Anyone can tread in gum on the pavement or sit on it on a park bench. It packs into the tread of a sole, works its way into denim fibres, and if it is left in a pocket through the wash it sticks to the fabric like glue. The urge to scrape it off with a knife usually ends in a smeared patch or a cut in the fabric.
There are two reliable methods: freeze the gum with ice or soften it with WD-40. Below are step-by-step instructions for soles, for clothes made of sturdy fabric and for carpets.
What you will need
- WD-40 Smart Straw for precise application
- Ice cubes and a freezer bag
- Round-ended knife, scraper or ruler
- Paper towels and clean cloths
- Nail polish remover (optional, soles only)
- Laundry detergent
Important: Do not apply lubricant to delicate fabrics, silk, suede or the textile uppers of shoes: it can leave oily marks. On other fabrics test on a hidden area first and always wash the item after treatment.
Step 1
Freeze the gum with ice
This method works on any surface and does not harm fabric. Fill a sturdy freezer bag with ice cubes and press it onto the gum so they are in good contact.
Once the gum is hard and brittle, lift it with a round-ended knife and it will break away in pieces. For delicate fabrics this is the method to use.
Step 2
Soften gum on the sole
If the gum is deep in the tread, you can first dab a little nail polish remover onto it, on the rubber sole only and with a window open, then wipe it away with a paper towel after 5 minutes. Make sure the sole material can take it.
Then apply lubricant precisely to the remaining gum through the raised straw of the WD-40 Smart Straw, keeping it off textile uppers and stitching.
Step 3
Wipe the gum off the sole
After a minute, wipe the gum away with a clean cloth and pick it out of the tread grooves with a scraper. If any remains, repeat the application and wiping until the sole is clean.
Step 4
Wash the sole
Before wearing the shoes, make sure all lubricant is removed from the sole, or they will be slippery. Wet a cloth, scrub the sole well and let it air dry.
This matters most in winter: a slippery sole on ice is dangerous.
Step 5
Remove gum from jeans
Lay the jeans flat and spray WD-40 Multi-Use generously onto the gum. Leave for 30 minutes, or up to 45 for an old patch.
Scrape off most of the gum with a round-ended knife or ruler, spray a little more on what is left and remove it. Then put the jeans straight into the washing machine to get the product out of the fabric.
Step 6
Clean the carpet
For a rug or fitted carpet, follow the same method as for jeans: apply lubricant to the gum, let it soak in and lift it with a scraper. Then always clean the spot with carpet cleaner so no oily mark is left.
Tip: Always check pockets before washing, especially children's clothes: gum that goes through a wash cycle smears over the whole garment and sticks to the drum.
What next
Keep a can of WD-40 Smart Straw at home: it deals quickly with gum, stickers and sticky label residue. If gum is stuck to concrete by the door or to a car mat, see our separate guides.
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».