We often chew gum as a quick and easy way to freshen our breath or relieve stress. Sometimes this helpful stress-reliever becomes the object of our worst nightmares, and we find ourselves searching for the best way to remove gum from our fabrics. When it comes to our cars, it’s especially critical to know how to remove gum from a car seat.
Even though the effort may seem futile at times, there is a fabulous upholstery cleaner out there that will lift that chewing gum from your car’s fabric in no time.There are several solutions for removing chewing gum from a car seat. Here we have listed some straightforward and easy-to-follow tips for gum removal.
Many use natural cleaning solutions, and single ingredients for a pain-free way to get chewing gum off a car seat. If you have access to ice cubes, peanut butter, or Scotch tape, then you’re in luck! Your gum problems will soon be no more with these helpful cleaning tips.
Simple and Effective Tips for Removing Chewing Gum from a Car Seat
Even with these stellar options available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find the one method that works best for you and your car seat. Our best advice is to start at the top with the gentlest solutions, then work your way down.
How to Remove Gum from a Car Seat with Ice Cubes
One of the tried and true strategies for removing gum from car upholstery is to use ice cubes. The freezing temperature of the ice causes the sticky substance to freeze and harden, making it significantly easier for you to scrape away the clinging particles. Below are some supplies you need to make this work.
First, place the ice cubes in a plastic bag to prevent unnecessary water damage to your seat fabric. Rub the ice over the gum using circular motions until it completely hardens. Using either your fingernails or a plastic scraper, gently peel away as much of the gum as possible.
If any leftover pieces of gum remain, rub a drop of dish soap into the spot and scrub using a soft toothbrush to get rid of any remaining gum. This method is also safe to use on leather upholstery and will also get gum off clothes.
Try Peanut Butter to Remove Gum from Car Seat
Peanut butter is another excellent DIY remover when it comes to eliminating gum from car seats. When using this method, start by scraping off as much as you can from the top of the gum. Afterward, stir your peanut butter well to ensure the oils blend before use.
Apply a small amount of the peanut butter to the remaining pieces of gum and rub it into the sticky substance. Be careful not to press down into the seat too hard, however. You don’t want to push the gum deeper into the car seats.
Instead, apply just enough pressure to soak the gum itself. Once you have added the peanut butter, use a scraper or credit card to get underneath the gum and lift it away.
Wipe the surface of the car seat down with soapy water and a damp, clean cloth for getting stains out of car seats after removing the gum. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before using the seat again.
Use an Adhesive Remover on Gum Residue
If you’re looking for a wonderful commercial product to use throughout the car interior, then an adhesive remover like Goo Gone is the best product for you. This cleaning fluid loosens up sticky residue leftover from stickers, tape, and even gum.
For how to use this method, apply a small dab to a clean towel, then rub over the surface of the gum. Again, using a scraper or toothbrush alongside this cleaning product will also help with the removal process. Once finished, rinse the seat with soap and water to clear away any oily residue left behind by the Goo Gone.
Removing Chewing Gum from a Car Seat with Vinegar
White vinegar is highly effective at removing stains and cleaning most fabrics. This simple car interior cleaner, when used on the upholstery of your cloth car seat, not only assists with removing gum but also cleans the material at the same time.
Mix the ingredients in this car fabric cleaner carefully so that you don’t create too many suds. If cleaning a cloth or vinyl car seat, saturate the gummy area with the vinegar cleaning solution. Allow the vinegar mixture to sit for a few minutes before using a scraper or tweezers to peel away the pieces of gum.
You can also use vinegar on its own to remove the gum but should follow it up by rinsing with clean water. Use this mixture for car seats, seat belts, mats, and carpeting in the car, as well as for cleaning windows and the dashboard. It’s a great multi-purpose cleaner.
Get Chewing Gum Off a Car Seat with Tape
When those stubborn last pieces of gum don’t want to budge, call in the reinforcements with Scotch tape. After you’ve already scraped off as much gum as possible, press the adhesive over the area and pull upward to remove the stuck-on bits. Do this the same way you would when removing hair from clothing or seats using tape.
You will need to do this multiple times, pressing firmly each time and occasionally replacing the strip of tape. This technique is also a perfect way to remove gum without using any cleaners or liquids on your car seats.
Tape is also an excellent solution to clean dog hair from a car seat, the mats, or carpet. For a lot of pet hair, scrape up as much as you can with your hand first and then use the stick-and-release method with tape to eliminate the rest of the unwanted fur.
Use WD-40 to Loosen Up Gum
Removing sticky substances like gum from surfaces often requires an oil-based cleaning solution. Similar to products like Goo Gone, WD-40 is a great way to detach gum from car seats, primarily when used alongside other techniques like ice cubes. After hardening the gum, if the lump remains or small pieces stay behind, spray the area with WD-40.
Allow the oil to soak on the spot for approximately two minutes, then wipe away with a paper towel. For more difficult specks of gum, you may need to use a toothbrush to loosen the particles. Once all the gum lifts away, clean the section with some warm water and a damp cloth.
How to Remove Gum From Leather Seats
If you need to get gum off leather, one great way to do this is by using vegetable oil. If using strategies like soap and ice to get chewing gum off a car seat doesn’t work, add a little bit of vegetable oil for a practical leather cleaner.
To use, apply a small drop of vegetable oil, then dry with a paper towel. If you need to use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any loose particles, do this before removing all the vegetable oil from the leather car seats. After removing gum from your seats, always apply a leather conditioner to seal and protect them.
With easy-to-find ingredients like these, that gum-induced stress will soon be a thing of the past. There’s no need to worry when these stupendous cleaning solutions for loosening gum from your car seats provide you with all the help you need. The only question remaining is, which one will you choose?
Now that you know how to get chewing gum off a car seat, it’s time to share it with the world. If you enjoyed these gum removal tips, please, don’t forget to share how to remove gum from a car seat with everyone you know on Facebook and Pinterest.