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How to Remove Gum from Carpeting Like a Pro

3/24/2025 (Permalink)

Gumballs Gum before it gets stuck somewhere
Finding gum stuck in your carpet is never a pleasant surprise. Whether it's from a child’s accidental drop or someone tracking it in from outside, removing it can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can get rid of gum without damaging your carpet fibers. Here’s how SERVPRO recommends tackling this sticky situation.

Step 1: Freeze the GumOne of the most effective ways to remove gum from carpeting is by freezing it. This hardens the gum, making it easier to lift off.

What You Need:

    Ice cubes

    A plastic bag

How to Do It:

    Place a few ice cubes into a plastic bag and set it directly on the gum.

    Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes, or until the gum hardens completely.

    Once hardened, use a spoon, dull knife, or a plastic scraper to gently lift the gum from the carpet fibers.

Step 2: Use a Cleaning SolutionAfter most of the gum is removed, you may still notice some residue. A mild cleaning solution can help break it down further.

What You Need:

    Dish soap or white vinegar

    Warm water

    A soft cloth or sponge

How to Do It:

    Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water (or use undiluted white vinegar).

    Dampen a cloth or sponge with the solution and gently blot the area.

    Continue blotting until the remaining gum residue lifts from the carpet.

    Pat dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Fluff and Restore the Carpet FibersOnce the gum is fully removed, use a soft brush or your fingers to restore the carpet’s texture. If any lingering stickiness remains, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the area and vacuum it up after a few minutes.

Need Professional Carpet Cleaning? SERVPRO Can Help!Sometimes, gum removal leaves behind stubborn stains or embedded residue. If your carpet needs a deeper clean, SERVPRO's professional carpet cleaning services can restore it to its original condition. Our trained technicians use advanced cleaning methods to tackle tough stains, odors, and embedded debris.