How to Get Gum Off the Bottom of Your Shoe: Tried-and-Tested Hacks
If you’re like me, you’ve probably stepped on a piece of gum at some point in your life. And if you’re also like me, you probably tried to scrape it off with your fingernail or a stick, only to make it worse. Believe me, I’ve messed up a new pair of shoes that I was saving for a special occasion due to this simple mistake. But fear not! There are actually a few effective ways to remove gum from the bottom of your shoe without damaging it. Here are five methods that I’ve personally tried and tested:
Ice
Freezing the gum makes it brittle and easier to remove.
Place your shoe in the freezer for at least two hours, or until the gum is frozen solid. Once the gum is frozen, you can use a butter knife or a credit card to scrape it off. Be careful not to scratch the leather or rubber of your shoe. However, if the material of your shoe is suede or nubuck, avoid using a knife as it may damage the material. And there you have it, a simple and quick solution that may require a bit of patience and waiting time.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter’s oily texture helps break down the gum’s adhesive properties.
Apply a generous amount of peanut butter to the gum. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe it away. The peanut butter will help to dissolve the gum, making it easier to remove. Repeat the process if necessary. Just make sure to wash the peanut butter off of your shoe thoroughly after you’re done. I recommend using warm water and soap to completely get rid of any sticky residue.
WD-40
WD-40’s lubricating properties aid in loosening the gum’s grip on the shoe’s surface.
Spray a small amount of WD-40 onto the gum. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe it away. The WD-40 will help to break down the gum, making it easier to remove. Be careful not to use too much WD-40, as it can damage the shoe’s material. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
Duct Tape
The strong adhesive properties of duct tape can lift the gum off your shoes.
Tear off a piece of duct tape and roll it around your finger with the sticky side facing out. Press the duct tape onto the gum and hold it there for a few seconds. Pull the duct tape away quickly, and the gum should come off with it. Repeat the process until all of the gum is removed. Duct tape is generally safe to use on most types of shoes, but it’s always best to test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the material.
Boiling Water
The dissolving power of hot water helps soften and remove the gum.
Boil some water and pour it over the gum. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe it away. The hot water will help to soften the gum, making it easier to remove. Be careful not to pour boiling water directly onto your shoe, as it can damage the material. Instead, pour the boiling water into a bowl or a sink and then place your shoe in the water. After the gum is removed, wash your shoe with warm water and soap to remove any residue. I discovered this method accidentally when I spilled a cup of hot tea on my shoe that had gum stuck to its sole. To my surprise, the gum just peeled right off!
Conclusion
There you have it, five simple and effective ways to remove gum from the bottom of your shoe. Next time you step on a piece of gum, don’t panic! Just remember one of these methods, and you’ll be able to get rid of it in no time. So, how have you successfully removed gum from the bottom of your shoes in the past? Share your experience and any additional tips you may have in the comments below. Your insights may help others who are struggling with this common problem. Together, we can keep our shoes gum-free!
