Removing stuck chewing gum can be a challenge. When chewing gum is thoroughly chewed, it becomes extremely sticky and very difficult to remove from the surface where it is stuck. It is particularly difficult to remove chewing gum from carpets, fabrics and hair.
The following tips should make it easier for you to remove sticky chewing gum.
Cleaning products
There are strong solvents that are mainly used to dissolve adhesives, so they often contain turpentine or petrol. Apart from the residual odour of the solvent, these cleaning agents can attack the surface of the material to which the chewing gum is stuck. Cleaning agents containing petrol are also highly flammable, so care must be taken to ensure that there is no naked flame nearby.
Ice cream
Ice cubes are often suitable for removing stubborn chewing gum. Put a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and place them on the chewing gum until it is cold and hard. This often makes it easier to break away from the surface. However, you need to be patient, because as soon as the chewing gum warms up again, it becomes more flexible and more difficult to remove. The ice pack must therefore be placed on the chewing gum several times for a few minutes at a time. If the chewing gum is stuck to a small object, you can even place it directly in the freezer.
Oil
A popular method of removing chewing gum is to rub it with oil, which makes the surface of the chewing gum less sticky.
Peanut butter
The oil contained in peanut butter is particularly suitable for removing chewing gum from hair. Simply rub a little peanut butter onto the affected area and leave to work. The chewing gum usually falls off on its own after a few minutes.
