How to Remove Gum or Sticky Substances from Carpets: 5 Proven Methods

Shampooing your carpet can be a quick way to get rid of sticky stuff. If the sticky material hasn’t been on the carpet for too long, you can add a vinegar solution to the shampooing machine to help break it up.

You can also soak a clean cloth in a vinegar solution and gently rub the sticky area to lift off some of the gunk.

To remove wax or sticky adhesive, try using mild heat on a paper towel. Place it on the sticky spot and repeat with fresh paper towels until the carpet looks cleaner. It might not come out perfectly, but it should look better and last longer.

Quick Methods to Remove Gum from Carpets

Method 1: Ice Cube Trick

Suitable For: Fresh Gum

Why It Works: Freezing the gum makes it hard and easier to scrape off without harming the carpet fibres.

Steps 

• Put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply them to the gum for about 2-3 minutes. 
• Use a knife or spoon to scrape the gum once it is frozen. 
• For any remaining residue, dab with vinegar to break it down and clean the area.

Method 2: Peanut Butter Or Oil

Best For: Stubborn Gum

Why It Works:  Using oils in peanut butter or coconut oil helps break down the gum’s sticky bonds. As a result, these become easier to remove.

Steps

• Apply some amount of peanut butter or coconut oil to the gum. 
• Let it sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the oil breaks down the sticky bonds.
• Wipe the gum and the oil mixture as well using a clean cloth.

Method 3: WD-40 or Goo Gone

Best for: Industrial adhesives or glue

Why It Works? Both WD-40 and Goo Gone are designed to dissolve adhesives. Doing so, it becomes easier to scrape the adhesive off.

Steps

• Spray WD-40 or Goo Gone directly onto the gum.
• Wait for about 1-2 minutes to let the product work.
• Gently scrape off the gum. Once done, clean the area with soapy water to remove any leftover residue.

Removing Dried Gum or Sticky Residue

It can be tricky to remove dried gum or sticky residue. 

However, if you are following the right methods, you can get your carpet looking new without causing any damage. Here are some of the methods for tackling the gum and sticky residues –

Method 4: Iron and Paper Bag

Best For: Removing Gum

Why It Works: The iron heat can soften the gum that then adheres to the paper bag. Doing so, becomes easier to lift the gum off the carpet fibres without causing any damage to the carpet itself.

Steps

• Place a paper bag on the gum. You can even use a brown paper bag, a flat piece of paper that is large enough to cover the gum area. 
• Set your iron to a low to medium heat. Gently press it over the paper bag for about 10 minutes. The heat softens the gum, which allows it to transfer to the bag easily.
• After you are done applying heat, the gum adheres to the paper. Gently remove it from the carpet. Repeat the process for any leftovers.

Method 5: Vinegar + Baking Soda Paste

Best for: Residual Stickiness

Why It Works? The combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a gentle and effective paste. It can break down the sticky residue left behind after gum removal.  The vinegar can dissolve sticky substances, and baking soda works as a mild abrasive to get rid of any remaining residue from the carpet.

Steps

• Take a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of vinegar with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir the mixture well until it forms a thick and spreadable paste. 
• Apply the paste directly and let it sit for 5 minutes. After that, use a clean cloth or paper towel to clean the area, gently lifting the remaining sticky substance from the carpet. 
• Repeat if necessary until the residue is gone.

Pro Tips To Avoid Any Damage

Test the cleaner on a hidden spot first.

Why 

Before you use any cleaner or method on the visible areas of the carpet, always test it on the small, hidden areas. 

It ensures that the cleaner would not cause any unwanted discolouration or damage to the fabric.

Tip Choose a discreet spot. For example, you can look under the furniture or along the room edge.  Doing so, the damages will not be noticeable even if the cleaner causes any damage.

Use a Spoon/Butter Knife (Not Sharp Objects) To Scrape

Why

The sharp tools, such as scissors or knives, can easily damage the fibre of the carpet. These can lead to tears or snags.

Instead, you can use a plastic or edge tool such as a spoon or butter knife. 

These can scrape off the gum or residues. 

Tip Scrape gently to avoid pulling or stretching the carpet fibres.  In case the gum or residue is stubborn, apply a little heat or solution to soften it up.

Consult a Professional for Delicate Carpets

Some carpets are made from delicate materials, such as silk or wool. These need special care to avoid any damage. 

If you are not sure about the right method to use or your carpet is expensive, then get some professional help. 

They know the right tools used to remove any stains and residues. That too without compromising the quality of the carpet.

Tip The professional carpet cleaners provide cleaning services personalised for a specific carpet material.  It ensures the fibres are treated with special care.

Frequently Asked Questions