How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Without Damaging the Fabric
The right way to remove chewing gum from clothes will help remove stubborn gum without tearing, scuffing or warping the fabric – keeping your favorite shirt ready to wear again.
Chewing Gum Can Make Your Outfit a Disaster
Have you ever sat on a public chair and found a piece of candy stuck to your skirt? Or while having fun, candy fell on your sleeve? Chewing gum – seemingly harmless – is one of the "culprits" that makes clothes the hardest to clean. It is flexible, sticky, clings tightly and can easily… damage clothes if handled incorrectly.
Important thing to remember: never rush to scratch or wash immediately with hot water . The candy stain cannot be dissolved but will penetrate deeper into the fabric fibers. So what to do?
(Photo: Internet)
Why Is Chewing Gum So Sticky?
The gum is essentially a mixture of elastic polymer + sugar + flavoring. When the gum softens and sticks to the fabric, it penetrates deep into the fibers , especially cotton, denim, khaki or stretch blends. When dry, the gum becomes hard, sticky like glue.
Washing or soaking alone is not enough to remove the gum. You need one of three things: cooling , mild acid softening , or oil dissolving – depending on the fabric and the condition of the gum stain.
(Photo: Internet)
How to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Effectively at Home
1. Cooling – The Easiest Way for Fresh Stains
Applicable to: Cotton, denim, khaki, canvas, thick elastic
Making:
– Put ice in a zip bag or wrap in a thin towel
– Apply to the stain for 10–15 minutes, or put the entire item in the freezer for about 2 hours
– When the candy hardens, use a plastic card or hard spoon to gently push from the edge inward.
– Wipe the sticky area with a damp cloth.
Note: Do not use sharp objects (knives, scissors) because they can easily tear the fabric.
2. Use Hot White Vinegar – Gently Cleans
Applicable to: Rough fabric, non-elastic, not easy to fade
Making:
– Heat white vinegar (warm enough, not boiling)
– Dip a soft brush or clean cloth in vinegar and gently rub the candy stain.
– The candy will soften and gradually peel off the fabric.
– Wash again with mild soap to remove odor.
Tip: You can mix vinegar and baking soda to increase effectiveness if the stain is old.
3. Use Baby Shampoo, Margarine or Cooking Oil
Applicable to: Thick fabrics, not too oil-absorbent (such as denim, khaki)
Making:
– Apply a thin layer of oil or butter to the sticky area.
– Let stand for a few minutes for the candy to lose its stickiness.
– Use your finger or a plastic card to gently remove it.
– Wash immediately with warm water mixed with dishwashing liquid to remove oil.
After Bleaching – What to Do to Prevent Marks from Leaving on the Shirt?
No matter how you bleach, do:
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Wash the entire garment with mild soap.
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Rinse thoroughly twice to avoid oil residue, vinegar or unpleasant odors.
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If the stain remains, apply diluted lemon juice and leave in an airy place for a natural light lightening.
For colored fabrics, test on a small area first to avoid fading.
One Candy Trace Isn't Enough to Lose the Whole Item
Learning how to handle “accidental” situations like gum stains is an essential part of being a good dresser. You don’t always have to buy new clothes – sometimes just knowing how to clean them at the right time can extend the life of your clothes for several seasons.
That’s also the spirit that brands like Root Rotation are pursuing: Sustainable fashion doesn’t just come from the materials, but also from the way the wearer cherishes each item they own . From jeans to white dresses – if you know how to take care of them, each item can be a long-lasting statement of personality.
Related articles:
How to Use Bleach Powder Safely Without Corroding Fabric
How to Remove Grease from White Shirts Super Easy, No Worry About Ruining the Shirt
Tips for Folding Clothes Neatly – Beautiful Wardrobe, Wrinkle-Free Clothes