8 Easy Ways To Get Gum Off Your Shoe

Have you ever stepped on gum and ended up with a sticky mess on the bottom of your shoe? It can be frustrating and difficult to remove without causing damage. 

But fear not, there are several methods you can try to remove gum from your shoes. In this article, we will guide you through the process and provide tips on how to remove gum from different types of shoes.

8 Ways To Get Gum Off Your Shoe

Chewing gum is intentionally sticky, making it a nightmare to remove when it gets stuck on a shoe. When faced with this issue, you have several options to choose from in order to remove the gum. However, it’s important to consider your shoe design, as certain methods may create additional problems. Therefore, it is crucial to use the right technique for your specific situation.

Freeze The Gum

To remove chewing gum from shoes, one of the easiest and most straightforward methods is freezing it. You can accomplish this DIY solution using common household items – a freezer and a plastic bag. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. Step 1: Place the entire shoe in a clean plastic bag. If a large plastic bag is not available, make sure the gum-ridden part is in the bag and pressed against the outside of the bag.
2. Step 2: Firmly press the bag against the sticky gum part for a few seconds. This step is crucial for achieving optimal results.
3. Step 3: Put the bag-covered shoe in the freezer for one to two hours. The cold temperature will freeze the chewing gum, causing it to stick to the plastic bag instead of the shoe.
4. Step 4: After the designated time, remove the shoe from the freezer and carefully remove the frozen gum from the shoe.
5. Step 5: Allow the plastic bag to remain in the freezer for a longer duration to make the gum removal process easier. The more time it spends freezing, the easier it will be to get the gum off the shoe.

Try Some Ice Cube

Another simple method is to utilize an ice cube. For this, you will require ice cubes, a plastic bag, and a putty knife.

1. Fill a plastic bag with some ice cubes.
2. Place the ice bag on the stubborn gum, making sure no ice cubes get inside or around your shoe to avoid wetting it.
3. Press the ice cubes onto the sticky mess until the gum freezes and becomes solid.
4.  Once the gum hardens, use a dull knife, a butter knife, or a flat spoon to scrape it off your shoe.

Get Some WD-40

Just like the freezer method, WD-40 utilizes a blend of solvents and lubricants to facilitate movement of stuck objects. However, it’s important to note that WD-40 should not be used on suede or porous absorbent materials, as the oil may cause staining despite its effectiveness in removing gum from shoes.

Furthermore, it is advisable to thoroughly rinse your shoes after using WD-40 to remove chewing gum, as the active ingredients may react with plastic or rubber materials if left on the shoes.

To successfully remove gum using this method, you will need a paper towel and a spray bottle. Follow the steps below for optimal results:

1. Directly spray WD-40 on the gum, avoiding the rest of the shoe.
2. Allow the WD-40 to sit for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive bond.
3. After the WD-40 covers the gum, use a paper towel to wipe away the hardened gum from the sole.
4. If the gum is still stuck, reapply the spray and wipe to remove any remaining residue.

Peanut Butter

One effective household item that can be utilized to remove chewing gum from shoes is peanut butter. Its oil content aids in reducing the stickiness and hardness of the gum, making it easier to remove. A wire brush can also be employed in this process.

1. Take about two tablespoons or more of peanut butter and apply a thick layer to the gum.
2.  Leave the peanut butter on the gum for over 10 minutes.
3. Use a wire brush to gently wipe off the gum along with the peanut butter from your shoe.
4. When scrubbing, make sure to go along the sole’s grooves and not against them to prevent any damage.
5. Place your shoe below a water faucet with the sole side facing up and carefully wash it to remove the remaining peanut butter.

Olive Oil

One method for removing chewing gum from shoe soles is by using olive oil. However, it is important to note that olive oil can cause damage to certain shoe materials. To perform this method, gather the following materials: olive oil from your kitchen, a spoon with a pointy end, and a paper towel. 

It’s worth mentioning that chewing gum has a chewy texture due to plastic or rubbery compounds that contain oils. When oil is applied to these compounds, it can affect their stickiness. If you don’t have peanut butter on hand, using olive oil can be a suitable alternative. Nonetheless, it is essential to avoid using olive oil on suede and leather shoes, as it may cause staining.

1. Apply olive oil to the stuck gum and wait a few minutes to help it become less sticky.
2. Use a paper towel or a clean rag to gently wipe away the gum from the shoes.
3. If there is still chewing gum residue on your shoe, dip a pointy tool into olive oil. This way, you can prevent your shoe from getting damaged during the gum removal process.
4. With the pointy tool, carefully remove the chewing gum until it is completely removed from the shoe.

Use Your Hair Dryer

If you don’t want to harden the gum, you can opt for the alternative method of melting it with heat using a hairdryer. This technique can help soften the gum and make it easier to remove from surfaces.

1. Direct your hair dryer to the gum area and turn on the heat.
2. Use a butter knife or a spoon to check the consistency of the chewing gum.
3. Once the gum softens and loses its sticky connection, gently scrape it off.
4. Finally, wipe the area with a paper towel to remove any residue.

Stick And Sand Can Work

This method requires a stick and sand and is ideal for individuals who are outdoors and need to remove fresh gum from their shoes. 

The dry sand acts as a gentle exfoliator for the shoe soles, and it can be performed anywhere with dry sand, although it may take longer than other methods. While the sand itself is not harmful, caution should be exercised to avoid accidentally rubbing it on the shoe fabric.

1. Take off your shoe and sprinkle some dry sand over the gum.
2. Use a stick or any suitable object to rub the sand deep into the gum, breaking it into smaller pieces.
3. Keep adding dry sand and continue rubbing the gum until it is completely removed.
4. It is important to rub the gum quickly and continuously to prevent it from drying and making it more difficult to remove.

