Many people enjoy chewing gum because it is a great treat to exercise the jaw, eliminate boredom, and help quit smoking.Gum can end up where it's not supposed to be, like your carpet.There are ways to remove the gum and prevent the stain from becoming a permanent fixture if you discover a sticky situation in your carpet.
Step 1: The gum should be frozen with ice.
Place ice cubes in a bag and put them on top of the gum.Alternatively, spraying the gum at close range with compressed air from a computer duster or placing a piece of dry ice on it can freeze it quickly.When the gum has just gotten into the carpet, it's easier to freeze it.Before moving on to the next step, be sure the gum is frozen solid.
Step 2: To remove the gum from the carpet, use a butter knife or metal spatula.
Remove the gum from the carpet fibers with a scraper motion.Allow it to break into fragments and remove as much of it as possible.Rub ice on areas that won't lift off.
Step 3: The spot should be cleaned.
Rub the spot where the gum was to finish the cleaning process after dipping a rag into a soapy solution containing a small amount of white vinegar.Don't walk on the area until it is completely dry and Blot with a thick towel.
Step 4: If you want to remove gum, you need to test the carpet.
Some oils can cause damage to fabrics.Ensure that you aren't going to make a bigger stain by applying a small amount of oil in a hidden location and inspect for any discoloration.Oil will allow gum to release from the carpet fibers.If you want to get the gum off your carpets, you need to thoroughly clean the oils out of the carpets.
Step 5: The oil should be applied to the gum with a cloth.
If you want to control where you apply the oil, place it on a cleaning cloth and do not pour it directly on the gum.Repeatedly apply oil to the gum wad with a cleaning cloth.
Step 6: The gum should be removed gently using a butter knife.
Remove the gum from the carpet with a knife in the same direction each time.The gum should be wiped off the knife blade before applying it to the carpet.Rubbing can damage the carpet fibers and cause more damage to your flooring.
Step 7: Use dish soap and water to clean the area.
There may be some residual oils left from the cleaning process after the gum has been removed.A cloth dipped in the soapy solution can be used to scrub the carpet.
Step 8: Dry-Cleaning Solvent, Citrus Based Degreaser, and Mineral Spirits can be applied to the gum.
The gum polymers will be easier to remove from the carpet with the help of these solvents.The solvent should be applied to the gum wad by using a cleaning cloth.A muscle rub can be used as a solvent.To avoid staining your carpet, always test a small amount of solvent on a hidden area.
Step 9: Allow time for the solvent to get into the gum.
If the gum is hard, wait 5 to 10 minutes before trying to remove it.The gum will be released from the carpet when the solvent loosens the structures.
Step 10: Remove the gum with a knife.
The same motion with each pass is needed to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
Step 11: Sponge the area with a solution made from detergent and water.
If you want to finish the cleaning process, use soap and water.Take a towel and dry your carpets.