Don't Rub It! the Critical Mistake That Ruins Gum-Stained Clothes Forever

Read essential information about Don't Rub It! the Critical Mistake That Ruins Gum-Stained Clothes Forever.

Cold is the fastest, safest antidote to sticky elastomers. Dropping the temperature of the gum below its glass-transition point forces the flexible polymer chains to lock into a rigid, brittle state. Once frozen solid, the gum loses its adhesive grip and snaps off whole.

You can execute this thermal shock using two distinct approaches:

• The Freezer Bag Technique: Fold the garment so the gum faces outward, making sure it does not touch other sections of the fabric. Place the item inside a clean plastic freezer bag, seal it, and place it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) for roughly 1, 2 hours. Once the gum is rock-hard, remove the garment and immediately pry beneath the edges with a dull butter knife, an expired plastic card, or a thin metal spatula. The lump should pop off in a single chunk.
• The Ice Cube Trick: When you are away from home or dealing with bulky outer coats that cannot fit in a freezer, place three to four ice cubes inside a zip-top plastic bag. Never apply bare ice directly to the garment; melting water lubricates the weave and slows the freezing rate. Press the ice bag firmly against the gum deposit for 10, 15 minutes until the mass hardens completely. Lift the mass quickly before ambient room temperature softens the base again.

Working with an unsharpened edge is vital. Sharp knives cut raised yarns on cotton and denim fibers, leaving visible holes behind.