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How to Get Chewing Gum Out of Clothes

Stepping in chewing gum is one thing, but finding it welded to your jeans or jumper is a special kind of nightmare. The good news? You can remove gum from clothes at home with a few simple tricks — and no, it doesn’t involve cutting a hole in your favourite hoodie.

Here are the best ways to remove chewing gum from fabric, plus what to avoid so you don’t make things worse.

Method 1: Freeze It Off (Best for most fabrics)

What you’ll need:

  • A freezer OR ice cubes

  • A plastic bag or a freezer-safe container

  • A blunt knife, spoon, or bank card

Steps:

  1. Place the item of clothing in a plastic bag with the gum facing outwards, making sure the gum doesn't touch the fabric.

  2. Freeze it for 1–2 hours until the gum is rock solid.

  3. Take it out and gently scrape off the gum using a blunt object.

If you can’t fit it in the freezer, place ice cubes in a plastic bag directly on the gum for 10–15 minutes until it hardens, then scrape.

Method 2: Use White Vinegar (Great for cottons and denim)

What you’ll need:

  • White vinegar

  • A saucepan or microwave

  • An old toothbrush

Steps:

  1. Heat a small amount of vinegar until warm (not boiling).

  2. Dip an old toothbrush into the warm vinegar and scrub the gum.

  3. It should start to break down and loosen.

  4. Rinse the area and wash the item as usual.

Vinegar can leave a bit of a smell, so be sure to rinse well and add fabric softener if needed.

Method 3: The Ironing Method (For stubborn gum)

What you’ll need:

  • A piece of cardboard or brown paper

  • An iron

Steps:

  1. Place the cardboard under the gum area.

  2. Lay the gum-side of the fabric downwards against the cardboard.

  3. Iron the back of the fabric on medium heat.

  4. The gum should transfer to the cardboard and peel away.

Don't let the iron touch the gum directly — melted gum on your iron is not fun.

What Not to Do

  • Don’t use boiling water directly on the gum — it can spread it further into the fibres.

  • Don’t throw it straight into the washing machine — heat can make the gum cling harder.

  • Avoid sharp knives or scissors — you risk damaging the fabric permanently.


Aftercare: Wash the Garment

Once the gum is off, wash the clothing as usual on the appropriate setting. If any residue remains, treat it with stain remover or washing-up liquid before the wash.

Final Thought

Removing chewing gum from clothes is annoying, but entirely doable with a few household tricks. Whether you freeze, heat, or dissolve it — you can save your fabric without resorting to scissors or swearing. Just be patient, and the gum will be gone before you know it.