Gum can be a tricky substance to remove from a couch. It’s sticky and can easily become embedded in the fabric.
While similar to removing sticky candy from your sofa or carpets, gum is particularly sticky and requires a whole different cleaning method.
But don’t worry, there are several methods you can use to remove gum from your couch. In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to remove gum from your couch.
Different methods for removing gum from your couch
Freezing the gum
Using Vinegar
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Using peanut butter
Method 1: Freezing the gum
One of the easiest ways to remove gum from a couch is by freezing it. Here’s how to do it:
Place a plastic bag filled with ice cubes over the gum. Make sure the bag covers the entire piece of gum.
Wait for the gum to freeze. This should take around 15-20 minutes.
Once the gum is frozen, use a dull knife or spatula to gently scrape it off the couch. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Method 2: Using vinegar
Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning solution that can be used to remove gum from your couch.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Step 2: Spray the solution onto the gum.
Step 3: Wait a few minutes for the vinegar to soak into the gum.
Step 4: Use a dull knife or spatula to gently scrape the gum off the couch. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Method 3: Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another effective cleaning solution that can be used to remove gum from your couch. Rubbing alcohol can be in the form of hand sanitizer or acetone nail polish too if you don’t have any to hand.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth
Step 2: Dab the cloth onto the gum, making sure to saturate it.
Step 3: Wait a few minutes for the rubbing alcohol to dissolve the gum.
Step 4: Use a dull knife or spatula to gently scrape the gum off the couch. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Method 4: Using peanut butter
Believe it or not, peanut butter can also be used to remove gum from your couch. Of course, this will create another problem of having a greasy food product in your couch! Thankfully you can read here how to remove peanut butter from your upholstery.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Apply a small amount of creamy peanut butter onto the gum.
Step 2: Wait a few minutes for the peanut butter to soften the gum.
Step 3: Use a dull knife or spatula to gently scrape the gum off the couch. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
Step 4: Clean the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining peanut butter residue.
Steam Clean To Remove Dried Gum
Sometimes chewing gum has been on a couch for so long that not only has it dried, but it has almost become a part of the fabric itself. If this is the case, then you might be better off using a steam cleaner. This creates enough heat to lift the gum to the surface of the fabric.
To remove gum from a fabric couch using a steam cleaner follow this method:
Allow the steamer to heat up fully
Place a microfiber attachment on to the end of the steam cleaning nozzle
With the trigger held, slowly go over the chewing gum. Allow enough time for the heat to lift the stain
Keep the steamer on the gum until it lifts from the fabric onto your microfiber attachment
Do these gum removal methods work on a leather couch?
Yes, you can use all of the methods on this blog post including steam cleaning the gum off the couch. You need to be a lot more careful with leather and steam though. This material is a more delicate type of upholstery and needs treating with care.
Can you remove gum from a suede couch with these methods?
Do not use peanut butter on a suede couch to remove chewing gum and you need to be very liberal with things like rubbing alcohol.
The safest way to get gum off a suede couch is to freeze it. This should be able to remove the majority of gum. Then, use a low setting of steam to get rid of the rest.
Conclusion
Removing gum from a couch requires patience and the right tools. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can successfully remove gum from your couch without damaging the fabric.
Remember to be gentle when working with the fabric, and test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the couch first.
