bag, you may want to keep it away from any food items, to avoid spreading any germs.
  4. Step 4 Leave the shoe in the freezer for an hour or two. 4 Leave the shoe in the freezer for an hour or two. This will give the gum a chance to freeze onto the plastic bag. Once frozen, remove the shoe and the bag from the freezer.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 5 Remove the shoe from the plastic bag. The gum should stick to the plastic bag instead of your shoe, leaving your shoe gum-free![2]
    • Another option is to simply scrape off the gum remnants with a utility knife. Be careful with the blade and use safety gloves if possible.[3]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 7:

Using Ice

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 1 Fill a large plastic bag with ice cubes. Place your shoe on top of the ice cubes, gum-side down. Avoid letting the ice cubes go inside or around the shoe, as this will make your shoe wet.
  2. Step 2 Keep the ice... 2 Keep the ice cold. To prevent it from melting too fast, use a food storage bag that can be zipped closed or tie the bag shut.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Firmly press the ice onto the gum until it freezes.[4] You will only be able to remove the gum after it has frozen solid. This may take a little while -- so have patience!
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 4 Once frozen, scrape the gum from the shoe. Carefully use a dull butter knife or putty knife to scrape the hard, frozen gum off the shoe.[5] Move the knife slowly to avoid cutting the shoe or yourself.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 7:

Using WD-40

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 1 Spray the gum with WD-40. Get a can of WD-40 (available in supermarkets and cleaning supply stores) and spray it onto the sole of your shoe, on and around the gum. Let it sit for at least a minute, to allow the WD-400 to loosen the gum's adhesive bond.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 2 Wipe away the gum. Use a paper towel, rag, or any cloth to wipe the gum from the sole of the shoe. It should come away pretty easily. If not, give the gum a second spray and try again.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Clean the sole of your shoe. Once the gum has been removed, use a paper towel or clean rag to wipe the shoe again to remove any additional residue left from the spray. Toss the rag or paper towels away when finished.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 7:

Using Peanut Butter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 1 Take some creamy peanut butter. Apply a thick layer of creamy peanut butter (approximately two tablespoons) to the gum, then leave it to sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 2 Scrub away the peanut butter. After 10 minutes, use a wire brush to scrub away both the peanut butter and the gum. It may take a little elbow grease, but the gum should come away too.
    • Remember to scrub with the grooves of the sole instead of against them, to avoid damaging your shoe.[6]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Clean your shoe. Hold the sole of your shoe underneath some cold running water and scrub with a sponge to remove any peanut butter residue.
    4. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 7:

Using Sand and a Stick

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Find a wooden stick and some dry sand. 1 Find a wooden stick and some dry sand. This method works well if you're outside and happen to step on some fresh gum that is still pretty soft and pliable. All you need is some dry sand (or dirt) and a small wooden stick.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 2 Sprinkle some sand over the gum. Remove your shoe and sprinkle some sand on top of the gum. Use the stick to start rubbing the sand into the gum -- it should start coming away in small chunks.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Continually add more sand and keep rubbing. As the gum starts to come away, sprinkle some more sand on top and continue rubbing. The sand acts kind of like an exfoliator for the bottom of your shoe!
    • Keep going until the gum is more or less completely removed. This may take a little while, but it's better to act quickly instead of allowing the gum to dry and harden onto your shoe.
    4. Advertisement
Method 6 Method 6 of 7:

Dissolving the Gum

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Use lighter fluid. 1 Use lighter fluid. Soak an old cloth or piece of paper towel in some naphtha and rub it onto the gum. The gum should start to dissolve away.
    • Make sure to use the naphtha in a well-ventilated area, away from any heat sources, as naphtha is highly flammable.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 2 Use nail polish remover. Acetone-based nail polish remover can also be used to dissolve chewing gum from the sole of a shoe. Soak a paper towel or cloth in the remover and rub it onto the gum until it disappears.
    • Just be careful what type of shoes you use this method for, as acetone may damage the finish on patent or suede shoes.
    3. Advertisement
Method 7 Method 7 of 7:

