How To Get Gum Out Of Clothes (11 Methods That Work!)

Sitting on a piece of gum is a quick way to ruin your day. Whether it is on your favorite jeans or a brand new blouse, that sticky mess feels impossible to remove. But don’t toss the garment just yet.

We have compiled the most effective methods for how to get gum out of clothes. Most of these solutions use items you likely already have in your pantry or medicine cabinet, saving you a trip to the store and saving your clothes from the trash.

Key Takeaways

• Freezing: Harden the gum with an ice cube or by placing the garment in the freezer, then scrape it off with a dull knife.
• Heat: Use hot vinegar or a warm iron over a piece of cardboard to loosen the gum’s bond with the fabric.
• Household Items: Common staples like peanut butter, rubbing alcohol, and toothpaste break down gum polymers.
• Commercial Products: Adhesive removers like Goo Gone or WD-40 are highly effective on stubborn, dried-in gum.

In This Article

• Gum in the Wash?
• Removing Gum from Clothes
• Removing Gum from Delicates
• Removing Gum After Washing
• FAQs
• Goodbye Gum

Will Gum Come Out in the Wash?

Do not throw gum-stained clothes directly into the washing machine. This is a rookie mistake that usually makes the problem worse. Cold water can cause the gum to harden into the fibers, while hot water can melt the gum, spreading it to other parts of the clothing or even the inside of your washer.

You must remove the gum solids first using one of the methods below. Only once the residue is gone is it safe to launder the item.

How to Get Gum Out of Clothes

Here are 12 proven methods to remove that sticky mess. Choose the one that best fits the fabric type and the supplies you have on hand.

Liquid Laundry Detergent

1. Pour a generous amount of liquid laundry detergent directly onto the gum.
2. Use a soft toothbrush to work the detergent into the gum and the surrounding fibers.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes to break down the bond.
4. Use a butter knife to gently scrape the gum off the clothes.
5. Wash as normal, ensuring all gum is gone before drying.

Toothpaste

1. Squeeze a dab of plain white toothpaste onto the gum (avoid gel varieties).
2. Flatten the toothpaste over the surface of the gum using the heel of your hand.
3. Allow the toothpaste to dry completely.
4. Once dry, the gum should be brittle enough to flake or scrape off with a dull knife.
5. Rinse the area and wash the fabric normally.

White Vinegar

1. Heat a cup of distilled white vinegar in the microwave until it is hot but not boiling (about 30 seconds).
2. Dip a toothbrush into the hot vinegar and rub it vigorously onto the gum.
3. Continue dipping and scrubbing until the gum begins to ball up and lift away.
4. Once the gum is removed, wash the garment to remove the vinegar smell.

Iron and Cardboard

1. Place a piece of clean cardboard flat on your ironing board.
2. Lay the garment gum-side down onto the cardboard.
3. Set your iron to medium heat (no steam).
4. Iron the back of the fabric where the gum is stuck. The heat should transfer the sticky gum from the clothes onto the cardboard.
5. Move the garment to a clean spot on the cardboard as needed until all residue is transferred.

Keep In Mind

Never put the garment in a clothes dryer until the stain is 100 percent gone. Dryer heat will permanently set the gum into the fibers.

Peanut Butter

1. Spread a thick layer of creamy peanut butter over the gum. The natural oils help lubricate the fibers.
2. Let it sit for about 60 seconds so the oils can penetrate the gum.
3. Scrape the gum away using a butter knife or hard-edged spatula.
4. Immediately treat the area with a stain remover to prevent oil stains, then wash hot.

Warning

Peanut butter contains oil that can leave a grease stain. Always test in a hidden area first, or swap peanut butter for mayonnaise if you are worried about staining.

Freezing the Garment

1. Fold the garment so the gum is facing outward.
2. Place the item into a sealable plastic bag. Ensure the gum does not stick to the bag itself.
3. Leave it in the freezer for two hours until the gum is frozen solid.
4. Remove the item and immediately scrape the hardened gum off with a dull knife. You must work quickly before it warms up and becomes sticky again.

Rubbing Alcohol

1. Soak a sponge or cotton ball with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
2. Rub the alcohol directly onto the gum. Isopropyl alcohol usually does not stain fabrics, making it safe for most colors.
3. Wait a minute for the alcohol to break down the polymers.
4. Gently pry the gum off the fabric with a butter knife or fingernail.
5. Launder the item as usual.

Duct Tape

1. Cut a piece of strong duct tape slightly larger than the gum spot.
2. Press the tape firmly onto the gum, being careful not to stick it too aggressively to the surrounding fabric.
3. Rip the tape off quickly, similar to removing a bandage. The gum should lift away with the tape.
4. Repeat with fresh tape until all residue is gone.

Hot Water Submersion

1. Boil water in a kettle or pot.
2. Place the gum-stained area of the fabric into a heat-safe bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water directly over the gum. (Note: Check your care label to ensure the fabric can handle high heat).
4. While submerged, scrape the gum away with a toothbrush or knife.
5. Scrub away any final residue and let the garment air dry.

