How do you remove gum stuck to the floor?
Crushed gum is one of the most stubborn stains in business entrances. The key: harden it before removing it.
Updated
Quick answer
To remove gum stuck to the floor, harden it with an ice cube in a bag or a freeze spray, then lift it off with a plastic scraper. The residue comes off with a little citrus-based solvent, followed by a wash with soapy water. On exterior concrete, steam or pressurized hot water is the fastest method.
Time: 5 to 10 minutes per piece of gum
What you need
- Ice cubes in a bag or a freeze spray
- Plastic scraper or dull putty knife
- Citrus-based solvent
- Cloth, lukewarm water and mild soap
Steps
- 1
Harden the gum
Place a bag of ice cubes on the gum for a few minutes, or spray it with a freeze spray, until it becomes brittle.
- 2
Scrape
Slide the scraper under the gum and lift it off in one go. On a carpet, break it into pieces and remove them.
- 3
Dissolve the residue
Apply a little citrus-based solvent to the residue, let it work for a minute and wipe. Test in a hidden corner first.
- 4
Wash
Clean with soapy water to remove the solvent, then rinse.
On the sidewalk or exterior concrete
Many pieces of gum embedded in concrete are removed most effectively with steam or pressurized hot water, which softens them and lifts them off without chemicals.
Mistakes to avoid
- Heating gum on a synthetic carpet: the fibres melt.
- Using a metal scraper on vinyl: it scratches the floor.
- Using too much solvent: it can dull the finish or discolour the carpet.
When should you call a professional?
For a sidewalk or an entrance covered in gum, a hot-water pressure wash solves the problem in one visit. HygiePro includes it in the pressure washing of entrances and parking lots.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove gum from a carpet?
Harden it with ice, break it up and remove the pieces, then treat the residue with a little citrus-based solvent and blot. Test the product in a hidden corner first.