How to remove chewing gum from furniture?

Have you ever found a pesky piece of chewing gum stuck to your furniture? Maybe it’s on your favorite armchair or your brand new coffee table. No matter where it is, it can be a real eyesore and a pain to remove. But don’t worry, we are here to help you learn how to remove chewing gum from furniture without damaging the surface.

First of all, it’s important to know that removing chewing gum from furniture is not a one-size-fits-all process. The method you use will depend on the type of furniture and the material it’s made from. So, before you start, take a close look at the gum and the furniture to determine the best course of action.

Now, let’s get into the different methods for removing chewing gum from furniture.

Method 1: Use ice to remove chewing gum

This method works best on hard surfaces like wood, plastic or metal. Start by placing a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and holding it over the gum for a few minutes. This will harden the gum, making it easier to scrape off with a plastic scraper or credit card.

Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface of the furniture. Once you’ve removed as much of the gum as possible, use a clean cloth soaked in warm water to wipe away any remaining residue.

Method 2: Using oil

This method is suitable for most types of furniture, including fabric and leather. Apply a small amount of cooking oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, to the gum and let it sit for a few minutes. The oil will break down the gum and make it easier to remove.

Use a plastic scraper or credit card to gently scrape off the gum. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the upholstery. Once you’ve removed the gum, use a clean cloth soaked in warm water and mild detergent to clean the area.

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Method 3: Use vinegar to remove chewing gum

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and can be used to remove chewing gum from furniture. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the gum.

Let it sit for a few minutes before using a plastic scraper or credit card to remove the gum. Once you’ve removed the gum, use a clean cloth soaked in warm water to wipe away any remaining residue.

Method 4: Using peanut butter

Yes, you read that right – peanut butter can be used to remove chewing gum from furniture! This method is particularly useful for removing gum from fabrics like upholstery and carpets. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the gum and let it sit for a few minutes.

The oils in the peanut butter will break down the gum, making it easier to remove. Use a plastic scraper to gently scrape off the gum. Once you’ve removed the gum, use a clean cloth soaked in warm water and mild detergent to clean the surface.

Method 5: Use alcohol to remove chewing gum

Rubbing alcohol is another effective way to remove chewing gum from furniture. Dampen a cotton ball or cloth with rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the gum. The alcohol will break down the gum, making it easier to remove.

Use a plastic scraper or credit card to gently scrape off the gum. Once you’ve removed the gum, use a clean cloth soaked in warm water to wipe away any left gum.

Prevention is the best cure

Now that you know how to remove chewing gum from furniture, it’s time to talk about prevention. Here are a few tips to help you keep chewing gum off your furniture:

1. Establish a “no chewing gum” rule in the house, especially if you have kids.
2. Keep gum away from furniture by designating a specific area for gum-chewing.
3. Dispose of gum properly – don’t stick it to furniture or other surfaces.
4. If someone does accidentally drop gum on your furniture, remove it as soon as possible to prevent it from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove.

Final thoughts

Removing chewing gum from furniture can be a frustrating task, but with the right method and a little patience, it can be done without causing damage to your furniture. Remember to assess the type of furniture and the gum before choosing a removal method, and always be gentle to avoid scratching or damaging the surface.

And if you feel that cleaning is not your cup of tea, you can always delegate that task to a professional cleaner. Feel free to contact us and request a free cleaning quote. You can find more info about our home cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page.

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