Using Olive Oil

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 1 Rub olive oil on the gum. Avoid getting it directly on leather or suede on the shoe, or it might stain.
  2. Step 2 Let the oil sit for a minute. 2 Let the oil sit for a minute.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 3 Rub the oil off with a paper towel.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Remove Gum from a Shoe 4 Remove any excess gum with a pointy-ended tool dipped in olive oil.
  5. Step 5 Done. 5 Done. The gum should now be all off. Dispose of appropriately.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do you get dried gum off shoes? Victor Adrian Victor Adrian Footwear Expert Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute. Victor Adrian Victor Adrian Footwear Expert Expert Answer One of the easiest ways to do it is by getting the blade of a utility knife under the chewing gum gently and scraping it off. If you feel that the gum is kinda hard to scrape, simply use a hairdryer to warm it a tiny bit. That should do the trick. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
  • Question How do I remove gum from my shoe if it has ridges? Community Answer Community Answer These methods should work fine. The WD-40 method is probably the easiest. Spray it on and wait for a minute, then the gum should slide right off. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 25
  • Question What do I do if the gum is already hard on the shoe? Community Answer Community Answer Use the ice method with three ice cubes, and let the gum get wet. Use a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver to scrape it off. If the shoe has accumulated mud, wash it off with a hose; some gum will come off with the hose as well after you scrape. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 27 Helpful 34
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you can't remove the gum right away, then you may want to try to scrape off as much gum as possible.[7] Use a dull knife to scrape off the gum or you can rub the sole of your shoe against a concrete sidewalk in a place that no one else will step in it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you're working on a flat sole, a simple utility knife might be enough to scrape off the gum, with no need for additional methods.[8] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • If you can't remove the gum right away, try scraping off the gum or rubbing the sole of your shoe against a concrete sidewalk in a place that no one else will step in it.
  • For the ice cube method, consider using a plastic knife to get the job done. You don't know where that gum has been!
  • If the gum has been stuck to the shoe for a short amount of time, consider using a Cheeto to remove from the sole.
  • Duct tape can work really well to remove gum from shoes.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Do not use your hands to remove the gum. You don't know where it's been. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

The Best Ways to Get Gum off of Leather Furniture, Car Seats, & More How to Get Gum out of Clothing Remove Chewing Gum from JeansHow Do You Get Chewing Gum Out of Jeans? A DIY Guide Remove Gum from CarpetHow toRemove Gum from Carpet How to Remove Gum From Fabric Get Gum Out of Your Hair4 Ways to Remove Chewing Gum from Hair Remove Chewing Gum from a Car ExteriorHow toRemove Chewing Gum from a Car Exterior Get Gum off SkinHow to Get Chewing Gum Off Skin Remove Chewing Gum from a Car SeatHow toRemove Chewing Gum from a Car Seat Remove Chewing Gum from a Dog's Hair4 Easy and Painless Ways to Get Chewing Gum Out of a Dog's Hair Remove Chewing Gum from a Dryer DrumHow toRemove Chewing Gum from a Dryer Drum How to Get Gum Out of My ClothingDiscussionHow to get gum out of my clothing Remove Gum From a TableHow toRemove Gum From a Table Remove Sticky Substances from FabricHow to Remove Goo & Sticky Residue from Clothing & Fabric Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning your shoes, check out our in-depth interview with Victor Adrian.

