Finding gum stuck in your carpet can be frustrating, but don’t worry there are simple ways to remove it without damaging your flooring. Whether you use ice, vinegar, a hair dryer, or even peanut butter, household items can help break down and lift the gum with ease. This guide walks you through five proven methods to get gum out of carpet, along with tips on when to hire a professional and How to get gum out of carpet. Read on to discover the best technique for your needs!
5 Ways to Get Gum Out Of Carpet
Although removing gum from carpet might sound difficult, there is an easy solution to it. The carpet can be preserved by using ice, vinegar, hair dryers, and even WD-40. All these techniques are very straightforward and can be done with basic household materials.
Ice Cubes
To prevent the mess from worsening, it’s best to make use of ice. For this, first take the ice cubes out of the freezer and follow the steps below:
- Press a bag of ice cubes on top of the gum and do not remove the bag until the gum has frozen completely.
- Remove the ice bag and try to pull the frozen gum off the carpet with your fingers or a knife.
- Start in the middle of the wad and gently tug on it while pulling the edges, but be careful to not rip any of the carpet fibers.
- Any left over residue can be treated with a couple of drops of methyl salicylate as for the stubborn ones.
- With a soft detergent, scrub the area of the carpet for any stains or discoloration and then finally rinse out the area with warm water.
If this technique does not achieve the desired result, consider moistening a clean white cloth or cotton ball with a small quantity of rubbing alcohol and vacuuming the gum residue instead.
WD-40
An additional dependable solution WD 40 is perfect for getting rid of chewing gum from carpets and rugs. Chewing gum is water repellent so it doesn’t dissolve in water. To get rid of it, you can apply another water repellent substance such as WD-40. In most cases, this method is quicker than using ice because you don’t have to let the gum freeze. Here’s how to do it:
- Apply a spray of WD 40 directly on the stain. Try to point the straw towards the spot where the gum is touching the carpet. You may have to apply some pressure with your fingers to get the WD-40 into the carpet.
- Give it some time, around 5 to 10 minutes.
- Take a rag or a small scrubber and in one movement wipe or scrub the gum off in a single direction.
Apply additional gum remover if necessary to get rid of each piece of remaining gum from the carpet. Continue wiping the rag in the same direction.
Hair Dryer
Another way to dry gum in your carpet is to soften it first so it doesn’t damage the fibers when you’re removing it. Here’s how to do it: Set the dryer on low or medium heat to avoid overheating the fiber carpet. Hold the dryer several inches away from the gum, direct the warm air at it for about 30 seconds.
- Once the gum is soft, use a knife or tablespoon to scoop it off the carpet, without pressing too hard to avoid damaging the fiber.
- Clean the portion with warm soapy water to wash out any residual stickiness.
This method is most effective for small spots of gum and has such a low damage risk.
Vinegar
White vinegar has many household cleaning applications and is good for helping to eliminate gum from carpets. Here is how versatile vinegar can get rid of chewing gum:
- Warm 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the microwave. Dip a clean white cloth or paper towel into vinegar and press it on the gum. Scrape off as much of the gum as you can using a putty knife, dull knife, or even the side of a spoon.
- Lastly, take an old toothbrush and scrub off any residual gum. Note that the gum will totally gunk up the toothbrush, so you might want to throw it out after this chore.
This way, gum in your carpet can be removed without damaging the carpet material, and your carpeting will come out a lot cleaner and fresher.
Peanut Butter
Who would have known peanut butter is quite efficient in this regard? The oils in peanut butter break the gum’s sticky texture down pretty easy to lift. Expect a little cleaning up after this. Here’s how:
- First, apply a small amount of peanut butter. Spread the spoon or knife over the gum very thinly so that it doesn’t go deep into the carpet fibers.
- Leave the peanut butter on the gum for a few minutes to soften it.
- Then you can scoop the gum from the carpet with a dull knife or spoon. You can easily get rid of it because peanut butter will make it easier to loosen.
- Once the gum is gone, make sure to clean the area well. Combine dish soap with water to get rid of the oily residue from the peanut butter, and finish by wiping away any remaining soap with a clean damp cloth.
While this method can work well, it does require a good cleaning afterward to prevent any oily stains from the peanut butter.
Hiring a Professional Carpet Cleaner
- Expert Technique: Professionals have specialized tools and cleaning agents that can remove tough stains like chewing gum without damaging the carpet.
- Less Effort: You don’t have to spend time or energy removing the chewing gum yourself.
- Thorough Cleaning: Professionals will make sure to clean the entire carpet, not just the affected area, leaving your carpet looking fresh and clean.
- Higher Cost: Professional carpet cleaning costs between $100 and $300, depending on the size of the carpet and the service fee.
Self-cleaning is expensive, but can be time-consuming and risky. Hiring a professional is faster and safer, but more expensive.
Cost to DIY Gum Removal
When deciding whether to remove the gum yourself or hire a professional carpet cleaner, you must weigh the cost, time, and results of each option. Here you’ll find an overview of both options. Removing the gum yourself:
- Low Cost: Most methods (such as ice, WD-40, or vinegar) use household items you already have, making this method a cost-effective option.
- Light Equipment: You may only need basic tools, such as a dull knife, blower, or cloth, which are generally easy to obtain.
- Time Consuming: Depending on the size or tightness of the gum, the process can take a while.
- Risk of Carpet Damage: DIY methods can cause tears or discoloration in carpet fibers if not done with care.
How To Maintain Your Carpet
Proper carpet care not only improves its appearance, but also extends its life. With a few simple steps like regular vacuuming, immediate spot treatments, and regular deep cleaning, you can keep your carpet fresh and looking its best for years to come:
- Vacuum Regularly: Vacuum at least once a week to keep your carpet free of dirt and debris.
- Treat Stains Immediately: Clean spills and stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
- Rotate Furniture: Change the position of furniture to avoid uneven wear on your carpet.
- Regular Deep Cleaning: Schedule professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months for a thorough clean.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: Make sure your carpet doesn’t stay damp for too long to prevent mold growth.
- Trim Loose Fabrics: Trim any loose or frayed fibers to keep your carpet looking neat.
- Use Carpet Protector: Consider using a carpet protector to prevent stains and wear.
By maintaining your carpet with these simple tips, you’ll not only keep it clean but also ensure it lasts longer, preserving its beauty and comfort for years to come.
Conclusion
Getting that gum out of your carpet need not be as big a struggle if you use the right methods. Icing, WD-40, vinegar, or even peanut butter, all will help you remove the gum from your carpet without causing it harm. Along with gum removal, basic care such as regular vacuuming, immediate treatment of stains, and occasional deep cleaning is very beneficial in maintaining the freshness of your carpet as well as extending its life. Pretty easy to keep clean and comfortable and in tip-top shape for years.
FAQ’s
- What about gum that has been on the carpet for a long period of time?
As in the case of older hardened gum stuck to the carpet, first use the ice method then vinegar or WD-40. If this proves inflexible, it may be best to give a professional carpet cleaner a go.
- Does rubbing alcohol get rid of gum from carpet?
It sure does help in breaking down the residue of the gum. You can apply some amount of it on a piece of cloth and gently dab the area until the gum comes loose.
