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How to Get Gum Out of Clothes

How to get gum out of clothes: press ice cubes against the chewing gum until it hardens completely, then scrape it off with a dull knife or spoon edge. Dab liquid detergent into any residue and launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Either ice or the freezer — the goal is to harden the gum so it cracks off instead of smearing.

Before you startAlways test any treatment in an inconspicuous area first, and check the garment's care label before you begin.
  1. Press ice cubes against the gum until it hardens completely.
  2. Scrape off the hardened gum with a dull knife or spoon edge.
  3. Dab liquid detergent into any residue.
  4. Launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Sources: HowStuffWorks; King University stain removal guide (PDF)

Leather: Wipe gently with a barely-damp cloth; don't saturate. Condition leather afterward.

Carpet and upholstery: Blot only — don't saturate the fabric or the padding/backing; air-dry completely.

How to get dried gum out of clothes

Dried chewing gum still comes off by hardening it. Either ice or the freezer — the goal is to harden the gum so it cracks off instead of smearing. Ice cubes work for spot treatment.

  1. Press ice cubes against the gum until it hardens completely.
  2. Scrape off the hardened gum with a dull knife or spoon edge.
  3. Dab liquid detergent into any residue.
  4. Launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Sources: HowStuffWorks; King University stain removal guide (PDF)

How to get gum out of jeans and cotton

Cotton and denim both use this freeze-and-scrape method — see chewing gum on cotton and chewing gum on denim. Most stain methods apply; always check the care label first. Indigo dye can bleed — always test treatments first.

  1. Press ice cubes against the gum until it hardens completely.
  2. Scrape off the hardened gum with a dull knife or spoon edge.
  3. Dab liquid detergent into any residue.
  4. Launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Sources: HowStuffWorks; King University stain removal guide (PDF)

How to get gum out of clothes after washing

If washing left the gum smeared or still stuck, harden it again so it cracks off instead of smearing, then scrape and wash the residue with the steps below. Do not machine-dry until the residue is gone — heat sets most stains.

  1. Press ice cubes against the gum until it hardens completely.
  2. Scrape off the hardened gum with a dull knife or spoon edge.
  3. Dab liquid detergent into any residue.
  4. Launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Sources: HowStuffWorks; King University stain removal guide (PDF)

Products that help

Product categories named in the steps above.

  • Ice. Ice cubes work for spot treatment. A freezer is the other way to harden the gum so it cracks off instead of smearing.
  • Liquid laundry detergent. After the hardened gum is scraped off, dab liquid detergent into any residue, then launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

For other materials, use the lookup tool below.

Look up Chewing gum on your material

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How to remove chewing gum stains from specific materials

Chewing gum on CottonFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on LinenFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on PolyesterFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on NylonFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on SilkFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on WoolFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on DenimFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on LeatherFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on SuedeFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on Upholstery fabricFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on Carpet/rugFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on WoodFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on Stainless steelFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on Stone/marbleFresh & dried steps Chewing gum on Plastic/laminateFresh & dried steps

Frequently asked questions

Ice or freezer?

Either — the goal is to harden the gum so it cracks off instead of smearing. Ice cubes work for spot treatment.

What about the sticky residue?

Dab liquid detergent into the residue and launder in the warmest safe water.

How do you get dried gum out of clothes?

Press ice cubes against it until it hardens completely, scrape with a dull knife or spoon edge, dab liquid detergent into the residue, and launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric. The goal is to harden the gum so it cracks off instead of smearing.

How do you get gum out of jeans or cotton?

Cotton and denim use the same freeze-and-scrape steps: ice until the gum hardens completely, scrape with a dull knife or spoon edge, then liquid detergent and the warmest water safe for the fabric. Indigo dye can bleed, so test first.

How do you get gum out of clothes after washing?

Harden whatever is left with ice until it cracks off instead of smearing, scrape it, then dab liquid detergent into the residue and launder in the warmest water safe for the fabric. Do not machine-dry until the residue is gone — heat sets most stains.

Safety rules for every treatment
  • Test every treatment in an inconspicuous area first — some treatments can fade dyes or damage finishes.
  • Blot a wet stain; never rub it. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into fibers.
  • Check the garment's care label and follow it — skip any step the label prohibits.
  • Never put the item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone; heat sets most stains.
  • Never mix ammonia with chlorine bleach — the fumes are toxic and dangerous.
  • Never use chlorine bleach on rust — it can intensify the stain.
  • Rubbing alcohol is flammable and can fade some dyes; spot-test first and ventilate the area.
  • Acetone dissolves acetate, triacetate, and modacrylic fabrics — check the fabric label first.
  • Use cold water first on blood and other protein stains; hot water sets them.
  • When in doubt — a valuable, vintage, or delicate item — take it to a professional cleaner instead.

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