The pesky gum on your soles can be tough to remove off shoes. This guide makes it easy to remove stuck gum from shoes without creating much mess. Read on to find the easiest ways to remove gum off shoes.
8 Ways to Remove Gum off Shoes
Freezing
By placing your shoe in the freezer for several hours, the gum hardens and becomes brittle. This change in consistency makes it easier to crack or break the gum away from the sole. Ensure the gum is exposed to the cold air, and once frozen, you can pry or snap it off with minimal residue left behind.
Ice Cubes
Similar to the freezing method, ice cubes can be rubbed directly onto the gum. This causes the gum to harden and lose its stickiness. Once the gum is sufficiently stiffened, you can scrape it off using a blunt edge, like a credit card or a butter knife.
Hair Dryer
You can soften the gum using a hairdryer by directing warm air onto it. As the gum softens and becomes malleable, gently peel or scrape it off the sole. Ensure not to overheat it, as this might make the gum stickier.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter contains oils that can break down the components of gum, making it less sticky. By applying a small amount of peanut butter to the gum and letting it sit for a few minutes, the gum’s adhesive properties are compromised. Afterward, you can scrape away both the peanut butter and the gum easily.
WD-40
WD-40, a popular lubricant and solvent, can dissolve the sticky bonds of the gum. Spraying a small amount onto the affected area and letting it sit for a few moments will weaken the gum’s grip. It can then be wiped or scraped away without much effort.
Sand & Stick
Sand acts as an abrasive and can be used to wear down the gum’s texture. By sprinkling sand over the gum and using a stick to rub or scrape, the combination of the two will help lift the gum off the sole. The grainy texture of the sand aids in the removal process.
Lighter Fluid
Lighter fluid works as a solvent and can break down the sticky elements of gum. By applying a little lighter fluid onto the gum, it will begin to dissolve and lose its adhesive quality. Ensure you handle the fluid with care and wash your hands after use.
Olive Oil
Olive oil, like peanut butter, has oils that can counteract the gum’s stickiness. Applying a few drops onto the gum and letting it sit for some time will soften the gum and reduce its adhesive nature. After letting it sit, you can then scrape away the gum with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove gum off shoes on the go?
If you’re on the move and step on gum, look for a patch of dirt or sand. Press the gum-covered area into the dirt, then use a stick or edge of a card to scrape off the gum. The gritty texture helps lift the gum.
How do you get gum off leather boots?
For leather boots, place ice cubes or a cold pack over the gum until it hardens. Once brittle, gently scrape the gum off using a plastic card, ensuring that it does not scratch the leather. Finish by cleaning the spot with leather conditioner.
How do I get gum off suede shoes?
Gently rub an ice cube over the gum on the suede shoes until it hardens. Then, using a soft suede brush or a blunt tool, carefully chip away the frozen gum. Ensure you brush the suede in its natural direction afterward to maintain its texture. Don’t forget to clean the brush after removing gum from the shoes.
How to remove gum from soles with ridges?
Freeze the gum either by placing the shoe in a freezer or using ice cubes. Once the gum is hard, use a toothpick, dental floss, or a thin-edged tool to get into the ridges and carefully remove the gum without damaging the sole’s design.
How to clean dog poop from shoes?
To remove dog feces from footwear, initially eliminate the bulk using a twig or disposable tool. Then, with warm soapy water, gently cleanse the soiled spot using a bristle brush. Let the footwear air out completely after washing.