How to Remove Chewing Gum from Fabric Upholstery? 4 Methods

There are a few tried-and-true techniques that can help remove chewing gum from fabric upholstery.

Dropping something sticky, like chewing gum, on your new sofa is even more annoying than spilling wine on it. Gum can adhere to the fabric of your upholstery and harden, making it challenging to pry off. You don’t want your guests to see any hair, dirt, or dust that may have settled on the area.

So how do you get gum out of fabric upholstery? It won’t come off by wiping at it; in fact, doing so might make it more difficult to get chewing gum out of fabric upholstery. Instead of rubbing it, freeze it so that when it becomes rigid and less sticky, you can peel it off with ease.

Read this guide to remove chewing gums from the carpet or upholstery.

Remove Chewing Gum from Fabric Upholstery

If the gum is embedded in your fabric, it is best to have a professional upholstery cleaner remove it to prevent harm to your cushions.

Cleaning upholstery fabrics needs some tips, and it is important to clean upholstery fabrics before using them for the first time, but don’t worry, we have provided you with a Upholstery Fabric Cleaning Guide. It can tell you how to clean different types of upholstery fabrics.

The procedures to remove chewing gum from fabric upholstery are listed below.

Freeze the Gum

1. To get rid of any additional dirt or debris, use a rag to wipe off the fabric upholstery near the chewing gum.
2. Put two ice cubes on top of the chewing gum after wrapping them in a plastic bag. For at least 30 minutes, let them remain there. The gum will become stiffer and easier to pry free from the fabric the longer you leave the ice on it.
3. When the chewing gum is so frozen, you can’t bend it when you grab one of the edges, remove the ice cubes. To remove the chewing gum from the fabric upholstery, gently wiggle a butter knife underneath the piece of gum.
4. The chewing gum wad should be removed.
5. Look for a greasy spot on the fabric where the gum was lodged. Some chewing gum varieties will leave a greasy stain on the fabric that needs to be cleaned.
6. Apply pressure to soak up the surplus moisture and eliminate all traces of the gum by spraying any greasy residue left behind with a fabric cleaner.

Duct Tape

Stickiness is fought with more stickiness! Only a piece of duct tape is required for this technique. When there is still some hardened or solid gum clinging to the upholstery, it works best.

Tear off a piece that is slightly larger than the chewing gum-affected area. Next, cover it with duct tape, sticky side down, and press it firmly against the gum. Hopefully, most of the gum will come off with the tape if you quickly pull it away.

To completely remove the gum, use this method several times. However, be careful to keep the tape as far away from the surrounding upholstery fabric as you can because doing so can harm it.

Heat

Using heat is yet another approach that is possible. This may weaken the gum’s adhesive bond, making it simpler to scrape off. Make sure you have plenty of paper towels available because heat can also make the gum more liquid and messy.

A few sheets of baking paper should be placed on top of the sticky area to shield the fabric from direct heat. Once the gum has melted, apply pressure with an iron set to medium heat (but watch out for your upholstery!).

Revolving the iron back and forth could spread the stain more. While it is still hot, scrape the gum off with a paint scraper or blunt knife.

However, you should first see how your upholstery fabric might react before giving it a try. When exposed to iron, certain fabrics containing plastic may melt or ignite.

There may be a label on a newer chair or sofa that contains details about the fabric type and maintenance recommendations. If your upholstery doesn’t have one, you might first try gently heating a small, hidden area of the fabric to gauge the outcome. Any melting, scorching, or fumes must be stopped right away.

Acid

Using an acidic product is another option for attempting to dissolve chewing gum. White vinegar is a well-liked alternative, but you can also purchase expert treatments designed specifically for this.

When using the white vinegar method, microwave the vinegar in a small bowl for 30 seconds. Apply it to the gum area until it is completely saturated, and then leave it alone for 5 to 10 minutes.

Avoid spreading the vinegar to the surrounding fabric by using a soft toothbrush to scrub the afflicted area in circular motions. After that, clean the area with soapy water and blot it with a kitchen towel to remove the vinegar.

Dealing With Chewing Gum Stains on Upholstery

It’s possible that a stain remains even after you’ve scraped off all of the gum. Usually, store-bought stain removers will work well to get rid of this residue. However, you can also get rid of the remaining gum using natural remedies.

To remove the stain, try using oil-based products like oil soap, smooth peanut butter, or even a tiny bit of WD40. Use your fingers or a soft toothbrush to work it into the gum stain after applying it directly on top of it. Next, wipe the treatment away with a clean cloth.

Blot it with warm, soapy water, then with clear, warm water, and let it air dry to completely clean the area.

Although it can be difficult, removing stains from upholstery is not impossible. Here are some guides you can follow to clean different stains from upholstery:

Conclusion: Remove Chewing Gum from Fabric Upholstery

An ice cube wrapped in a fresh piece of paper towel works best for removing gum from the furniture. To make the gum completely frozen, press the ice cube against it for 20 to 30 seconds. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently pry the frozen gum from the couch.

Call in expert upholstery cleaners if the aforementioned techniques fail to produce the desired results or if the thought of cleaning your own upholstery seems too intimidating.

FAQs