Dissolve Chewing Gum

To effectively dissolve chewing gum that is stuck on a shoe, there are a few different methods you can try. One option is to use lighter fluid, also known as naphtha, along with a cloth or rag. It’s important to be cautious when using lighter fluid due to its flammable nature, so make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from any heat sources.

Another alternative is to use nail polish remover, which is more readily available. However, it’s important to apply a small amount first to a patch on your shoe. This is because nail polish remover may contain impurities that could potentially stain or damage your shoes. By being mindful of these considerations, you can effectively remove chewing gum from your shoes.

1. To remove stuck gum, you can find a rag or a piece of cloth and dip it into lighter fluid. 
2. Then, rub the cloth on the affected area, and you will notice that the chewing gum begins to dissolve away.

How To Prevent Gum Under My Shoe?

We have all found ourselves in the frustrating situation of stepping in some sticky chewing gum that won’t come off of our shoe. It can be quite a headache to remove it, and that’s why knowing how to prevent it in the first place is key. I will look at some tips that will help you avoid getting gum stuck on your shoes.

1. Look before you step: One of the main ways gum gets on shoes is simply by not paying attention to where we are walking. When you are out and about, make sure to keep an eye out for any gum on the ground. If you see some, simply walk around it or step over it instead of stepping on it.
2. Avoid hotspots: Certain places are more prone to gum being stuck on the ground than others. Places like outside of schools, universities, movie theaters, and parks are just some examples that typically have gum on the ground. Being aware of these “hotspots” can help you avoid stepping in gum.
3. Keep gum away from shoes: Another way to prevent gum from getting stuck under your shoe is to make sure you keep your gum away from your shoes. This can be done by always disposing of your gum in a trash can or finding a wrapper to put it in so that it does not fall to the ground unnoticed.
4. Use preventive solutions: There are some preventive solutions that can be used to keep gum from sticking to your shoes. One such solution is to wear shoes with a non-stick sole, such as rubber shoes. Another solution is to spray the bottom of your shoes with a cooking spray before stepping out.
5. React quickly: If despite your best efforts, you find yourself with gum stuck to your shoe, it is important to act quickly. The longer the gum stays on your shoe, the harder it becomes to remove. Use an ice pack to freeze the gum and then scrape it off with a blunt tool or use a commercial gum remover.

Can You Remove Gum On A Leather Shoe?

Firstly, it is important to note that gum removal requires patience and care. You don’t want to rush the process and end up with torn or scratched shoes. One of the most effective ways to remove gum is by using ice. Simply place a few ice cubes in a small plastic bag and apply it directly onto the gum. The ice will harden the gum, making it easier to scrape off with a plastic scraper or credit card. This method is suitable for all types of leather shoes, including suede.

Secondly, you can use adhesive removers such as Goo Gone to remove the gum. This type of product is specifically designed to remove sticky substances such as gum. Using a cotton swab, apply the adhesive remover onto the gum and wait for a few minutes. Then, gently rub the gum off with a soft cloth. Be careful not to use too much adhesive remover as it can strip off the shoe’s color.

Another method that you can try is using peanut butter. This may sound strange, but the oils in peanut butter help to break down the gum’s stickiness, making it easier to remove. Simply apply a small amount of peanut butter onto the gum and leave it for a few minutes. Then, scrape off the gum with a plastic scraper or credit card. Once the gum is completely removed, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

If you don’t have any of these materials at hand, you can always try using a hairdryer. This method involves heating up the gum using a hairdryer to soften its texture. Once the gum is soft enough, you can easily remove it using a plastic scraper or credit card. It’s important not to overheat the leather shoes as it can cause damage. Use the hairdryer on low or medium heat and keep it a few inches away from the shoes.

Should You Replace Your Shoe If You Step On A Gum?

Firstly, let’s take a look at the damage that gum can cause to your shoes. The sticky texture of the gum can easily penetrate the fibers of the shoelaces, soles, and uppers of your shoes, making it almost impossible to remove entirely. 

The longer you leave it untreated, the more damage it can cause to the material of your shoes, leading to unnecessary wear and tear. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be to repair or remove the gum from your shoes.

Secondly, if the gum only sticks to the sole of your shoe, it might not be worth replacing the entire pair. This is because the sole can be easily replaced or repaired at a much lower cost compared to the full replacement cost of your shoes. On the other hand, if the gum sticks to the upper part of the shoe, it may be different. The upper part is more complicated to repair or replace, so it might be more economical to replace the entire pair instead.

Next, consider the sentimental or monetary value of your shoes before deciding whether to replace them or not. If the shoes hold significant sentimental value to you or are expensive, then you may want to opt for repair rather than replacement. 

A skilled cobbler can often repair even the most damaged pair of shoes, making them good as new once more. It’s an investment that is worth it if the pair of shoes is especially important to you, and you can’t bear the idea of having to replace them altogether.

Another factor to consider is the condition of your shoes before the gum incident. If the shoes are already worn out or have holes in them, the gum incident may be the final nail in the coffin, and they might be beyond repair. In such cases, it’s best to replace them with a new pair of shoes, and don’t hold onto them out of sentimentality.

Final Words

Removing gum from shoes can be a frustrating and annoying task, but by using the tips outlined in this article, you can remove gum from different types of shoes with ease. 

Always remember to take care when trying out any of these methods and test them on a small area of the shoe before proceeding. With the right technique and a little patience, you’ll have your shoes looking as good as new in no time.