Top 4 Effective Ways to Remove Chewing Gum from Shoes

Chewing gum is a type of candy that is loved by many people, especially children. However, accidentally stepping on chewing gum and getting it stuck to your shoes is an extremely unpleasant experience. Chewing gum sticks to the sole of the shoe, making it difficult to remove in the usual way. So how to remove chewing gum stuck to shoes effectively and safely for the shoe material? Let's find out with Shondo how to remove chewing gum stuck to shoes through this article!

1. Why is chewing gum difficult to remove?

Chewing gum is made from synthetic polymers, which give it its tough and sticky properties. When chewing gum comes into contact with the surface of a shoe, especially when stepped on, it softens and adheres to the fabric fibers or grooves on the sole of the shoe.

Factors that make chewing gum difficult to remove:

• Elasticity: Chewing gum has high elasticity and is difficult to break when rubbed.
• Strong adhesion: The polymers in the gum create strong bonding forces with a variety of surfaces, including fabrics, leather, rubber and plastic.
• Temperature: At high temperatures, chewing gum becomes softer and stickier, making it more difficult to remove.

Because of these properties, removing chewing gum from shoes becomes more complicated than removing ordinary stains.

[caption id="attachment_5574" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Chewing gum has high elasticity and stickiness[/caption]

2. Effective Methods to Remove Chewing Gum from Shoes

There are many ways to remove chewing gum from shoes, from simple folk methods to using specialized products. Here are 4 of the most effective and easy to do methods:

2.1. Use an Ice Pack

Principle: Chilling the gum with ice will harden it, making it less sticky and easier to peel off the shoe.

How to do:

1. Put a few ice cubes in a ziplock bag or wrap it in a thin towel.
2. Apply an ice pack to the gum stuck to your shoe for about 15-20 minutes, until the gum hardens.
3. Use a blunt knife, plastic card, or fingernail to scrape the gum off your shoe.
4. Wipe the shoe surface with a damp cloth.

Advantage:

• Simple, easy to do.
• No chemicals required.
• Safe for most shoe materials.

Disadvantages:

• May not work on gum that is too firmly stuck or has been crushed.
• It takes time to wait for the gum to harden.

[caption id="attachment_5575" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Using ice helps reduce the hardness of chewing gum[/caption]

2.2. Using Peanut Butter

Principle: The oil in peanut butter will reduce the stickiness of the gum, making it easier to separate from the shoe.

How to do:

1. Apply a thin layer of peanut butter to the area of ​​gum stuck to the shoe.
2. Wait about 5-10 minutes for the peanut butter to soak into the gum.
3. Use a blunt knife, brush or paper towel to wipe off the gum.
4. Clean shoes again with soap and water to remove peanut butter oil.

Advantage:

• Effective in reducing the stickiness of chewing gum.
• Easy to find raw materials.

Disadvantages:

• May leave oil stains on shoes if not cleaned thoroughly.
• Not suitable for shoes made of oil-absorbent materials.

[caption id="attachment_5576" align="aligncenter" width="800"] How to remove chewing gum from shoes with peanut butter[/caption]

2.3. Special Spray to Remove Chewing Gum

Principle: Special spray products contain special solvents that help dissolve and remove chewing gum from the surface of shoes.

How to do:

1. Spray the solution onto the gum stuck to the shoe according to the product instructions.
2. Wait a few minutes for the solution to take effect.
3. Use a blunt knife or brush to scrape off the gum.
4. Wipe shoes clean with a damp cloth.

Advantage:

• Fast and powerful effect.
• Convenient, easy to use.

Disadvantages:

• May contain chemicals harmful to health and the environment.
• Cost is higher than other methods.
• Need to choose the right product for the shoe material.

[caption id="attachment_5577" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Special spray contains special ingredients to help remove chewing gum[/caption]

2.4. Using the Freezer

Principle: Similar to the ice method, putting shoes in the freezer will freeze the chewing gum and make it easier to peel off.

How to do:

1. Put shoes in a plastic bag and tie it tightly.
2. Leave the shoes in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, until the gum hardens.
3. Take the shoes out of the freezer and peel off the gum with your hands or a dull knife.

Advantage:

• Highly effective in hardening chewing gum.
• No chemicals required.

Disadvantages:

• Waste of time waiting.
• Not suitable for shoes made of materials sensitive to low temperatures.

[caption id="attachment_5578" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The freezer method is similar to using ice[/caption]

3. Notes When Removing Chewing Gum from Shoes

To remove chewing gum from shoes effectively and safely, you need to keep in mind the following:

• Determine the shoe material: Each type of shoe material will be suitable for a different cleaning method. For example, suede shoes should not use peanut butter or strong detergents.
• Test on a small area first: Before applying any method, test on a small, hidden area of ​​the shoe to ensure you don't damage the material.
• Do not use high heat: High heat will make the gum softer and stickier, making it more difficult to remove.
• Avoid rubbing too hard: Rubbing too hard can spread the gum or damage the surface of the shoe.
• Cleaning Shoes After Removing Chewing Gum: After removing the chewing gum, clean your shoes with soap and water to completely remove dirt and grease.

[caption id="attachment_5579" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Identifying the shoe material makes removal easier[/caption]

Chewing gum stuck in your shoes is something no one wants, but it can be completely solved with simple and effective methods. Hopefully, this Shondo article has provided you with ways to remove chewing gum stuck on your shoes quickly and safely. Choose the method that is suitable for the shoe material and do it carefully to keep your shoes clean and beautiful!