How to Get Gum Out of Carpet: Best Cleaning Practices Revealed

We've all been there - stepping on a piece of chewing gum! Since it can be difficult to get off once it has stuck to your carpet, this situation is not very enjoyable. Are you looking for a solution to this dilemma? Luckily for you, there are several different methods that will allow you to remove this sticky residue.

Some of the solutions involve everyday items you have around your home while others use specialized equipment. Regardless of which solution you choose, you will surely find one that fits perfectly for your needs. Our complete guide on how to get gum out of carpet will go into detail on each of these methods and will deliver excellent results! By the end of this article, you can expect to have removed chewing gum from your carpet! This article will have you well on your way to achieving a beautiful looking floor in just a short time!

What You Need to Prepare

Essential supplies for all methods:

• Soft cloth or sponge
• Blunt knife or wide spoon

Depending on the method you choose:

• Hair dryer
• Ice blocks or ice pack
• Plastic bags or plastic wrap
• Dish soap diluted with water
• White vinegar
• Soft, non-abrasive brush
• Steam cleaner
• Protective gloves (for handling chemicals)

How to Remove Chewing Gum from Carpets

Chewing gum on carpets isn't a problem with a single solution. Luckily, there's more than one way to deal with it!

You should take some time to read through each method. If you understand how they work and their advantages, then you can find the most suitable approach. Sometimes, the best solution is the one that fits what you have available. Or simply the method you feel most comfortable with!

With a Hair Dryer

You might not realize how many uses your hair dryer can serve

Most homes have a hair dryer, and this common household tool could be your secret weapon! A hairdryer works by radiating heat onto the chewing gum. The heat softens the gum, making it more pliable, so removing it is much easier.

This method works best on sturdy carpets. These carpets can withstand slightly higher temperatures. You can use it for larger, more stubborn gum stains, but be careful! If you're not careful when radiating heat onto the carpet, too much heat can damage the carpet fibers.

Steps:

• Holding the hair dryer, adjust the heat to medium. You want the hairdryer warm enough to soften the gum, but not too hot! If it gets too hot, the gum will melt into the carpet fibers.
• Direct the warm air stream towards the gum. Keep the hairdryer a few inches away. Make sure to heat the gum evenly, but try not to overheat the surrounding carpet.
• After one or two minutes, the gum starts to soften! Now, take a plastic bag and press it onto the softened gum. The idea here is that the gum will stick to the plastic!
• Gently pull the bag away from the carpet. The gum will come out with the bag. But be careful not to pull too hard to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
• Any remaining gum? Repeat the process. Getting it all out may require several attempts.
• The gum is gone! But the job isn't done yet. You need to clean the area with a mild detergent and warm water. This will remove any remaining stickiness. Remember to test on a small area first, as you need to make sure the detergent doesn't cause the carpet to fade.

Using Ice Cubes

Sarah, a working mom with two kids, swears by this time-tested method! When chewing gum comes into contact with cold temperatures, it hardens and becomes brittle. As a result, breaking and removing it from the carpet becomes much easier!

If you have a delicate carpet, this is the ideal method for you! Worried about using chemicals or heat? Then this method is the perfect choice!

Steps:

• Take a few ice cubes from the freezer. Or you can also use a bag of ice cubes. If you use ice cubes, put them in a plastic bag to avoid wetting the carpet!
• The ice cubes are ready. Place the ice cubes or bag of ice cubes directly on the gum stain. Make sure there is full contact. This allows the cold to penetrate and harden the gum.
• Now wait about 5-10 minutes. But keep an eye on the gum! You want it to freeze, but not too much. If it gets too cold, the surrounding carpet area will become too wet.
• Once the gum is frozen, let's get started! Take a blunt object like the handle of a spoon or a butter knife. Then, gently tap away the gum. It will crumble easily! But if the gum starts sticking again, put the cold source back on.
• You've removed most of the gum. However, there may be some residue left. Gently scrape away as much as possible, but don't damage the carpet fibers.
• Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean the area. This will remove any remaining stickiness. Remember to test on a small area first, as you need to make sure the detergent doesn't stain or fade the carpet.

Be patient with this method! The gum didn't come off the first time? Don't hesitate! Put the ice or ice pack back on and try again. And always be gentle when tapping it away to avoid tearing or damaging the carpet fibers!

With Oil-Based Solutions

In addition to engines, WD-40 is good at removing gum

Oil-based solutions work effectively! They loosen sticky substances such as gum. It helps to break the adhesive properties of the gum so that it will stick less to the carpet fibers.

