How to Get Gum Out of Clothes (Without Losing Your Mind)

Okay, picture this: you're getting ready for work or school, coffee in one hand, half-eaten toast in the other, and you grab your favorite pair of jeans—only to discover a mysterious sticky blob on the back. Gum. Chewed. Stuck. Gross.

We've all been there.

Whether it’s your kid’s shirt, your partner’s hoodie, or your own pants (because, let’s be honest, sometimes we sit without checking the seat first), finding gum on clothes is just… annoying. But don’t worry. Before you toss that shirt in the trash or angrily Google “best revenge on gum chewer,” let me walk you through the real ways to get gum out of clothes. I’ve tried them. Some work like magic. Some, well… don’t.

So grab your favorite snack, and let’s dive into the weirdly satisfying world of gum removal.

First Things First: Don’t Panic (Or Rub It!)

The number one mistake most of us make when we spot gum is trying to rub it off right away. I get it—it’s a reflex. But trust me, rubbing only smears the gum deeper into the fabric. It turns from a solid-ish mess into a stretchy, gooey nightmare.

Instead, take a breath. Back away slowly. And let’s handle this together like grown-ups.

1. The Freezer Trick (AKA: Chill Out, Literally)

This one’s a classic for a reason. Cold makes gum hard and brittle, which makes it easier to scrape off. It’s like magic, minus the wand.

Here’s what you do:

Take the garment and fold it (gum-side out) so the sticky part is easily accessible.
Pop it into a plastic bag. Make sure the gum doesn’t touch the bag, or it’ll stick to that too.
Toss the bag into the freezer for about 1–2 hours.
Once the gum is frozen solid, use a butter knife, credit card, or spoon to gently scrape it off.

I once had gum stuck to the inner lining of a blazer. I froze it overnight and chipped it off in the morning like I was digging for treasure. Took less than five minutes, and the jacket was saved. 10/10 would recommend.

2. The Ice Cube Hack (Freezer’s Busy? No Problem)

If the freezer’s full of frozen pizza and mystery leftovers, grab some ice cubes.

What to do:

Put the garment on a flat surface.
Place ice cubes in a plastic bag (so the clothes don’t get soaked) and press them against the gum.
Wait until the gum is hard.
Gently scrape off with something blunt.

It takes a bit more patience than the full freezer method, but it works in a pinch. Plus, you don’t have to explain to your roommates why your jeans are next to the popsicles.

(Image Credit: @House Cleaning Tips & Tricks)

3. Use Peanut Butter (Yes, Really)

This one sounds insane, but it totally works. Peanut butter breaks down the gum’s stickiness thanks to its oil content. But fair warning: this method is messy. Like, really messy.

Instructions:

Dab a generous amount of peanut butter directly onto the gum.
Let it sit for a few minutes.
Use your fingers or a toothbrush to work the gum loose.
Wipe off as much as you can with paper towels.
Wash the garment right away with warm water and detergent.

I tried this on my nephew’s shorts after he sat in gum at the park. It worked, but I had to scrub a lot, and the shorts smelled faintly of peanut butter even after two washes. Still… better than gum, right?

(Image credit: @Howcast)

4. White Vinegar Method (Grandma’s Secret Weapon)

White vinegar is kind of the superhero of household fixes. It breaks down the bond between the gum and the fabric fibers.

How to do it:

Heat some white vinegar (don’t boil it).
Soak the gum area in the warm vinegar for a minute or two.
Use an old toothbrush or blunt knife to gently scrub or scrape.
Wash the clothing as usual.

Bonus: vinegar also removes any leftover gum smell or residue. It’s a win-win.

5. Rubbing Alcohol (When You’re Feeling a Bit Fancy)

This method is great for delicate fabrics or expensive clothing you’re scared to mess up.

Instructions:

Dab rubbing alcohol onto the gum with a cotton ball or cloth.
Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
Peel or scrape off the gum.
Rinse and wash the garment.

Alcohol breaks down the gum’s grip without damaging most fabrics. It’s like giving the gum a drink and politely asking it to leave.

6. The Hairdryer Hack (For When You’re Desperate and Impatient)

Sometimes you need to wear that shirt today, and freezing it isn’t an option. Enter: your hairdryer.

Do this:

Blast the gum with high heat from your hairdryer.
As the gum softens, use a paper towel or plastic scraper to pull it off gently.
Be careful not to overheat and damage the fabric.

This works best on sturdy cottons or denim—not on silk or synthetics that melt easily.

7. Use Duct Tape (No, Really)

If you’ve got very little gum left and it’s all stringy, duct tape can help.

Just:

Press a strip of duct tape (or packing tape) directly onto the gum.
Pull it off quickly, like a wax strip.
Repeat a few times if needed.

Honestly, it’s a little gross but super satisfying—like peeling glue off your hands as a kid.

(Image credit: www.wikihow.com)

Aftercare: Always Wash and Check

Whatever method you use, always wash the clothing afterward. Use warm water and a decent laundry detergent. And please, check the fabric before drying. If any gum or oil is left and you put it in the dryer, you’ll basically bake it in—and then we’re all crying together.

Bonus Tips: Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way

Test first. Always try your method on a hidden area of the fabric.
Don’t mix methods too fast. Peanut butter + vinegar = weird goo.
Don’t wait days. The sooner you treat it, the easier it is.
If it’s on a school uniform... Send them in backup clothes the next day. Seriously. Kids and gum? A love story with no happy ending.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Getting gum out of clothes might not be the most glamorous task, but hey—it’s weirdly satisfying when you finally win the battle. And now you know: freezer beats frustration, peanut butter is more than a sandwich filling, and vinegar is your wardrobe’s BFF.

So next time gum happens—and it will—you’ll be ready. Maybe even a little smug.

And if all else fails? Call your mom. Somehow moms always know what to do.