Introduction: How to Remove Gum From Clothes

About: Well, I am mostly a family man, which means I use "hanging out with the family" as an excuse to get less of my projects started, and a fraction of the started ones finished. I try to be passionate about whate…

Kids will be kids! Even though mine are not allowed to chew gum, that did not stop my not-quite-youngest from getting gum on his NEW karate uniform!! Actually, we do not know who got the gum on his pants, but that is not important for this Instructable (anyone want to tackle "How to find out who really did it?")

This Instructable will show you how to remove bubble gum from clothes. It is simple, easy, and involves no chemicals.

Step 1: Things You'll Need:

  • clothes with gum attached
  • ice
  • a butter knife
  • a clean sink
  • a small bowl (optional)

Step 2: Prep the Area and Wait

Take your tools and the garment to a sink, or use some other bowl or container of appropriate size.

Take out two ice cubes. I like to use the old-fashioned ice cube trays because they produce ice with a flat top and a flat bottom, but any ice will do! Use a bowl to contain the ice and garment if you can't stack the ice - see below.

Place one cube under the gummed area, with as few layers of fabric as possible (ie - in the pant leg).

Situate the gum spot in the center of the cube, and carefully balance the second cube on top.

For oddly shaped ice: If you're using weirdly shaped ice cubes, place the ice cubes inside the garment and then press it down into a small bowl and put more ice on top.

Wait for at least 30 minutes. You want the gum to get good and cold, through and through.

Step 3: Scrape

You have waited long enough. Take the ice cubes off the fabric and find a flat surface. Grab the butter-knife and, using a non-serrated edge, scrape the frozen gum off. It should come right off in one big chunk. You may have to scrape off some small bits too; make sure there are none left on the fabric.

Step 4: Wash

For best results, pre-treat the area with an enzyme detergent, spot treatment, or just regular clothes soap. Treat for as long as you see fit, then wash per garment instructions.

That is all! I hope you have found the answer to the Burning Question, "How do I get this gum off my pants!"

-kqrpnb

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