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How to Get Gum Off of a Wall

Richard Toole

Because of its sticky consistency and ability to adhere to almost any surface, bubble gum may be one of the toughest types of stains to remove. Despite its reputation, however, gum is not that tough to remove from walls. With a few household items, you can remove gum from your walls with only a little time and effort.

Bubble gum that ends up on your walls can usually be removed quickly.
  1. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes. Seal the bag shut. You can use small plastic grocery bags for this as well; just tie the bag off at the top so the ice does not fall out.

  2. Place the ice bag against the gum on the wall for several minutes. Hold the ice on the gum until the gum hardens, which should only take a few minutes.

  3. Scrape the gum off the wall with a putty knife. Place the edge of the putty knife at the bottom crease where the gum is attached to the wall. Quickly shove the putty knife upward so the gum pops free from the wall. You can also use a kitchen spatula in a pinch if you do not have a putty knife.

  4. Dampen a sponge with spot remover or some dry cleaning fluid. Press the sponge against any gum residue left on the wall. Blot the residue with the sponge until the area is damp. Wring the sponge out and wipe way the gum residue. It helps to use a sponge that has a rough side in case the gum residue is particularly stubborn.

  5. Rinse the spot remover from the sponge with water in the sink. Keep the sponge damp with water. Wipe the area on the wall with the sponge to rinse away any remaining spot remover. Spot remover residue left on the wall for too long can discolor the wall.