Soak gum-stained fabric in warm white vinegar

Warm white vinegar softens and dissolves chewing gum stuck to fabric. The acetic acid (typically 5% concentration in household vinegar) breaks down the gum's polymer structure, making it easy to brush or scrape away.

Steps

1. Heat about half a cup of white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-45 seconds until warm but not boiling.
2. Submerge the gum-affected area in the warm vinegar, or saturate the spot with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
3. Let it soak for 3-5 minutes.
4. Use a soft brush (such as an old toothbrush) to gently rub the gum until it dissolves or loosens enough to scrape off.
5. Launder the item as usual to remove the vinegar smell.

Tips

• Reheating the vinegar partway through helps if the gum is large or deeply embedded
• Test on an inconspicuous area first with delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as vinegar can affect some dyes
• This method also works on gum stuck to hard surfaces like countertops or tile