How to Remove Gum from Your Shoes

By Susan M. Keenan

No matter how carefully we try to avoid those tiny pieces of colored goo from the sidewalk, parking lot, or tile floor of the supermarket, eventually, the chewing gum wins. It seems to be everywhere these days, probably in part due to the wide variety of flavors.

Additionally, the preventative tooth decay properties that are touted as the essence of many brands of chewing gum tempt many an individual into tossing a stick or two of minty fresh, spicy hot, or fruity flavored gum into his of her mouth. How can we resist this morsel of low calorie flavor, especially when the checkout counters of so many stores are adorned with shelves of brightly colored, inexpensive packages of chewing gum?

Now that we know why it is that we have gum on our shoes, let's look at a few ideas for removing it without having to tear the shoe apart. Several methods are available that usually work, depending on the amount of time that you have allowed the gum to take up residence on your shoe. Simply try the one that appeals to you.

Gum Shoe in the Freezer

First, you must decide whether you want to attempt to remove any of the gum before trying this handy method for gum removal. It's strictly a matter of choice and circumstance. If you aren't going to be able to get to this right away, and you still have places to go, then you may want to attempt to scrape as much off as possible. Simply use a dull knife to scrape off the gum or rub the sole of the shoe against a concrete sidewalk in an out of the way area.

Take the shoe with the gum and place it in a plastic grocery bag or large food storage bag. Press the area of the shoe with the gum onto the plastic of the bag. Clear an area in the freezer. Place the bag into the freezer with the shoe still inside. Allow the gum to freeze. This will require at least an hour if not two hours.

Once the gum is frozen, remove the shoe and the bag from the freezer. Pull the bag and the shoe apart from each other. The gum should stick to the bag and solve your dilemma.

Gum Shoe in a Bag

First, decide whether you want to attempt to remove any of the gum before trying this handy method for gum removal. Again, simply use a dull knife to scrape off the gum or rub the sole of the shoe against a concrete sidewalk in an out of the way area.

Next, you will need a plastic bag and some ice cubes. Place the ice cubes and the shoe inside the bag, being careful not to allow the ice to touch any of the shoe's surfaces except the sole. To keep the ice cold and prevent it from melting too quickly, use a food storage bag that can be zipped closed or tie the bag shut. Press the ice onto the gum until it freezes.

Use a dull butter or putty knife to scrape the gum from the shoe. Remember to move the knife slowly to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Gum Shoe with a Spray

This solution for removing gum from your shoe requires that you either have this product already or that you purchase it. Take a can of WD-40 and spray the area of the shoe with the gum. Allow at least one minute to pass. Use a paper towel or rag to wipe away the gum and the oily spray from the shoe. Use a clean rag or paper towel to wipe the shoe a second time to remove any additional residue. Throw the rag or paper towels away.

© Doityourself.com 2006