Remove Chewing Gum from Carpets (Ice Cube Method)

Have you ever dropped some chewing gum on your carpet, only to have it stick fast? This solution involves some ice and elbow grease, after which your carpet will appear as good as new.

Steps

Single ice cube

  1. Fill an ice cube tray with water and put it in the freezer for a few hours.
  2. Tap out an ice cube and take it over to the area on the carpet which needs cleaning.
  3. Dab the ice cube on the chewing gum and leave in place for one minute. The chewing gum will become hard and stiff, enabling you to pull it off the carpet.
  4. Pull with care.Try to avoid tugging at the carpet or being rough removing the gum, as the carpet fibers risk pulling up. Pick and pull gently to remove fibers.
    • At this stage, if the gum isn't all coming off, you could try using methyl salicylate (extra strength Ben-Gay) to help remove the remaining bits. Simply dot on and pick gently.
  5. Clean the area using a gentle detergent solution. Rinse with warm water after the gum has been removed.

Ice filled bag

  1. Take a Ziplock™ plastic bag, at least as large as the gum spot.
  2. Fill with ice. Make sure to seal the plastic baggy all the way.
  3. Close bag and place on top of the stuck gum.
  4. Wait for about fifteen minutes.
  5. By now the gum has hardened because of the ice and you can now peel it off with ease. Again, use care to avoid tugging at the carpet of being rough, so as not to pull up carpet fibers.
  6. If there is still gum left after step 5, repeat with new ice. If it remains after that, some good old fashioned elbow grease is in order. Just get some carpet safe cleaner and a sponge and dab and pick away with care.
  7. Clean the area using a gentle detergent solution. Rinse with warm water after the gum has been removed.

Tips

  • Only use tap or distilled water as this won't damage wool carpets.
  • Rubbing some peanut butter on the spot might also work if the carpet is not white or light. The gum balls up and can easily be removed with a slightly soapy damp rag along with the peanut butter. Just be mindful of oil stains and the potential for discoloration.
  • If all else fails, squirt Simple Green on the gum and scrub at it with a brush until most of the gum rolls up into little balls. The rest you just have to pick at with your fingers.

Warnings

  • If in doubt, test a small amount of carpet before carrying this out.
  • Don't try this on hair if the gum is stuck close to the scalp, because that could cause minor frostbite.

Things You'll Need

  • Ziplock bag or similar sealable bag
  • Ice cubes

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References

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