How To Remove Gum From Sheets Quick and Easy
Do you have sticky gum stuck on your bedsheets? You’re not alone. It happens to everyone. But what if I told you there was an easy way to remove them without having to buy expensive cleaning products or spend hours scrubbing?
With a little patience and the right method, that gum will be gone in no time. You can use ice, vinegar, or WD-40. You can also try using a credit card or a hard object like a spoon to scrape the gum off. For the how to on these gum removal techniques and more, keep reading!
Things That Can Remove Gum From Sheets
There are a couple of everyday things you may have around your home that you can use to remove gum. We will be using these items for most of the methods below, so here’s a bit about them.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an acidic substance, and it will help to loosen the gum and remove it from your sheets. To use vinegar to remove gum, first, heat up a cup of vinegar in the microwave. Then, apply the hot vinegar to the gummed area with a cloth or brush. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing at the gum with a toothbrush or other stiff bristled brush. If necessary, you can repeat this process.
Baking Soda
Another popular method for removing gum from sheets is to use baking soda. All you need to do is add a small amount of baking soda to a bowl or cup, add water and make a paste. Then apply the paste to the gum on your sheets for a few minutes (10-15). After soaking your sheets in the baking soda, you should be able to remove the majority of the gum from them easily with a butter knife, spatula or spoon.
Ice
Ice will make the gum hard and easier to remove.The ice method is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any harsh chemicals that could damage your fabric. This is the easier method, and it works for most types of gum. Rub the ice against the gum to harden it. Once it becomes hard start peeling it off.
Credit Card
A credit card is one of the most effective methods for removal once the gum is frozen.You will use the edge of the credit card to scrape away the gum. You may need to apply some pressure, but be careful not to damage the fabric.
Iron
A little elbow grease and a household iron can get gum out quickly and easily. Here’s how:
First, lay the garment flat on an ironing board and place cardboard over the gummed area. Next, set your iron to medium heat setting and gently press down on the cardboard for 15 seconds or so. The heat from the iron will soften the gum, and make it stick to the cardboard. Do not move the iron around to avoid smearing the gum.
Steam
Saturate the area with steam from a garment steamer or iron. Then, using a blunt knife or toothbrush, scrub or scrape away the softened gum. If there are any stubborn bits remaining, apply more steam and scrape again..
Another piece of gum
If you’re in a pinch and need to remove gum from sheets, you can try using another piece of gum. This method may not work on all fabrics, but it’s worth a shot if you’re in a bind. To remove the gum, simply press the new piece of gum onto the old piece of gum. The new piece of gum should adhere to the old piece of gum, making it easier to remove. Once you’ve removed the old piece of gum, you can wash the sheet as usual.
Soap
The trick here is to wet the part of the sheet with gum thoroughly and then scrub it using a toothbrush with the detergent. This will remove the gum with a bit of effort. After you remove the gum, be sure to wash it again the regular way!
Peanut Butter
This isn’t a mess free gum remover, but peanut butter can be washed. Peanut butter has oil in it to neutralize the stickiness in gum, making it easier to remove. Smoothe the gum in peanut butter and wait about 5 minutes. Use a comb, credit card or butter knife to scrape off the gum.
WD-40
For this method you will need WD-40, a toothbrush and a microfiber cloth. The WD-40 will dissolve the gum, and the toothbrush will scrub it away. Repeat as needed until all the gum is gone. Then clean and remove any residue with soap and water on a microfiber cloth.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a strong substance, and it will help to break down the gum and remove it from your sheets. All you need to do is soak your sheets in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes. After soaking your sheets in the rubbing alcohol, you should be able to remove the majority of the gum from them easily.
Gum Removal Methods By Sheet Fabric Type
For Cotton Sheets
If you’re wondering how to remove gum from cotton sheets, you’re in luck. It’s actually a pretty easy process, and there are a few different ways you can go about it.
First, try freezing the gum with an ice cube. Then, using a dull knife, scrape off as much of the gum as you can.
If that doesn’t work, you can also try using a vinegar and water solution. Just soak a cloth in the mixture and rub it on the gum until it loosens.
Once you’ve removed the gum, make sure to wash your sheets in hot water to get rid of any residue. Cotton sheets are easy to clean and require little maintenance.
For Silk Sheets
If you’re looking for an effective way to remove gum from your fancy silk sheets, look no further than compressed air!
This method is perfect for silk and other delicate fabrics that are susceptible to water stains. Just spray the gum until it hardens and then break off pieces to remove them.
Use your vacuum and brush attachment to remove the final pieces. Check the label or consider a professional service if the fabric is still stained.
For Fuzzy Blankets
Here are a few tips on how to remove gum from fuzzy blankets:
Put the blanket in the freezer for about an hour. This will make the gum hard and easier to scrape off. Use a blunt knife or spatula to slowly and carefully scrape the gum off the blanket.
If there is still some gum residue left, try rubbing a bit of petroleum jelly into it, letting that sit for a few minutes, and then washing the blanket in warm water.
Velvet Bedding
Removing gum from velvet bedding can be a tricky process. If the gum is fresh, you can try using a spoon to scrape it off. If the gum is hard and crusty, you may need to use a butter knife or tweezers to remove it.
If the gum is still not budging, freeze the gum with an ice cube. Then try removal with spoon, butter knife or tweezers.
Once you’ve removed the gum, the velvet bedding can be washed by hand or in the washing machine, but it must be done carefully to avoid damage.
To wash velvet by hand, start by filling a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the item in the water and gently agitate it to loosen any dirt or stains. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with cool water. Lay the item flat on a towel to air dry.
To wash velvet in the washing machine, start by placing the item in a mesh laundry bag. Set the machine to the delicate cycle with cool water and add a mild detergent. Dry on a low heat setting like delicates.
Will Gum Eventually Dissolve?
No, gum doesn’t dissolve on its own and can actually take years to break down.
This is one of the reasons people are looking for ways to get gum out of sheets and other fabrics! Water alone will not dissolve gum so thats why it’s important to use the methods we’ve talked about!
By following the proper steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can remove gum from your bed sheets with ease.
