Chewing gum is a popular snack that can freshen your breath, relieve stress, and satisfy your sweet tooth. But what happens when you accidentally drop a piece of gum on your carpet? You might think that it’s impossible to remove, but don’t worry. There are several methods that can help you get chewing gum out of carpet without damaging the fibers or leaving a stain. In this article, Trendbbq will show you how to Get Chewing Gum Out of Carpet.
1. Why Is Chewing Gum So Hard to Remove from Carpet?
Chewing gum is made of synthetic rubber, which is a type of polymer. Polymers are long chains of molecules that are flexible and sticky. When you chew gum, you add saliva and air to the polymer, making it softer and more pliable. However, when gum comes in contact with carpet, it adheres to the fibers and becomes harder to remove as it dries. The longer the gum stays on the carpet, the more it bonds with the fabric and the deeper it sinks into the pile.
2. How to get gum out of carpet with Ice
- Use a few small stones in a nylon bag and place them on the area where the rubber is stuck. Wait until the rubber hardens and you can easily remove it.
- In case there are a few stains left on the carpet, you should repeat the previous step.
- If the gum is still colored on the surface of the carpet, you need to take one more step and clean the carpet with hot water mixed with a little mild detergent, pour it on and wipe it off with a towel.
3. How to Get Chewing Gum Out of Carpet with Oil
Getting chewing gum out of carpet with oil is a common and effective method. Here are the steps to follow:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Vegetable oil or cooking oil (olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
- Plastic bag or plastic wrap
- A butter knife or a similar dull-edged tool
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- A vacuum cleaner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Chill the Gum: Start by placing a few ice cubes in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Apply the ice directly to the chewing gum on the carpet. This will harden the gum and make it easier to remove without spreading it further.
- Scrape off the Gum: Once the gum is sufficiently hardened (usually after a few minutes), use a butter knife or a similar dull-edged tool to gently scrape the gum off the carpet fibers. Be very careful not to damage the carpet during this step.
- Apply Vegetable Oil: Pour a small amount of vegetable oil directly onto the remaining gum residue. You don’t need a lot; a tablespoon or two should be sufficient.
- Let It Sit: Allow the oil to soak into the gum for about 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the gum further and make it easier to lift.
- Gently Rub: Using a soft brush or an old toothbrush, gently rub the area where the gum was. Continue doing this until you notice the gum starting to lift off the carpet fibers.
- Wipe Away the Gum: Take a paper towel or a clean cloth and gently blot the area to remove the gum and oil. The gum should transfer onto the cloth. Be patient and avoid rubbing vigorously, as you don’t want to push the gum deeper into the carpet.
- Clean the Residue: If there’s still some residue left, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water to create a soapy solution. Dab the solution onto the remaining residue and blot with a clean cloth until the residue is gone.
- Rinse and Dry: Using a clean cloth dampened with water, rinse the area to remove any soap residue. Then, blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Vacuum: After the carpet has dried, vacuum the area to restore its texture and remove any remaining particles.
- Inspect and Repeat (if necessary): Check the carpet to ensure all the gum is gone. If there are any remnants, you may need to repeat the process.
4. How to Get Chewing Gum Out of Carpet with WD-40
You can use WD-40 to remove chewing gum from carpet, but be cautious as WD-40 is a petroleum-based product and may leave an oily residue. Here’s how to do it:
Materials You’ll Need:
- WD-40
- Plastic bag or plastic wrap
- A butter knife or a similar dull-edged tool
- Paper towels or a clean cloth
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- A vacuum cleaner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Chill the Gum: Start by placing a few ice cubes in a plastic bag or plastic wrap. Apply the ice directly to the chewing gum on the carpet. This will harden the gum and make it easier to remove without spreading it further.
- Scrape off the Gum: Once the gum is sufficiently hardened (usually after a few minutes), use a butter knife or a similar dull-edged tool to gently scrape the gum off the carpet fibers. Be very careful not to damage the carpet during this step.
- Spray with WD-40: Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly onto the remaining gum residue. Use it sparingly to avoid saturating the carpet.
- Let It Sit: Allow the WD-40 to sit on the gum for about 5-10 minutes. This will help to break down the gum and make it easier to remove.
- Gently Rub: Using a soft brush or an old toothbrush, gently rub the area where the gum was. Continue doing this until you notice the gum starting to lift off the carpet fibers.
- Wipe Away the Gum: Take a paper towel or a clean cloth and gently blot the area to remove the gum and WD-40. The gum should transfer onto the cloth. Be patient and avoid rubbing vigorously, as you don’t want to push the gum deeper into the carpet.
- Clean the Residue: If there’s still some residue left, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water to create a soapy solution. Dab the solution onto the remaining residue and blot with a clean cloth until the residue is gone.
- Rinse and Dry: Using a clean cloth dampened with water, rinse the area to remove any soap residue. Then, blot the area with a dry cloth or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Vacuum: After the carpet has dried, vacuum the area to restore its texture and remove any remaining particles.
- Inspect and Repeat (if necessary): Check the carpet to ensure all the gum is gone. If there are any remnants, you may need to repeat the process.
5. How to Prevent Chewing Gum from Getting on Your Carpet
The best way to avoid having to deal with chewing gum on your carpet is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your carpet free from gum:
- Do not chew gum in areas where you have carpet, such as your living room, bedroom, or office.
- If you do chew gum, dispose of it properly in a trash can or a wrapper. Do not spit it out on the ground or stick it under furniture.
- If you have kids or pets, keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t play with or eat chewing gum.
- If you notice any chewing gum on your shoes or clothes, remove it before entering your home or car.
Trendbbq hopes this article has helped you learn how to get chewing gum out of carpet. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.
6. FAQs
6.1. How to get gum out of carpet?
One effective method is to place ice cubes in a plastic bag and place it on the gum to freeze it. Once the gum is frozen and brittle, gently scrape it off with a butter knife or a plastic scraper.
6.2. Can I use heat to remove chewing gum from carpet?
Yes, you can use heat. Use a hairdryer to soften the gum. Once it’s soft, scrape it off with a plastic scraper or a cloth.
6.3. Will gum removal methods damage my carpet?
When done carefully, the methods mentioned should not damage your carpet. Avoid using sharp objects that could cut or snag the carpet fibers.
6.4. Can I use chemicals to remove gum from carpet?
You can use commercial gum removers, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Test any chemical on a small, inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.
