
There are a couple of ways to remove gum from a carpet, depending on what you have on hand:
- Freezing: This is the most common method and works well for both fresh and dried gum. Place a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and press it on the gum for a minute or two. The gum will harden and become brittle, making it easier to scrape off with a blunt tool like a spoon or butter knife. Be careful not to damage the carpet fibers.
- Oil-based solution: You can use a common household oil, like peanut butter or olive oil, to loosen the gum’s stickiness. Apply a small amount of oil to the gum and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, gently scrape off the gum with a blunt tool. Be sure to clean the area with soapy water afterwards to remove any oil residue.
Here are some additional tips:
- Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
- Don’t pick at the gum with your fingers, as this will only spread it around and make it more difficult to remove.
- If the gum is large or very stuck, you may need to repeat the process a few times.
- If you’re unsuccessful in removing the gum yourself, you can always call a professional carpet cleaner.
