Finding an old piece of chewing gum stuck to your carpet can be frustrating. If you leave it for too long, gum can leave behind an ugly gray stain. Fortunately, removing gum from carpets is easier than it seems if you use the right techniques.
When tackling gum stuck to carpets, timing is key. The gum comes off quicker when it’s still fresh and moist. However, you can remove even old, brittle gum with a little elbow grease. This article outlines various methods, from minimally invasive to heavy-duty, to lift gum from carpet fibers.
If you’re dealing with a vintage carpet or one made from delicate materials like silk, I suggest consulting a professional carpet cleaning service first, as DIY removal methods can damage fragile carpets. Otherwise, try these three methods for removing gum from your carpet.
1. Freeze Gum
If you got gum stuck in your hair as a child, you know firsthand that freezing gum makes it less sticky and easier to remove. The same logic applies to carpet gum removal.
Start by placing an ice cube on the gum and leave it there for 60 seconds. If the gum doesn’t harden enough, make an ice pack from plastic bags filled with ice. Apply the ice pack directly to the gum for 10-15 minutes until thoroughly frozen.
Once hardened, peel off the gum by hand, if possible. Wear gloves or use a plastic bag as protection. For stubborn gum, use a plastic spoon, credit card, or another dull scraping tool to lift the gum without damaging carpet fibers.
If any staining remains, use a carpet-safe cleaner and a white rag to dab the area clean. The white rag prevents dye transfer issues.
2. Melt Gum
Alternatively, melt fresh or old gum with a hair dryer to loosen its grip on fibers. Set the hairdryer to a low heat setting and apply heat for 1-2 minutes max, as excessive heat can harm carpets.
Have a plastic bag or rag ready before melting. Once the gum softens, remove the heat source immediately. While warm, pull the gum onto the plastic or rag.
You may need to alternate between heating and pulling if the gum keeps hardening during removal. Then, use a damp sponge for any leftover gum residue or staining.
3. Use Solvents to Dissolve Gum
For gum ground deep into carpet piles, freezing and melting techniques may prove ineffective. A solvent breaks down the gum’s complex structure so it releases from fibers.
Seeking out a carpet cleaner solution formulated for gum removal is best. If unavailable, test other oil-based options like wood floor cleaner, WD-40, stain remover, muscle creams, or peanut butter. Yes, peanut butter is a valid option, as the oils attract and dissolve gum’s natural base.
Take caution: Solvents can damage carpets, so always spot-test first in an inconspicuous area like a closet. Apply your chosen solvent liberally to the gum and let sit for 15 minutes (or more, if needed). Gently scrub away softened gum with a fingernail brush, wiping in one direction across fibers. Reapply solvent if some gum persists.
Follow up with a 50/50 baking soda and vinegar solution to neutralize solvent residues and chemical odors. Let it sit for five minutes before dabbing it clean with a cloth. The slight fizzing is normal.
When to Call the Pros
Freezing works wonders on fresh gum. For older, stuck-on gum, solvents offer an effective carpet gum removal approach. If gentle tactics fail after a few tries, contact a professional carpet cleaning service skilled in gum removal before trying more damaging techniques.
Gum in carpet fibers is frustrating, but armed with the right tools and techniques, homeowners can banish sticky gum for good.
So, Does DIY Gum Removal From Carpets Work?
DIY removal methods can work wonders to get gum out of your carpet. From freezing to dissolving, lifting gum from carpet fibers is very achievable without professional help in most cases. You can even remove old gum ground deep into the carpet pile with solvent cleaners and strategic scrubbing techniques.
While calling carpet cleaning pros is an option, patient DIY removal using non-damaging methods often does the trick at a fraction of the cost. If one tactic fails, try another until you find what works for your specific gum situation.
FAQs About Removing Gum From Carpets
What household items remove gum from a carpet?
Use ice cubes, hairdryers, erasers, plastic bags, credit cards, wood floor cleaner, WD-40, peanut butter, baking soda, white vinegar, liquid stain removers, and fingernail brushes to remove gum from carpets.
What is the fastest way to get gum out of a carpet?
For fresh, pliable gum, freezing using ice is the fastest DIY carpet gum removal method. Hardened gum easily peels off carpet fibers, and melting gum with heat also works quickly.
What dissolves gum in a carpet?
Oil-based solvents like wood floor cleaner, dry cleaning fluids, WD-40, peanut butter, and muscle creams dissolve gum’s sticky base so it releases from carpet fibers.
Can I remove old gum from a carpet?
Yes, even gum stuck to a carpet long-term comes off with the right removal approach. For brittle, built-up gum, apply an oil-based solvent, let it penetrate, soak for 15+ minutes, then gently loosen and wipe clean using a scrub brush.