The oil in these products coats the gum. It loses its tight grip on the carpet because of the breakdown. Gradually, the gum becomes saturated with the oil. This makes it much easier to slide it off or gently scrape it off!

This approach works for most carpets. However, you must be very careful! While oil facilitates gum removal, it leaves your carpet with a residue. This leftover residue can be somewhat tricky to remove.

Mike, a professional carpet cleaner, recommends this as a perfect alternative for persistent gum stains! However, be prepared to put in extra effort to clean the greasy residue afterward! Which oil-based solution should you use when figuring out how to get gum out of carpet? Consider what you have on hand and the extent of the stain:

• Peanut butter: This might sound strange, but peanut butter could be your best bet for eliminating that stubborn gum. You should definitely choose a smooth peanut butter for less mess.
• WD-40: This is one of those household items everyone is familiar with. It is also good at getting rid of gum. Be sure, though, that you have good ventilation when using it. It is also a good idea to test it out in small doses first.
• Oil-based cleaning products: Sometimes cleaning agents are used to deal with sticky stuff. If you visit a shop, search for cleaning agents labeled with sticky substance removers.

Important Note: Before using any product, it is very important to test it first on an inconspicuous part of the carpet. This is the most important step.

Instructions:

• First of all, choose what product you wish to use. Then, dab it directly on the gum. However, I must stress the word "dab" here. Soak it? No way! Just dab.
• Let it sit for a while. The product needs time to work. After a few minutes, the gum will absorb the oil and become less sticky.
• Ready to move forward? Well, now's the time to get started! To do this, you will need something flat, such as the back part of a butter knife or a credit card. Then, you will need to scrape the gum. When you do this, the gum will now glide off the carpet with little resistance! Also, do not forget to be very gentle when you do this. The goal is to get rid of the gum but leave the carpet alone!
• You've successfully removed the gum. But there's still a little work to be done. You might notice an oily stain where the product was applied. This is normal! Take a clean cloth and a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Gently dab the area. The soapy water will penetrate the fibers to break down the oil.
• After a few minutes, blot the area with a clean, dry towel. This will lift most of the oil to the surface. Your carpet will look fresh again!

Using Vinegar Solution

Got vinegar in your kitchen? Vinegar is a staple in many home kitchens. It's not just for cooking! Vinegar is an acidic solution. It acts as a natural solvent and can break down many sticky residues, including gum. The chemical properties of vinegar allow it to dissolve the bonds that chewing gum has with carpet fibers. This makes removing the gum much easier!

What's the big benefit of using vinegar? It's safe! Vinegar is non-toxic, so it's safe for homes with pets or children. However, vinegar has a strong smell. Some people may find the smell unpleasant. Luckily, this smell dissipates once the vinegar dries!

Which type of vinegar should you use for this method? White vinegar is the best choice! White vinegar is clear. So, it ensures it won't stain your carpet. And white vinegar tends to be stronger than other types of vinegar when cleaning. Learning how to get gum out of a carpet naturally makes this an appealing choice for many homeowners.

Instructions:

• Start by pouring a small amount of white vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. The vinegar should be warm, not boiling!
• Use a clean cloth or sponge. Then, wet the gum with the warmed vinegar. Make sure the gum is fully soaked. Let it sit for a few minutes because the vinegar needs time to penetrate the gum and begin to break it down.
• The vinegar is working! The gum will begin to soften. Take a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Then, gently scrub the area with the gum. Vinegar has solvent properties. The brush has a mechanical action. With this combination, the gum will begin to detach from the carpet fibers!
• You've scrubbed away most of the gum. Now, take a clean, dry cloth and blot the area. This will remove any remaining vinegar and gum residue. Next, use a damp cloth (using filtered water). Gently dab the area to rinse away any remaining vinegar. This ensures no residue is left behind and also helps neutralize the vinegar smell.
• Let the treated area air dry. In a hurry? Then you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting to speed up the drying process.

Remember, vinegar is a gentle and natural solution. But you should always test it on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure that the carpet material reacts well to the vinegar without discoloration or adverse effects.

With Rubbing Alcohol

Use rubbing alcohol to remove gum from carpets

Rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) is a powerful agent for removing gum! Alcohol is a solvent. It can dissolve many types of adhesives and sticky substances. When alcohol is applied to gum, it works by breaking down the gum's structure. This makes the gum less sticky and easier to lift!

The main advantage of rubbing alcohol is its rapid evaporation! Alcohol ensures that no residue is left behind. However, working in a well-ventilated area is important because the fumes can be quite strong!

