Chewing gum on a wall not only looks bad but it can damage paint or leave behind a mark. At Total Gleam, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, schools, and businesses across Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, Cheshire, and North Wales deal with this exact issue.
In this blog, we will show you simple, safe, and effective ways to get rid of gum from walls and a few tips to stop it from happening again.
Why is Chewing Gum so Difficult to Remove?
Chewing gum is designed to be long-lasting which makes it ideal for chewing… but it can be a huge pain when it ends up where it shouldn’t. Once gum is pressed against a vertical surface such as a wall, it attaches tightly and hardens over time.
The longer gum is left, the more it bonds with the surface it has been placed on, especially if the wall is textured. Chewing gum also collects dust and grime, making it very unhygienic.
Removing gum incorrectly can make the situation worse and can spread the mess or damage the paint or plaster beneath the wall.
Precautions Before You Start
Before you attempt to remove chewing gum, there are some key precautions to consider to avoid making the situation worse.
- Test a small area first to ensure that the method you have chosen to use doesn’t damage the paint or surface.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from sticky gum and any cleaning chemicals.
- Use soft tools like plastic scrapers to avoid scratching the wall.
you are cautious about damaging the wall when attempting to remove chewing gum, it may be better to contact a professional cleaning service like Total Gleam.
Method 1: Freeze the Gum
If the gum is fresh or hasn’t been there too long, freezing the chewing gum is a method that can be very effective.
Here’s how:
- Chill the Gum – Grab a few ice cubes, pop them into a sandwich bag, and press it against the chewing gum. Hold it there for a few minutes until the gum becomes firm and brittle.
- Gently Scrape it Off – Once the gum hardens, take a plastic scraper, old loyalty card, or even a spoon and gently ease it off. Be patient to avoid damaging the wall.
- Clean the Area – Mix some soap with warm water and wipe down the area with a soft cloth. This helps remove any stickiness and keeps the wall looking fresh.
Method 2: Use Heat
If the gum’s been there for a while and hardened into a sticky fossil, a bit of warmth can be beneficial.
Here’s what to do:
- Warm it up – Use a hairdryer on a low setting and aim it at the gum for 30 seconds to a minute. This softens the gum, making it easier to remove. Keep the dryer moving and don’t get too close.
- Peel off the gum – Once it’s soft, use a scraper or cloth to gently remove the gum.
- Wipe any residue – Clean the area with a mix of warm water and soap. However, for stickier messes, a little rubbing alcohol is often effective.
Method 3: Using a Cleaning Solution
When freezing and heating don’t work, it is important to have another method in place. If the gum has hardened, using a cleaning solution can be a very effective method to use for removing gum from walls.
Here’s what to do:
- Dab the cleaning solution that you have chosen directly onto the gum.
- Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to break down the chewing gum.
- Scrape or wipe away the gum from the wall and then clean with warm, soapy water.
It is important to always read the label of the cleaning solution and test beforehand, as gum removers can be very powerful.
How to Prevent Gum From Ending Up on Your Walls Again
Here are a few easy ways to help stop chewing gum from ending up on your walls:
- Put up friendly signs to make people aware
- Install more bins, especially in areas where the problem is occurring
- Educate students or members of staff about the impact
- Schedule more regular cleaning to keep things under control
Why Choose Total Gleam
At Total Gleam, we are more than just your typical cleaning company; we have over 25 years of experience working in the industry and know exactly what we are doing when it comes to restoring your property.
Our gum removal team is:
- Fully trained and insured
- Equipped with advanced cleaning tools
- Locally based across Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, Cheshire, and North Wales
- Committed to environmentally friendly practices
We believe in making your cleaning experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible. Our services can be tailored to suit your needs, and we will tackle all of the problems you are experiencing.
Contact us today, and we will be happy to remove all gum build-up, leaving your property in brand new condition. We hope to see you soon.