4 Trusted Methods to Get Gum Out of Carpet

All the best methods for removing gum from carpet. Learn how pro cleaners deal with this sticky situation and how you can get gum out of your own carpet.

Nothing can ruin your day faster than finding gum squished into your carpet. Especially if wasn’t you that smooshed it into the carpet.

Getting chewing gum and bubble gum out of your carpet is tricky, and if you do it the wrong way, you can permanently damage your carpet fibers. But before you resort to drastic measures like cutting the sticky patch out of your plush flooring, we’re going to share four of our favorite methods for how to get gum out of carpet. 

If you’d prefer to seek help from a professional cleaner, you can always book a top-rated, affordable cleaner with Homeaglow.

What you need

The faster you can begin the gum removal process, the easier it will be for you to remove it before it has a chance to work its way deep into your carpet pile. Before you start, it’s worth checking to see if you’ve got the following on hand. 

  • Small plastic bags — ensure they don’t have any holes in them. Zip-lock sandwich bags are ideal.
  • Ice cubes
  • Cardboard and scissors — this is an optional step, but it can help contain the spread of the gum patch, and protect the surrounding carpet while you clean. Simply take a small piece of cardboard and cut a hole in it about size of the gum patch. Place the cardboard over the gum, and you’re ready to start cleaning.
  • Plastic scraper or a blunt knife
  • Paper towels
  • Sponges
  • Microfiber cloth
  • White vinegar
  • WD-40
  • Hair dryer
  • Old toothbrush

How to get gum out of carpet: 4 trusted methods

Below are our best tips to help you get gum out of carpet quickly. These methods are considered safe for various types of carpet fibers including wool carpet, synthetic carpet, jute, hemp, blended fibers, and other materials.

However, we always recommend you test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous patch of carpet first, to ensure they’re safe to use on your specific flooring.

If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn gum, you can use the ice cube method and then follow it up with one of the other methods of your choice. We’ve yet to come across a gum patch that can’t be removed with these steps (and a little patience).

1. The ice cube method

This is one of the best methods for gum removal, and it’s always the first step you should take before resorting to solvents to remove gum clumps from carpet.

1. Take a plastic bag, and fill it with a good handful of ice cubes. Press the bag onto the gum patch for a couple of minutes to harden the gum.

2. Once the gum is frozen, use a blunt knife, a plastic scraper, or your fingers to gently separate the gum from your carpet fiber. Repeat the ice cube step to re-freeze and remove any remaining pieces of gum.

3. You can then remove any colored stains or residue with a trusted commercial carpet cleaner, or a solution made from liquid-dish soap and warm water. 

4. Rinse the carpet patch with fresh water, and then dry it with a towel or microfiber cloth. If you leave the carpet wet, it can attract extra dirt and dust that will detract from your hard work.

2. The WD-40 method

Believe it or not, WD-40 is also an effective household cleaner. You can use it to clean sticky residue off mirrors and glass, and get gum out of your carpet too.

The WD-40 method is often faster than the ice cube method, as it works quickly to dissolve the gum.

1. Simply spray the WD-40 directly onto the gum patch, paying special attention to the underside of the gum to ensure the solvent has soaked its way around the entire gummy blob. You can use an old toothbrush to gently work the WD-40 into the carpet fibers around the gum.

2. Leave the solution on the carpet for around 10 minutes, then begin to gently wipe the gum out of your carpet with the toothbrush or cloth. Ensure you wipe the gum out in one direction to avoid spreading it around.

3. Repeat this process until all the gum has been lifted from your carpet. Rinse the cleaned spot with fresh water, and pat dry.

3. The vinegar method

White vinegar should be a staple item in your household cleaning kit. It has many uses around your home, including removing crayon from carpet, and getting ash out of carpet.

Vinegar is also your friend when you need to remove gum from your carpet. And best of all, it’s natural and safe to use if you have kids and pets.

