By Olivia Cox
1. Using WD-40
STEP 1: PREPARING TO REMOVE GUM FROM SHOES
STEP 2: UTILIZE WD-40!
STEP 3: WIPE OFF THE WD-40
STEP 4: THE FINAL STEP IN GUM REMOVAL
2. Using Ice
3. Freezing the Gum
1. Place the shoe in a plastic bag. Put the shoe with gum on it into a plastic bag, like a large food storage bag or a grocery bag. It’s not necessary for the entire shoe to fit in the bag; just ensure the part with the gum is pressed against the plastic.
2. Press the plastic against the gum. Firmly press the plastic bag against the gum for several seconds. The gum needs to stick to the plastic before freezing, or this method won’t be effective.
3. Put the shoe in the freezer. Make some room in your freezer for the shoe covered in plastic. If the shoe isn’t completely inside the plastic bag, keep it away from any food items to prevent spreading germs.
4. Let the shoe stay in the freezer for an hour or two. This allows the gum to freeze onto the plastic bag. After it’s frozen, remove both the shoe and the bag from the freezer.
4. Using Stick and Sand or Wood
1. Locate a wooden stick and dry sand. This method is effective if you’re outdoors and step on fresh gum that’s still soft and pliable. You’ll need some dry sand (or dirt) and a small wooden stick.
2. Apply sand to the gum. Remove your shoe and sprinkle some sand on the gum. Use the stick to rub the sand into the gum, causing it to come off in small pieces.
3. Keep adding sand and rubbing. As the gum comes off, continue to add more sand and keep rubbing. The sand acts as an exfoliant for the bottom of your shoe!
Persist until the gum is mostly removed. This might take some time, but it’s better to act quickly rather than letting the gum dry and harden on your shoe.
5. Dissolving the Gum
1. Utilize lighter fluid. Soak an old cloth or piece of paper towel in some naphtha and rub it onto the gum. The gum should start to dissolve away.
Ensure you use the naphtha in a well-ventilated area, away from any heat sources, as naphtha is highly flammable.
2. Employ nail polish remover. Acetone-based nail polish remover can also be used to dissolve chewing gum from the sole of a shoe. Soak a paper towel or cloth in the remover and rub it onto the gum until it vanishes.
Exercise caution when using this method on certain types of shoes, as acetone may damage the finish on patent or suede shoes.
6. Using Peanut Butter
1. Apply creamy peanut butter. Spread a thick layer of creamy peanut butter (about two tablespoons) onto the gum, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Scrub off the peanut butter. After 10 minutes, use a wire brush to scrub away both the peanut butter and the gum. It might require some effort, but the gum should come off as well. Make sure to scrub with the grooves of the sole rather than against them to prevent damaging your shoe.
3. Clean your shoe. Rinse the sole of your shoe under cold running water and use a sponge to remove any remaining peanut butter residue.
7. Using Olive Oil
1. Apply olive oil to the gum. Be cautious not to get it directly on leather or suede parts of the shoe, as it may cause staining.
2. Allow the oil to sit for a minute.
3. Wipe the oil off using a paper towel.
4. Eliminate any remaining gum with a pointy-ended tool dipped in olive oil.
5. Finished. The gum should be completely removed. Dispose of it properly.
8. Using Dryer
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