Canned Air

1. Hold a can of compressed air upside down (this releases the freezing liquid).
2. Spray the liquid directly onto the gum until it hardens completely.
3. Immediately chip the frozen gum off with a spoon or credit card.
4. Vacuum up the frozen flakes and wash the shirt.

Hairspray

1. Spray a high-hold hairspray directly onto the gum until it feels hard to the touch.
2. Wait for the hairspray to dry completely.
3. Pick the gum off with a knife. It should crack and break away rather than stretch.
4. Wash the garment to remove the sticky hairspray residue.

Lemon Juice

1. Soak the gum in fresh lemon juice. The acid helps deteriorate the stickiness.
2. Let the garment soak in a bowl of the juice for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Scrape the gum off with a dull edge.
4. Wash immediately to prevent the acid from discoloring the fabric over time.

How to Get Gum Out of Delicate Clothing

When dealing with delicate fabrics like silk, lace, wool, or cashmere, you need to avoid harsh scraping.

We recommend the rubbing alcohol method for delicates. Instead of soaking the whole area, use a Q-tip to apply alcohol precisely to the gum. Let it sit, then gently peel it away with your fingernails or the edge of a spoon. Avoid scrubbing, which can pill or tear delicate fibers.

How to Get Gum Out of Clothes After Washing and Drying

If you missed the gum and ran the clothes through the washer and dryer, the heat has likely fused the gum to the fabric. It will be harder to remove, but not impossible.

For dryer-baked gum, use a commercial adhesive remover (like Goo Gone) or the freezing method. Since the gum is already melted into the fibers, freezing it until brittle helps fracture the bond. Once you chip away the solids, treat the remaining oily stain with a strong stain remover before washing again.

Other Cleaning Products for Removing Gum From Clothes

Sometimes home remedies are not enough. If you have stubborn gum stains, these commercial products are designed to dissolve adhesives quickly.

1. Goo Gone

Goo Gone is the gold standard for removing sticky messes like crayons, tree sap, and gum. Apply the liquid directly to the gum and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The chemical agents break down the adhesive, allowing you to scrape it off easily. Always wash the garment with hot water afterward to remove the oily residue of the cleaner.

2. Adhesive Remover Spray

Adhesive remover sprays, such as Duck Adhesive Remover, work well for large smears. Spray it onto the gum, wait a few minutes, and scrape it off with the included scraper tool or a dull knife. Always spot-test colored fabrics first to ensure the spray does not bleach the dye.

3. WD-40

WD-40 is a household miracle worker that lubricates the area between the gum and the fabric. Spray a small amount onto the affect area, wait two minutes, and peel the gum away. Because WD-40 is a lubricant, you will need to treat the area with dish soap or a degreaser before putting it in the wash.

4. Lanacane

Lanacane is an anti-itch cream, but it contains ethanol and benzethonium chloride which speed up gum removal. Apply the cream, wait one minute, and scrape. This is a great “hack” if you have it in your medicine cabinet but lack other supplies.

5. Zippo Lighter Fluid

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Lighter fluid is a strong solvent for old, dried gum. Apply a small amount to the gum (wear gloves and keep away from open flames). Rub it in with a toothbrush, then scrape the gum away. Rinse the garment thoroughly in the sink before placing it in the washing machine to avoid flammable fumes in your washer.

FAQs

How Do You Get Dried Gum Out of Clothes?

To remove dried gum, use the freezing method or a commercial adhesive remover. Freezing makes the gum brittle enough to chip off, while products like Goo Gone soften the hardened residue so it can be wiped away.

How Do You Get Gum Out of a Fuzzy Blanket?

The best method for fuzzy blankets is freezing or using Goo Gone. Avoid cutting the gum out with scissors, as this creates a bald spot. Use a fine-tooth comb to gently pull the gum remnants out of the fibers after treating it.

How Do You Get Gum Off a Backpack?

Empty the backpack completely and flip the pocket inside out if possible. Apply an ice cube directly to the gum until it hardens, then scrape it off. For stubborn residue, use white vinegar and a stiff brush.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Get Gum Out of Clothes?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can dissolve gum, but it acts as a mild bleach. Only use this method on white clothing and always perform a spot test first to avoid ruining the fabric color.

Will Gum Ruin a Dryer?

Gum rarely ruins the machine itself, but it creates a mess. If gum melts in the dryer, it can smear onto the drum paddles and transfer to the rest of your laundry load. Clean the drum with a vinegar-soaked cloth if this happens.

Does Olive Oil Remove Gum From Clothes?

Yes, olive oil works similarly to peanut butter by lubricating the gum and reducing its stickiness. Apply the oil, let it sit, and scrape the gum away. However, you must treat the area with dish soap afterward to prevent an oil stain on the fabric.

Goodbye Gum

Finding gum on your clothing is annoying, but it does not have to be permanent. Whether you use the freezer method, hot vinegar, or a dab of peanut butter, you can restore your clothes to their original condition.

Start with the gentlest method first and work your way up to commercial solvents if needed. With a little patience, that sticky spot will be gone in no time.

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