Steps to follow:

• Protect the area around the gum stain on the carpet! Place a towel or absorbent paper around the gum. This will prevent any spills from affecting other parts of the carpet.
• Dampen a clean white towel with a little rubbing alcohol. You don't want it soaking wet! Just damp enough.
• Press the towel onto the gum. Hold it there for a few moments to allow the rubbing alcohol to soak into the gum and begin its magic!
• The gum absorbs the rubbing alcohol. It starts to lose its stickiness! Now, use a blunt tool, like the edge of a spoon or a butter knife. Carefully scrape the gum off the carpet. The gum will come off more easily than before!
• The gum is removed. But you're not done yet! Dab the area with a clean towel soaked in warm water. This will help clean off any remaining rubbing alcohol. And this prevents the alcohol from affecting the carpet fibers.
• You pat the area dry with a towel. Then, you let it air dry completely. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so this doesn't take long!

Important caution: Always conduct a test on an inconspicuous area of your carpet before attempting to remove gum no matter what method you are using because various dyes/materials can react negatively to one another.

Do not mistake medical-grade isopropyl alcohol for other types of alcohol-based products. Other products likely won't effectively remove gum from your carpets.

With Specialized Gum Removers

Using specialized gum removal products that are specifically formulated for use on gum from fabric such as carpets will work best! Gum removal products contain solvents that break down the chemical structure of the gum, making scraping or blotting much easier than using a home remedy method. The fact that these gum removal products were designed for this type of use means they will typically work more quickly and effectively than using a homemade remedy.

However, most gum removal products do contain chemicals; consequently, it is imperative that you read and follow the manufacturer's usage and safety directions carefully. In addition, you should use any of these products in a well-ventilated area because fumes may be produced!

Steps to follow:

• Start by shaking the can or bottle well. This ensures that the solution inside is thoroughly mixed.
• Identify the gum stain on the carpet. Then, protect the surrounding area. This ensures the product is only applied where needed. You can do this by placing an old towel or absorbent paper around the gum stain.
• Apply a small amount of gum remover directly to the gum. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. You need to know how long the product should sit.
• The gum will soften! Use a blunt scraper, such as a butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Gently lift the gum out of the carpet fibers. Some gum removers may allow you to simply blot the gum with a towel.
• After removing the gum, cleaning the area is crucial! You need to remove any residue from the cleaner. You dab the area with a cloth soaked in warm water.
• Finally, you pat the area dry with a clean towel or cloth. Done!

With a Steam Cleaner

Do you have a steam cleaner? It's ideal for this mess of gum

Lisa, a busy homeowner, discovered that a steam cleaner is a powerful tool! It's great at lifting dirt, stains, and various other marks from carpets. And it's just as powerful when it comes to gum!

The heat from the steam softens the gum. The gum becomes less sticky. This makes lifting it off the carpet fibers much easier! Plus, using a steam cleaner avoids the need for chemicals. So, it's an environmentally friendly option!

Always consult your carpet care instructions before using a steam cleaner because some delicate or special carpet materials may not react well to heat. When you're wondering how to get gum out of the carpet safely, steam cleaning offers a chemical-free solution.

Instructions:

• Start by setting up your steam cleaner. Make sure the water tank is full and the machine is prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Now, preheat your steam cleaner. Most models will have an indicator light or sound when they are ready to use. This ensures you are working with the right amount of heat!
• Approach the area with the gum. Then, spray steam directly onto the gum stain. Hold the nozzle close enough to ensure concentrated steam application. But not too close! Too close could damage the carpet fibers.
• Allow the steam to soak into the gum for a few seconds. The gum will warm up. It will begin to soften!
• Now, use a soft-bristle brush or cloth. Gently begin lifting the gum away from the carpet. As before, work in one direction to avoid pushing the gum deeper into the fibers! Stubborn gum? Then you might need to alternate between steaming and scraping several times.
• The gum is removed! But you should go over the area again with a steam cleaner. This will help lift any small gum residue. And this also disinfects the area!
• You let the area dry completely. Steam cleaning introduces moisture into the carpet. So, letting it air out is important! Otherwise, mold or mildew may appear.

If there are any light gum residues left and the area is already dry, you can gently dab it with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. This will break down and remove the last bit of gum!

Your Carpet Cleaning Success Guide

Carpets face so many sticky situations! From unexpected gum accidents to deliberate gum attacks by little feet.

But now you have our handy guide on how to get gum out of carpet! You're equipped with the knowledge and techniques to handle such incidents like a pro. Remember this: Quick action and the right method can restore your gum-stained carpet to its original glory.