Remove Gum From a Table
Removing gum from a table can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a few simple steps, you can remove gum, including the gum's sticky residue. Once the gum is removed, buff the table's surface to restore its shine.
Contents
Steps
Removing the Gum
- Apply ice cubes. Put a dozen ice cubes into a plastic bag, and hold the ice against the gummed surface. Keep it there for as long as needed to completely chill the gum.
- Ice cubes will freeze the gum into a more solid element.
- Once the gum is chilled or frozen, you'll be able to remove the gun by chipping it off the table with a dull knife.
- Rub with vegetable oil. Soak the corner of a paper towel in vegetable oil, then press it against the gummed table. Rub the area vigorously. The gum should release from the table.
- Any kind of vegetable oil will work for this method.
- A light, unscented oil such as canola will leave less of a residue.
- Use duct tape. To use this method, tear off a short section of duct tape. Lay the duct tape on the affected surface, sticky side down. Press the tape to the table, then lift it off.
- The gum should stick to the duct tape and lift off.
- If there's still any gum on your table, repeat this method until the gum is removed.
- Dab with peanut butter. Put a small amount of peanut butter on, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Follow by scraping it off with a butter knife.
- The oil in the peanut butter will help to dissolve the chewing gum and release it from the table.
- If you don't have peanut butter, try another oily substance such as mayonnaise, facial moisturizer or make-up remover wipes.
- Scrape gum off using a blade. Press the blade between the gum and the table's surface. Push the blade gently across the table, being careful not to press down. Pressing down could scratch the table.
- A dull edge, such as a butter knife, should be used. Sharper blades should be used with caution, as they could cut you or scratch the table.
- Try putting a little vegetable oil on the blade to aid in removal.
Dissolving the Gum's Residue
- Apply chemical cleaner. Soak a rag or paper towel with the cleaner, and press to the gum residue left on the table. Allow to soak for 3-5 minutes. Follow by wiping with a clean, dry towel.
- Goo Gone is a good example of a chemical cleaner that effectively removes gum residue from table surfaces.
- Repeat this process as needed until all residue is removed.
- Rub with warm, soapy water. Fill a small container with warm water and a few drops of gentle dish washing liquid. Dampen a soft cloth or a sturdy paper towel with the soapy liquid, and apply to the gummy residue.
- Be careful not to use too much soap for this process.
- If there is still residue, wash again. Rinse and dry when finished.
- Swab the surface with acetone. Dampen a cotton ball with acetone, or paint remover. Gently rub the wet cotton against the gummy residue.
- Because this is paint remover, this method is not recommended for varnished, painted, or finished surfaces.
- Repeat until residue is no longer visible.
Repairing Wooden Table Surfaces
- Use a wood filler. Put wood filler onto any scratches or holes that might result from removing gum. Smooth it out with a putty knife until it feels smooth to the touch.
- Drying on a small area may take a few hours.
- Allow the filler to dry completely.
- Choose a wood filler that is paintable/stainable.
- Sand the area. With a fine grain sandpaper or an orbital sander, rub the area until it's very smooth. If you sand it, and it's still not smooth, reapply wood filler and sand again.
- If the surface will be visible, be careful to limit your sanding strokes.
- Once your surface is sanded smooth, you may paint or stain if desired.
- Apply a wood oil. If the surface needs only light repair, a wood oil may be sufficient. Generously apply the wood oil to the affected surface with a brush. Allow to soak in for 30 minutes, then rub off excess with a soft cloth.
- Applying the oil along the wood grain will work best.
- Tung oil is good for tables on which food may be prepared, as it's non-toxic. For outside tables, Danish oil or teak oil is recommended.
- Polish well. Furniture polish may be used following application of oil. After table has been allowed to thoroughly dry, spray a soft cloth with furniture polish. Spread liberally across the table's surface.
- Furniture wax may also be used. It requires more effort to apply, but results in a more stable surface.
- Furniture spray contains silicone, and will have a brighter finish than either wax or polish. Buff well to bring out the most shine.
Tips
- Apply any chemical to a discreet area to learn how it interacts with your table's finish before applying to a larger or more visible area.
Warnings
- Wear gloves when using chemicals or oils on your table to avoid negative skin reactions.
Sources and Citations
- ↑ http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-chewing-gum-from-wood-floors
- http://jezebel.com/5850613/how-to-get-gum-out-of-your-hair-and-everything-else
- ↑ http://www.housekeepinghere.com/issues/chewing-gum-removal/
- http://googone.com/How-to-Remove/Gum.aspx
- https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/odour-stain-removal/how-to-remove-chewing-gum-from-carpets-other-surfaces
- http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-glue-from-wood
- ↑ http://www.designsponge.com/2010/09/before-and-after-basics-wood-filler.html
- http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/how-to-apply-stain-varnish-wax-dye-or-oil-to-wood
- http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/caring-for-furniture