If you’ve ever accidentally gotten gum stuck to your leather shoes or purse, you know how frustrating it can be to try to remove it. Luckily, a few methods can help get the gum off without damaging the leather. In this article, we’ll share eight methods on how to get gum off leather and a few tips for preventing it from happening in the first place. Keep reading to learn more!
Leather is a very delicate material. It bends relatively easily, but it is beyond repair once it breaks. Many of the leather items that people have are expensive investments, making it essential to take good care of them. Sometimes, however, accidents happen. Whether you were chewing gum and accidentally dropped it on your leather purse or participating in a game of catch with some friends, one of them threw the ball too aggressively.
8 Methods Guide on How to Get Gum Off Leather
Method 1: Using Ice
The first method on how to get gum off leather that you can try is by using ice. This method works best if you act quickly once the gum has stuck to the leather. The goal here is to harden the gum to be broken into smaller pieces, making for easier removal.
Fill a ziplock bag with some ice and place it over top of the area where there’s gum stuck onto the leather item. Leave it alone for 20-30 minutes before checking back on it. Once you’ve waited long enough, begin pulling off tiny pieces of the hardened gum until they are all gone from your shoes or purse and your leather furniture or car seats.
You may need to repeat this process several times if any larger pieces of gum are still stuck onto the leather.
Method 2: Using Peanut Butter
If you don’t have ice or don’t want to wait for it, another method to get gum off leather is by using peanut butter. This one will also work best if you act quickly once the gum has stuck to the leather and helps break it apart. Begin working in an outward direction from the center of where the gum is located so that you can easily remove all pieces.
First, apply a generous amount of peanut butter over the top of the gum and let it sit for at least half an hour before checking back on your progress. Once that time has passed, use a butter knife or spoon to gently push all the peanut butter to the sides, taking any pieces of gum that have stuck onto it.
Sparingly apply a small amount of water over the top and work outward from there. Continue applying and removing water and peanut butter until all pieces of gum are removed from your leather item. Be sure not to use too much water, or else you may end up causing damage to your shoes or purse.
Method 3: Using Hairdryer or Heat Gun
A hairdryer or heat gun is another option when it comes to how to get gum off leather. Using a high setting and low speed, aim the hot air upward over the top of the gum so that it begins to loosen up and become easier for you to remove.
Be sure not to hold your hand too close towards the hot air, or you may burn yourself. Instead, continue moving the heat around in small circular motions until all pieces of dried gum have been removed from your shoes or purse. Similarly, if you’re eliminating gum from any items belonging to children, such as furniture or car seats, be careful not to hold the heat gun too close towards their skin since they may sit on the item and receive burned skin.
Add some water to the area where there’s excess gum left behind and work it in with your fingers. Continue this process until all gum remnants are removed from both your leather shoes, purse, or other items.
Method 4: Using Soap Suds
Another method that may work well to remove gum off of leather is by using soap suds. You can use any soap, but it will work best if you use a bar of strong-scented soap such as Irish Spring or Zest.
Things You’ll Need:
- 1 bar of soap
- Bowl or sink
Begin by breaking the bar of soap into smaller pieces and then placing them into a bowl or sink filled with warm water. Allow the suds to soak for roughly ten minutes before attempting to use them to get gum off of leather.
Sparingly run your fingers over the top of the soap suds and rub it outward from where the gum is located until you start feeling it coming away from the shoes or purse. Continue doing this until all pieces of gum have been removed, adding more soap if necessary. Please make sure not to add so much soap at once that you create lather on top of your leather item as this may damage it.
Method 5: Using Oil and Soap
Another method you can use is to combine a dab of oil and a bar of soap. Begin by rubbing the soap bar directly onto a cloth until it builds up, then add in some drops of oil at your discretion before mixing them.
Apply this mixture over top of the gum with the cloth and allow it to sit for roughly fifteen minutes. Afterward, scrub off any remaining portions using a toothbrush or other small brush.
