How to Get Gum Off Clothes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gum is a sticky and stubborn substance that can leave an unwanted residue on your clothes. Whether it’s a piece of bubble gum stuck to your favorite shirt or a chewing gum spill on your jeans, it can be quite challenging to remove. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to get gum off clothes effectively.
Step 1: Freezing the Gum
The first step in removing gum from clothes is to freeze it. This helps to harden the gum, making it easier to remove. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Place the garment with the gum on a flat surface.
2. Cover the gum with a piece of ice wrapped in a paper towel or a cloth.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes until the gum becomes hard and brittle.
4. Once the gum is frozen, you can easily scrape it off with a butter knife or a spoon.
Step 2: Using Ice and Salt
If freezing the gum didn’t work, you can try using ice and salt to remove it. Here’s how:
1. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the gum.
2. Place a piece of ice on top of the salt.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes until the gum becomes hard and the salt starts to absorb the gum’s stickiness.
4. Once the gum is hard, scrape it off with a butter knife or a spoon.
5. If any residue remains, gently rub the area with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Step 3: Using Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective solution for removing gum from clothes. Here’s how to use it:
1. Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth.
2. Gently rub the alcohol onto the gum, making sure to cover the entire area.
3. Wait for a few minutes until the gum starts to dissolve.
4. Scrape off the gum with a butter knife or a spoon.
5. If there’s any residue left, wash the area with laundry detergent and water.
Step 4: Washing the Garment
After successfully removing the gum, it’s essential to wash the garment to ensure that no sticky residue remains. Here’s what you should do:
1. Wash the garment according to the care instructions on the label.
2. Use a mild detergent and warm water for the best results.
3. If the gum was on a colored garment, consider using a color-safe detergent to prevent any discoloration.
4. Dry the garment as usual, either by air drying or using a dryer.
By following these steps, you should be able to remove gum from your clothes without any difficulty. Remember to act quickly and treat the gum as soon as possible to prevent it from setting into the fabric. Happy cleaning!
