Skipping down the street in the summer sun, chewing some bubble gum just for old time’s sake: we can see the scene clearly. Chewing gum is one of those pesky, unique substances that can give you quite a headache when trying to get it out of hair, braces, and especially your clothes! You may not know how to get a gum stain out–but don’t worry, Dropps is here to help. Here are two methods for how to remove chewing gum from clothes.

What causes chewing gum stains?

Chewing gum may be a treat, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare when it ends up on our clothes. How does this innocent treat leave behind such stubborn stains? Chewing gum is made up of a blend of polymers, resins, sweeteners, and flavors. It's the sticky polymers that create the problem when they come into contact with fabric by adhering to our clothes. To make matters worse, gum hardens when it cools down, making it even more challenging to remove. Quite a sticky stain situation! Luckily, our guide to how to remove glue chewing gum from clothes will help you bid farewell to those pesky stains and get back to enjoying your gum without worry.

How to Remove Chewing Gum From Clothes by Freezing

What you’ll need: Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods, Oxi Booster Pods

Step 1: Freeze

Place the garment in a freezer bag and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours until the gum has hardened.

Step 2: Remove Gum

Remove the garment from the freezer and scrape gum off with a dull knife before it warms back up. Do not attempt to scrape or rub off the gum when it is wet, as this will only push the gum deeper into the fibers.

Step 3: Wash

Once the gum is removed, wash the item in the warmest water suggested by the garment’s care label with a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod. The enzymes in our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent should help break down and lift any remaining gummy residue. We also recommend adding an Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra brightening and whitening! Our Oxi Booster Pods are a chlorine-free bleach alternative that tackle stubborn stains and odors without bleaching your clothes or adding harsh chemicals to your washing routine.

Step 4: Dry

When the wash is done and the residue is gone, dry the item as usual according to the care label. Be sure that no gum or residue remains before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat from a dryer can cause any remaining stains to set further and be more difficult to remove in the future. Once the stain is fully gone, you can dry the item worry-free!

How to Remove Gum From Clothing with Vinegar

What you’ll need: Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods, Oxi Booster Pods, Vinegar

Step 1: Treat Stain

It’s time to use everyone’s favorite natural cleaning product: vinegar! Soak the stain in warm vinegar for 2-3 minutes. The acid in the vinegar will help break down the sticky properties of gum, making it easier to remove. Once the vinegar has had a chance to work its magic, gently remove the gum stuck on clothes with a dull knife, your fingers, or by scrubbing with a toothbrush.

Step 2: Wash

Once the gum is removed, wash the item in the warmest water suggested by the garment’s care label with a Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pod. The enzymes in our Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent should help break down and lift any remaining gummy residue. We also recommend adding an Oxi Booster Pod to the wash for extra brightening and whitening! Our Oxi Booster Pods are a chlorine-free bleach alternative that tackle stubborn stains and odors without bleaching your clothes or adding harsh chemicals to your washing routine.

Step 3: Dry

When the wash is done and the residue is gone, dry the item as usual according to the care label. Be sure that no gum or residue remains before putting the garment in the dryer, as the heat from a dryer can cause any remaining stains to set further and be more difficult to remove in the future. Once the stain is fully gone, you can dry the item worry-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about how to remove chewing gum from clothes? We’re here to help.

What Dissolves Chewing Gum?

Several substances can help dissolve chewing gum and make it easier to remove. Here are a few options:

• Ice: Applying ice to the gum can harden it and make it easier to scrape off. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold it against the gum until it becomes firm and brittle. You can also place the item directly in the freezer!
• Vinegar: Soaking the affected area in vinegar can help break down the gum. Soak the stain in vinegar for a few minutes, then gently scrape off the gum.
• Oil: Applying a small amount of vegetable oil to the gum can help dissolve it. Massage the substance into the gum and surrounding area, allowing it to sit for a few minutes. Use a cloth or blunt object to scrape off the gum. While this method can work to remove gum, it will leave behind an oil stain–so we recommend leaving this as a last resort to avoid having to fight multiple stains on the same day!

Remember to test any substance on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage, and to be careful when scraping off the gum to avoid damaging the fabric.

How does toothpaste remove chewing gum from clothes?

It’s true–toothpaste can do more than remove plaque from your teeth! The ingredients in toothpaste, such as baking soda, along with its mild abrasive properties can help break down gum and reduce stickiness. Learning how to remove chewing gum from clothes using toothpaste is simple. Apply toothpaste directly to the gum, then rub it in with your finger or a soft toothbrush. Allow it to sit for a few minutes, then gently scrape the gum off the fabric. Be sure to use a toothpaste that does not have any added dyes or whitening properties to avoid staining your garment further!