How to Remove Gum From Wood
Smashed gum on wood floors or wood furniture is not the most pleasant sight. Gum tends to stick like glue to most surfaces, with wood being no exception. While gum removal from wood is challenging, it is not impossible with a little elbow grease and materials you have at home.
Things You Will Need
- Ice cubes or ice pack
- Plastic bag
- Plastic ruler or spatula
- Mineral spirits
- Clean rag
- Wood polish
- Lint-free cloths
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Pull off as much gum as possible with your fingers.
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Place ice cubes or an ice pack into a plastic bag. Lay the plastic bag on top of the gum. Wait until the gum hardens before trying to remove, normally 10 to 15 minutes.
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Place a plastic ruler or spatula under one edge of the gum and slowly pry underneath. Remove as much gum as possible from the wood without scratching the surface.
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Pour a small amount of mineral spirits on a clean rag and apply to any gum residue still stuck to the wood. The mineral spirits work to dissolve the gum's grip on the wood. Allow the mineral spirits to remain on the wood for five minutes.
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Wipe the gum and mineral spirits from the wood with a dry cloth.
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Spray wood polish onto the wood and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth.
References
Writer Bio
Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.
Photo Credits
- stale gum image by easaab from Fotolia.com
- stale gum image by easaab from Fotolia.com
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