How To Remove Chewing Gum From Clothes?

My article in oneindia.com:  http://www.boldsky.com/home-n-garden/improvement/2013/remove-chewing-gum-cloth-032898.html

 It is an embarrassing moment when you notice a chewing gum sticking to your cloth. Removing chewing gum from clothes is one of the greatest laundry challenges, especially if it is already dry and hard. Nobody prefers to damage their favourite clothes by treating it with strong chemicals.  But, why not trying some easy methods to remove it before thinking of throwing it off?  If you are looking for easy home tips for removing chewing gum from your clothes, here are some.

How To Remove Chewing Gum From Clothes?  

1.Freezing: Freezing is a simple and easy technique to remove gum from your clothes. Keep the clothes in the freezer until the gum hardens. Then, remove it with a knife or even with your fingernails. The gum will be brittle enough to be removed from the cloth. You can use ice cubes to rub on the gum, if you don’t prefer to keep it in freezer.

2.Warm vinegar: Apply warm vinegar to the gum on the cloth and to the surrounding areas. The vinegar will help in breaking the bond between the gum and the cloth. The gum will become soft, so that it will be easy to remove. Wash the cloth thoroughly after the treatment.

3.Non-acetone nail polish remover: Apply a generous amount of nail polish remover over the gum and let it stand for some time. It will be easy to remove the gum with a small scrub brush or a knife.

4.Ironing:  If the cloth is safe to be ironed, you may try ironing. Place a brown paper or cardboard over the gum and iron it at the recommended high temperature for the cloth. The heat will make the gum soft and it will stick to the paper. Repeat the procedure with new pieces of paper until all the gum is removed.

5.Submerge in hot water:  Submerge the cloth in very hot water. While submerged, scrape off the gum with a brush or knife. Do it until the gum is pulled out. Remember to scrape only in one direction.

6.Isopropyl alcohol: Using rubbing alcohol is an effective method. Apply some alcohol to a sponge and rub on the gum. Keep it for some time and then remove the gum with a knife. Wash and dry the cloth.

7.Hair spray:  Use your hair spray on the gum to make it hard. Pick the gum off by a knife. It will be effortless to remove the gum because it will break off easily.

8.Orange oil: Apply a small amount of orange oil to a sponge. Rub this on the gum and keep for some time. Scrape off the gum with a sharp edged knife taking care not to tear your cloth. Wash the cloth and dry.

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