Gum carried in on a shoe or dropped by a child at play is usually spotted only once it has been trodden deep into the pile and has dried. The first instinct, pulling it out with your fingers, just spreads it further through the fibres.
Scraping with a knife is no better, as it pushes the gum deeper. The fastest fix combines cold, WD-40 and a brush, after which all that is left is to wash the spot.
What you will need
- ice cubes in a bag or a freezer pack
- a blunt knife or plastic spoon
- WD-40 Smart Straw or WD-40 Multi-Use
- a fairly stiff brush (a nail brush works well)
- a clean cloth and a sponge
- carpet cleaner or mild detergent, warm water
Important: Test the product on a hidden area of the carpet first, especially on wool, silk and light-coloured fabrics. WD-40 is flammable: ventilate the room and do not work near open flames or heaters.
Step 1
Remove the bulk and freeze the rest
Carefully lift off whatever sits above the pile with a blunt knife or spoon, without spreading the gum sideways. Then hold a bag of ice or a freezer pack on the gum for 10-15 minutes.
Cold makes the gum hard and less sticky, so some of it can be chipped away in pieces.
Step 2
Apply WD-40 to the gum
Spray a generous amount of WD-40 Smart Straw directly onto the remaining gum and slightly around it. With the straw raised the jet is precise, so the product lands on the gum rather than the whole carpet.
If you have WD-40 Multi-Use to hand, use it the same way, holding the can closer to the spot.
Step 3
Let it work
Wait a few minutes. The product gets between the gum and the fibres and loosens its grip. There is no need to wait longer than half an hour; usually you see results within 3-5 minutes.
Do not press on the spot meanwhile, or you will push the gum deeper.
Step 4
Brush the gum out
Using quick strokes, brush the gum out of the pile in one direction only, not back and forth. Do not press too hard, so you do not damage or fluff up the pile.
Pick up loosened bits with a tissue so they do not stick again.
Step 5
Repeat if needed and blot
If some gum is still holding on, apply a little more product and brush again. Usually the gum comes away completely after the second round.
Once the gum is gone, press a clean dry cloth onto the area to soak up the excess product.
Step 6
Wash the spot
Apply carpet cleaner or a solution of mild detergent in warm water. Dab the spot with a clean damp sponge, working from the edges towards the centre, until all traces of gum and product are gone.
Finally blot with a dry cloth, let the carpet dry and fluff up the pile with your hand.
Tip: If a few fibres remain stuck that nothing will shift, trim them with small scissors as close to the gum as possible rather than down at the backing: in a thick pile it will not show.
What next
The same method works for gum on sofa upholstery, car seats and car mats. There are separate guides for hair and clothing, which need a gentler approach.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».