Gum that falls out of a pocket or comes in on a shoe sole is easily trodden into a car mat. The pile grips it tightly, and in winter sand and salt get pressed in along with it. Scraping it off dry is pointless: the gum stretches and smears across the fibres.
Popular tricks with ice or lighter fluid risk damaging the pile and are unsafe in a car. It is simpler to soften the gum with WD-40: it weakens the gum's grip on the fibres so it comes off in one piece, without leaving a mark.
What you will need
Important: Treat the mat outside the car and put it back only when it is completely clean and dry. Lubricant left under the pedals makes the mat and your soles slippery, which is dangerous when driving.
Step 1
Spray the gum
Take the mat out of the car and lay it flat. Carefully spray the gum and a little of the surrounding area. The WD-40 Smart Straw is ideal: straw up for a precise jet on the gum, straw down to cover a wider patch.
Do not soak the whole mat: just cover the gum and the edge of the pile around it.
Step 2
Let it work
Leave the mat for about 30 minutes. In that time the lubricant gets under the gum and loosens its bond with the fibres.
Step 3
Lift the gum with a scraper
With a plastic scraper or blunt knife, lift the gum from one edge and work steadily towards the other. Go with the pile and do not tear the fibres.
Softened gum comes away in one piece instead of smearing.
Step 4
Repeat if needed
If small bits remain in the pile, apply a little more lubricant, wait a few minutes and remove the remains with the scraper or a brush.
Step 5
Wash and dry the mat
Wipe the treated area with a cloth and warm soapy water or carpet cleaner, work it in with a brush and rinse off the foam. This removes leftover lubricant and dirt.
Dry the mat completely, ideally indoors in the warm, before putting it back in the car.
Tip: The same method works on fabric seat upholstery and boot carpet, but test the lubricant on a hidden area of the fabric first.
What next
Give the mats a thorough wash after winter, as salt and sand wear the pile. Keep WD-40 Multi-Use in the boot too: it comes in handy for frozen door locks, hinges and battery terminals.
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».