Chewing gum can be difficult to remove and attract attention when it adheres to the carpet. We at Carpet Store Dubai recognize how annoying this can be. For that reason, we’ve included simple do-it-yourself methods in today’s post to help you get rid of chewing gum that has become lodged in the carpet without causing any harm to the fibres.
Tips & Tricks To Get Rid of Gum From Your Luxury Carpets
The first instinct is to pull the gum out, maybe scrub it, but that makes things worse. The gum spreads deeper into the fibres and turns into a bigger mess. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the issue.
1. Freeze the Gum First
Ice is usually enough, and it’s nothing fancy. Just grab a couple of cubes, wrap them in a plastic bag or cloth, and press them on the gum. You don’t need to rush it and let the gum get hard, really stiff. It might take 10 minutes or more. When it’s solid, you’ll feel it.
Now use something like a spoon, a dull butter knife, or even a plastic card. Gently try lifting the edges. Work slowly. Don’t dig into the carpet too deeply. It won’t come off in one go, but with a little back-and-forth, the gum will start to lift.
Heat Works Too, But Be Careful!
If cold doesn’t do much, you should try heat. A hairdryer on low works fine. Aim it at the gum but keep moving it around. Once the gum softens, press a paper towel or clean cloth onto it. Some of the gum sticks to the fabric, and you can peel away more. Don’t overdo the heat. Some carpets aren’t made to take it. Just soften the gum enough to lift it without it getting too tacky and spreading more.
A Bit of Oil Can Help
This one’s messy but effective. A few drops of olive oil or peanut butter can break the gum’s grip. You should rub a little into the gum, let it sit for a minute or two, then use a spoon to lift what you can. Once most of it’s gone, wipe up the oil with a cloth. Then clean the area with mild soap and warm water. It takes effort, but the gum will let go eventually.
Vinegar for Sticky Bits
After scraping or pulling, you might still have sticky leftovers. White vinegar helps. Warm it up a bit, pour some on a cloth, and dab the area. Don’t soak it, blot gently and give it 10 minutes. Then use a toothbrush or soft cloth to brush out the sticky parts. Dab again with clean water to rinse, and pat it dry. It might need to be done twice, depending on how bad it is.
Rubbing Alcohol for Older Gum
If the gum has dried up and feels stuck, you can try rubbing alcohol. Just a little on a cloth, then press and hold. The gum softens again and loses grip. Scrape gently, then clean the area as usual. Don’t forget to check a hidden patch of the carpet first. Some materials react badly.
Don’t Pull Too Hard
You might want to scrape the gum right off, especially if you’re in a hurry, but you better not do that. Because pulling it too hard can tear fibres, stretch the carpet, or make a bigger bald spot. Therefore, always take your time and work patiently.
Once It’s Off, Clean Up Properly
When (somehow) you manage to get the gum off your carpet, it’s important to clean that area of carpet.. A little soap, some warm water, a sponge or cloth, and that’s all you need to restore the fabrics to their original shine. Don’t soak the fabrics and rinse and blot. You can use a dry towel or paper to press on the wet spot. You can leave it to air dry completely. Afterwards, it’s better to vacuum after it dries.
The Last Resort? Carpet Pros
Sometimes, it’s too deep or the carpet’s delicate. Maybe the gum sat there for weeks. In that case, calling a cleaning service might save the day. They’ve got tools that can lift stuff without damage. It’s still better than replacing the whole thing and is cost-effective, too.
The Endnote
It’s gum, and it’s going to stick. But it doesn’t mean the carpet is ruined. Freezing works for most cases, and heating is good, too. You can also try oil and vinegar to help when things get tricky. In any situation, don’t rush the scenario and work slowly. You don’t need fancy products or harsh stuff, just a little effort, and it’s gone.