References

  1. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5872800/remove-gum-from-your-shoe-by-sticking-it-in-the-freezer
  3. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/05/how-to-remove-gum-from-shoes-with-peanut-butter_n_1944012.html
  7. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Victor Adrian. Footwear Expert. Expert Interview

About This Article

Victor Adrian Co-authored by: Victor Adrian Footwear Expert This article was co-authored by Victor Adrian. Victor Adrian is a Footwear Expert based in London, UK. He is a Researcher, Tester, and Editor for BestForMyFeet.com, a leading footwear and footcare blog that discusses the importance of wearing the right footwear for the right occasion. Adrian is well-versed in determining which type of footwear is ideal for a variety of work and casual environments thanks to his vast working experience in different types of industries. He teams up with footwear professionals to test products and create comprehensive product reviews and comparisons that help readers choose the ideal footwear for their needs. Additionally, he collaborates with US board-certified podiatrists and foot doctors in order to make sure the information his team provides is always accurate. Adrian studied Biochemistry at the I.E.S. Calderon de la Barca Institute. This article has been viewed 969,258 times. 3 votes - 100% Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 27, 2025 Views: 969,258 Categories: Featured Articles | Care of Shoes | Shoe Repairs Article SummaryX

To remove gum from a shoe, apply olive oil, peanut butter, or WD-40 to the gum, which will make it less sticky so it's easier to get off. You can also try dissolving the gum with nail polish remover or lighter fluid. If you're afraid of staining or damaging your shoe, put it in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then, take the shoe out and peel off the hardened gum. If there's any gum left over, use a butter knife to scrape it off. If you want to learn how to peel gum off of your show using sand and a stick, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Portuguese French Italian Chinese Russian Dutch Indonesian Thai Arabic Hindi Vietnamese Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 969,258 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Randall Eske

    Randall Eske

    Jun 12, 2017

    "I like the way they attacked the gum situation. I ended up not using any of your suggestions, because when I went..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Victor Adrian Co-authored by: Victor Adrian Footwear Expert Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 27, 2025 Views: 969,258 100% of readers found this article helpful. 3 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote 100% of people told us that this article helped them. Randall Eske

Randall Eske

Jun 12, 2017

"I like the way they attacked the gum situation. I ended up not using any of your suggestions, because when I went..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 28, 2018

"I was ready to toss my shoes because of a nasty hardened mixture of gum and city sidewalk crud. Scraping the worst..." more Darsh Davis

Darsh Davis

Nov 12, 2016

"Using ice cubes to rub on the gum of the shoe till the cube melts and then using a tooth pick to rub it off helped...." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 5, 2017

"Since my gym shoes have all kinds of little nooks and crannies, it took somewhat longer than I anticipated. The..." more Lala Naranjo

Lala Naranjo

Aug 9, 2016

"What helped me the most is the olive oil one, it helped the most out of all of them. Thank you so much for the..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Finish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake QuizChristmas QuizChristmas QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Remove Chewing Gum from LeatherThe Best Ways to Get Gum off of Leather Furniture, Car Seats, & MoreRemove Gum from ClothesHow to Get Gum out of ClothingRemove Chewing Gum from JeansHow Do You Get Chewing Gum Out of Jeans? A DIY GuideRemove Gum from CarpetHow toRemove Gum from Carpet

Featured Articles

What Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults

Trending Articles

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAccurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?Accurate IQ Checker Quiz: How Smart Am I?How Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Featured Articles

Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at Work

Featured Articles

What Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No Internet11 Things to Do If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Have No InternetThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersThe Ultimate List of Funny Nicknames for Your CoworkersWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I QuizWhich Five Nights at Freddy's Character Am I Quiz

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWhat Type of Person Do I Attract QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizWill I Ever Find Love QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizDo I Attract the Male Gaze or the Female Gaze QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)Signs Your Ex Will Eventually Come BackSigns Your Ex Will Eventually Come Back

Quizzes & Games

What's My Hate Language QuizWhat's My Hate Language QuizTake QuizAm I Mean QuizAm I Mean QuizTake QuizMy Shoe + My Year GeneratorMy Shoe + My Year GeneratorGenerateWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Footwear
  • Shoes
  • Shoe Repairs
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --790

Tag » How To Remove Gum From A Shoe