1. Pour ¼ of a cup of white vinegar into a mug or bowl, and warm it up in the microwave. Dip a clean cloth into your warm vinegar solution, and dab it gently around the gum patch, ensuring the carpet fibers around the sides and bottom of the gum have been soaked with the solution.

2. Wait for around a minute, then scrape away the gum using a blunt knife or the side of a teaspoon. If there are any gum remnants left, repeat the process, and use an old toothbrush to gently brush away bits and pieces of gum that are left behind in the carpet.

3. Rinse the patch with fresh water to remove the vinegar odor, and then pat dry with a fresh cloth.

4. The hair dryer method

Most of us have a hair dryer at home, and you can use this to quickly get gum out of your carpet.

1. With your hair dryer on a hot setting, point it directly at the gum patch. Watch it closely as you work. You don’t want to melt your carpet—only the gum!

2. Once you notice the gum starting to melt, take a plastic bag and begin to scoop up the gum with it. As the gum is now warm and sticky, it will adhere easily to the plastic bag, allowing you to lift it out of your carpet. 

3. Continue working on the gum patch until all traces have been removed.

Alternative methods to get gum out of carpet

If you don’t have any of the above ingredients on hand, and you’ve just noticed gum smooshed into your carpet, you can also try one of these alternative methods.

Rubbing alcohol

If you have rubbing alcohol (aka isopropyl alcohol) in your cupboard, you can apply this directly to the gum patch.

1. Dip a clean cloth in the alcohol solution, and dab it on and around the gum patch, ensuring all the carpet fibers where the gum attaches are covered in the alcohol.

2. Leave the gum to sit for around 10 minutes. The gum will begin to soften, and you can use a blunt knife or your fingers to pick the gum out.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is a popular commercial adhesive remover that can help you get rid of sticky residue and stains left by stickers, crayons, glue, and of course, gum.

1. Start by using the ice cube method above, then apply some Goo Gone on a cloth to the remaining sticky residue. This will break down the gum and allow you to wipe your carpet fibers clean with a towel or microfiber cloth. 

2. For old, stubborn gum stains, you might need a few applications of Goo Gone to completely lift the gum from your flooring.

Baking soda

Good old baking soda can also help you with sticky problems like gum. It works by reducing the gum’s stickiness, which loosens its grip on the carpet fibers and allows you to easily remove it.

1. Put a tablespoon of baking powder in a bowl, and add a few drops of water (enough to mix into a thick paste).

2. Apply your baking soda paste to the gum patch, and gently work it around the gum blob. Let this paste sit for 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove the gum with a blunt knife. Rinse the freshly cleaned carpet patch with fresh water, and then blot dry with a clean towel.

Sticky situations don’t need to end badly for your carpet

We’re not going to lie, getting gum out of carpet can be a frustrating operation. But with a bit of patience, and our proven methods for gum removal, your carpet will be as good as new in no time.

If you need any help removing gum or cleaning the rest of your home, Homeaglow is always available to help out. Find and book your perfect cleaner online today.

Cleaning model putting rubber gloves on

Book a top-rated cleaner in 3 easy steps

Cleaning model putting rubber gloves on
1
Pick a date and time
Whether you need a cleaning tomorrow or next month, there's always a cleaner that fits your schedule.
2
Choose your cleaner
Browse the profiles and images of cleaners before selecting the right one for your home.
3
Enjoy your clean home
Your cleaner will arrive at the scheduled time and give your home a cleaning you'll love.

Affordable, professional cleaners in your area

Choose from a range of 5-star cleaners at a reasonable price.
Book your first 3 hour cleaning for only $19.

Top-rated cleaners

Pick from Huntington Beach’s best cleaners. All reviewed, background-checked, and certified.

Affordable rates

The best cleaning prices you’ll find in Huntington Beach. Get your first clean for as low as $9.

Easy, online booking

Book a time that suits you with our easy online booking platform for Huntington Beach.

Reclaim your time and give yourself the clean home you’ll love