Food and drink residues pose a constant threat to the cleanliness and longevity of your carpets and upholstery, with gum being one of the most challenging culprits. Regardless of whether you categorize gum as food, when it finds its way onto your carpet or upholstered furniture, you have a daunting cleaning task to tackle.
Though a demanding task, getting gum out of your carpet or upholstery isn’t impossible. It requires a bit of elbow grease and the application of one of the four techniques discussed here. A vital point to remember is to take action immediately when you discover gum. The longer the gum stays, the tougher the cleaning task. However, if these DIY solutions don’t do the trick, you can always turn to professional carpet and upholstery cleaners.
The Hairdryer Approach
A hardened gum on your carpet or upholstery can be loosened with some heat, and a hairdryer is an excellent tool for this. Direct the hot air nozzle at the gum to soften it but be cautious not to overdo it. You don’t want the gum to melt entirely and seep deeper into the fibres.
As soon as the gum softens, employ a scraping tool or a flat-edged utensil like a butter knife to gently remove the gum from the carpet or upholstery. Repeat the process until you’ve eliminated as much gum as possible. To tackle residual stains, use a mild carpet cleaner or gentle detergent with warm water on the stain and blot with a towel to dry it.
The Chilling Technique
The exact opposite of the heating method, this involves freezing the gum. You’ll need a few ice cubes placed inside a zip-top plastic bag. Rest this icy pack on top of the gum until it hardens.
Once hardened, the gum loses its sticky properties and becomes more manageable to scrape off. The remainder of the process mirrors the previous method, wherein you remove any leftover stains using a mild cleaning solution and warm water, blotting the area dry afterwards.
Solvent Solutions
The market is rife with cleaning solutions and solvents, even multi-purpose products like WD-40, which can aid in gum removal from your carpet or upholstery. Before you proceed, ensure the product is safe for your carpet or upholstery by checking the cleaning instructions on the product and your carpet or furniture manufacturer’s guidelines.
Apply a small quantity of the selected solution on a cloth and dab it on the gum. Gradually increase the amount, letting it soak for a few minutes before you start scraping. Post gum removal, you’ll need to erase any remaining stains and traces of the solvent using warm water, a gentle cleaning solution, and blotting it dry.
Professional Help
When all else fails, or the gum has become a permanent feature in your carpet or upholstery, it’s time to seek professional help. A competent carpet and upholstery cleaning company should be able to resolve your sticky situation. While you’re at it, consider having all your carpets and upholstery cleaned professionally for a fresh and revitalized appearance.
Remember, gum on your carpet or upholstery isn’t the end of the world. Quick action, combined with the right cleaning techniques, can bring back the spotless look of your carpet and furniture. Don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for a comprehensive cleaning solution when required.