As soon as possible, rinse your leather item off with warm water before allowing it to dry in an open area that’s not exposed to direct sunlight. Once they’re completely dry, check for any leftover marks on your purse or shoes and wipe them away with a damp cloth if necessary.
Method 6: Using Scotch Tape
Another way that you can remove gum is by using tape. Begin by laying down some Scotch tape on top of the area with the gum, peeling it away after.
You can either choose to use regular scotch tape or duct tape; both will work in obliterating the gum. This method may take slightly longer than others, but it’s effective with getting rid of any pieces of gum left behind, even if they’re small bits that are hard to pick out.
As soon as you’ve removed all remnants of the sticky substance from your leather item, allow them to dry before brushing off any excess particles and giving them a final wipe down with some water. Next, hang these items up in an open area away from direct sunlight to air dry properly.
Method 7: Using a Rubber Eraser
Another product that may work to break apart gum from leather is a rubber eraser. Begin slowly peeling away any larger pieces of the gum until it’s removed, then use the rubber eraser to help scrub off any excess or smaller pieces left behind.
As you scrub away with the rubber, be sure to also check for any stains on your purse or other items and remove them as necessary using dish soap and a brush. Adding a small amount of ammonia for stubborn marks will make cleaning more accessible and more effective.
Once all gum remnants have been removed, give your leather item a final wipe down with some water before allowing it to air dry thoroughly in an open area away from direct sunlight.
Method 8: Using WD-40
As a final method, you can try to remove gum from leather; you can use WD-40. While this product is most commonly used on various metal surfaces, it’s also suitable for removing gum from leather and other items such as sneakers and clothing.
Begin by spraying some WD-40 onto the area with the gum until thoroughly saturated to break up any dried pieces or excess stuck to your shoes or purse. You can then take a dry cloth and rub over the top of the affected areas in an outward direction until all remnants of gum have been removed completely.
Although it may be tempting, avoid applying too much pressure since you don’t want to damage your item after attempting so many ways to get rid of the sticky substance. Afterward, allow the surface of your leather item to dry before brushing off any excess particles and giving it a final wipe down with some water. Finally, hang these items up in an open area away from direct sunlight to air dry properly.
Tips & Warnings
- If you’re working with shoes, be careful not to spill any gasoline on them as this may discolor or damage them further.
- It’s important to note that WD-40 is only suitable for removing gum stuck onto leather; it shouldn’t be used on suede materials since the oil could irreparably damage them instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vinegar Remove Gum?
There is no scientific evidence that vinegar removes gum, but some people swear by it. Some believe that the acid in vinegar can help to break down the gum and remove it from the mouth. Others say that using vinegar as a mouthwash can help to cleanse and kill bacteria in the mouth. While there is no scientific evidence to support either of these claims, if you think vinegar might be helpful in removing gum, try using it as a mouthwash and see if that helps.
What is the Best Cleaner for Leather?
There are many Leather cleaners on the market, but some of the best include: saddle soap, car care products like windshield wiper fluid or dishwashing detergent, and degreaser. When cleaning leather, be sure to use a mild cleaner that won’t damage the finish. Some other things to keep in mind when cleaning your leather items include avoiding water spots and making sure that you remove all trace of cleanliness before applying any sealant or protection.
How Do You Get Sticky Candy Off Leather Seats?
If your candy is stuck to the seats of your car or vice versa, there are a few things that you can do in order to remove it. This includes using a hairdryer, homemade soap solution, oatmeal baths, baking soda baths (which works best on vinyl), or boiling water with vinegar.
However, the best way to get rid of sticky candy without damaging the material is usually by using a leather cleaner and conditioner. Apply the cleaner directly to the area where you see sugar residue and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing off completely.
Which Gum is Used for Leather?
Mastic is the gum used for leather. It forms a flexible protective coating on the surface of the skin and helps prevent water, dust, and other contaminants from damaging the animal’s hide.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to get gum off leather. We hope this article was helpful and that you are now able to remove that pesky gum without any trouble. Have fun trying out your new skills, and be sure to let us know how it goes in the comments below!
You may also read – How to remove super glue from leather.
