How to Remove Gum From Windows
Chewing gum contains ingredients that make it sticky so you can enjoy chewing it longer. These ingredients provide equal-opportunity sticking power no matter what surface they end up on. When gum is stuck to a window, you must remove it without scratching or breaking the glass.
Once the substance is removed, the sticky, waxy residue must be removed as well. Techniques and supplies safe for use on glass solve this sticky situation while avoiding further damage.
Things You Will Need
- Rubber glove
- Paper towels
- Plastic zip bag
- Ice cubes
- Single-edged razor blade
- Bucket
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- Clean cloths
Tip
Sprinkle baking soda over a damp sponge for extra scrubbing power when cleaning stained glass. Rub vegetable oil on greasy gum residue to break down the stickiness. Let the oil sit on the stain for a few minutes before scrubbing off.
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Wear a rubber glove to keep gum from sticking to your fingers. Pull off as much gum as possible from the window using the gloved hand. Wipe it onto a paper towel and continue to remove the gum.
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Fill a plastic zip bag with ice cubes. Hold the ice pack against the remaining gum stuck on the window until it hardens. Push the edge of a single-edged razor blade underneath the gum and carefully push and pry it off the window surface.
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Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a bucket. Dip a clean cloth in the diluted vinegar solution and press against the waxy residue left on the glass. Hold the cloth in place for a couple minutes to help break down the greasy wax residue.
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Scrub the gum residue from the glass with the vinegar solution. Dry with another clean cloth.
The Drip Cap
- Chewing gum contains ingredients that make it sticky so you can enjoy chewing it longer.
- These ingredients provide equal-opportunity sticking power no matter what surface they end up on.
- Fill a plastic zip bag with ice cubes.
- Dip a clean cloth in the diluted vinegar solution and press against the waxy residue left on the glass.
References
Writer Bio
Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness instructor and a small-business owner.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
- Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
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