GUM trouble!!!?

Question

Does any have any suggestions for getting gum out of a washing machine and carpet? My roommate washed a packed in with his clothes and it's everywhere. We washed with hot water and it got about 60% gone.

Answer 1

Use either Goo Gone or WD-40, both are petroleum based products that work real well on stick, gummy stuff. Make sure you test a small spot before using it to make sure that it won't harm your carpet, or fabric. It should be OK on the metal washing machine.

Answer 2

This sounds stupid but Honest it works. On a clean rag spray WD-40 and wipe the gum of the inside of the dryer. BE CAREFUL AND UNPLUG IT WD-40 IS VERY VOLATILE. Another thing you can do with the carpet is to lay an ice cube or two on the gum and let it freeze the gum. While it is cold and hard it will scrape off fairly easy with a butter knife.

Answer 3

do NOT use wd-40 on a carpet.

Most carpeting today is made of (at least partially) recyclable plastic (polyolefin), or nylons. The WD-40 will actually attack the synthetic fibers. WD-40 works very well on hard surfaces, such as tile, but you do not want to ever use a petroleum product on any kind of plastic, or vinyl (this includes windows)

You do not have to have access to liquid nitrogen to 'freeze' gum. You can pick up a can of 'cold spray' in the first aid section of just about any store these days. It is used for instant numbing, but you can also use it to harden the gum, and then you can scrape it out of the carpet. (Here is a link to one such product -
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1235373 )

Other helpful links for removing Gum:
http://www.thejanitorialstore.com/public/343.cfm?sd=15
http://www.chewing-gum-removal.com/
http://gatewaylinks.com/Ms_D/oops.htm

Good Luck

Answer 4

Try a product called "Goo-B-Gone". It will remove the gum with a little rubbing. Then you should wash the clothes again Good luck!

Answer 5

Dry cleaning solvent, dish washing or fine fabric detergent, white terry towels, white vinegar, warm water, measuring cup, vacuum. Dry cleaning solvents can be purchased at your grocery store or at your local carpet cleaning supply retailer.

Technique:
•Work on removing the stain as soon as you notice it. The longer the stain is left on the carpet the greater the chances are of the stain setting.
•In every case remove all excess wet or dry material before attempting to clean. Blot wet materials using a white terry towel (check helpful hints for a detailed description of blotting). Vacuum excess dry materials or gently scrape up materials with a spoon.
•Apply a small amount of dry cleaning solvent to the white terry towel and blot the stain. Continue until no further transfer of material to the towel is apparent.
•If the stain remains proceed to the next step.
•Mix 1/2 tsp. of dish washing soap or fine fabric detergent into 1 (8 oz.)cup of warm water.
•Apply a small amount, blot or tamp and repeat until the stain is removed. Be patient. Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times. Tamp down on the carpet, do not scrub as this may distort the texture of the pile.
•Cover the stain with the towel and press down repeatedly to absorb the stain material and detergent.
•Once the stain is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry white terry towel until all moisture is removed. Repeat this process several times to remove cleaning solution residue. (Residue can attract soils).
•If the spot or stain turns brownish when dry, mix 1 part white vinegar and two parts water. Apply a small amount and blot. Repeat only once.
Precautions:
Never use a stronger concentration than is recommended. Never use laundry detergent or automatic dish washing detergents because they may destroy or dye some fibers. Never use non-volatile solvents as they can cause delimitation in synthetic carpets either immediately or over a period of time. Non-volatile solvents do not dissipate at room temperature & will remain in your carpet. Never pour solvents directly onto your carpet or saturate your carpet. Instead apply the solvent to a white terry towel and blot the stained area. Never use highly combustible solvents such as gasoline or paint thinners.

Answer 6

I never saw gum become gummy outside of a mouth! If it isn't chewed it just stays a stick or cube, I don't know, did you use some kind of solvent in the wash load?? WD-40 would be my guess.

Answer 7

Gum can be tough even for pro's. We use liquid Nitrogen to freeze it and then use a "bone scraper" to break it out of the carpet. There are also gel formulations, but the gels must be rinsed out of the carpet.

Answer 8

Ice cubes and a good stiff brush will remove the gum from the carpet. free the gum with ice and remove it with the stiff brush

Answer 9

ash, use goo gone. it's a citrus oil and will clean where you can reach inside the washer. it will work on the carpet too, but you'll have to wash it off after. you can find it at the hardware and supermarket. make your room mate clean the mess!! good luck!

Answer 10

I once sat on gum and had it all over the seat of my pants. One of my teachers suggested to put ice on the gum and get it to harden. It worked for me, I hope this will help you.