With shoes meant to be worn outdoors, the greatest dilemma is getting gum stuck to the sole of the shoes. It is not uncommon for people to spot chewing gum on the streets and there is no way to control or limit this act in any effective way. There is, however, several possible easy ways of getting gum off shoe soles. A problem with gum, as opposed to any other substance outdoors, is its extreme stickiness and reluctance to leave the surface that it adheres to. Gum sticks to hairs or fabric too. There is solution for the removal of gum whether it sticks to some fabric, shoes or hairs. Some of the easiest methods of getting the gum off shoe soles and renewing them are described below.
Freeze the Gum
Step 1: Place the shoe in a plastic bag, like food storage or grocery bag. When doing so, it is not necessary that the entire shoe fits inside the bag; only the affected region needs to be covered properly with the plastic bag. The gum needs to be pressed firmly against the plastic bag.
Step 2: press the bag against the gum repeatedly for several seconds so that the gum sticks firmly to the plastic. It is essential that the plastic sticks to the gum firmly for this method to be effective.
Step 3: make space in your freezer for your shoe and place the plastic-covered shoe inside. Although it is not important that the entire shoe is covered, you might have to ensure that any uncovered portion of the shoe is not in contact with the food items to avoid the spread of germs.
Step 4: let the shoe freeze in the freezer for up to an hour or two. Leaving the shoe in the freeze will freeze the gum onto the plastic. Once the gum is frozen in place after an hour or two, take out the plastic bag covered shoe.
Step 5: Remove the plastic bag from the shoe and the gum to get off along with the plastic. This will leave your shoe gum-free in no time!
Use Ice
Step 1: fill in a large plastic bag with ice. Then place the ice-filled plastic bag against the sole of the shoe where the gum is stuck. While doing so, be careful not to get the shoe wet by letting ice cubes get in or around the shoe.
Step 2: Ensure that the ice stays cold and does not melt too easily. You can tie the bag tightly or use a food storage bag that can be zipped tightly shut.
Step 3: press the ice-filled plastic bag firmly against the gum until the gum freezes completely. You might need to hold it for long to ensure that the gum is completely frozen. The gum will only be removed effectively if it is frozen completely.
Step 4: once the gum has frozen, scrape off the gum using a butter or putty knife. Remember to move the knife gently to avoid cutting the sole of the shoe.
Use WD-40
Step 1: buy a WD-40 can from the local supermarket or the cleaning supply store nearby and pray it over the gum. The WD-40 works on loosening the adhesive bond of the gum and thus making it come off easily. You must let the spray stay on the gum for a minute, at the very least.
Step 2: Using a paper towel, cloth, or rag to gently wipe away the gum. The gum will come off very easily as the adhesiveness of the gum is reduced by the spray. If such is not the case, use the spray once again and try removing the gum.
Step 3: clean the sole of the shoe by using a paper towel or a rag so that any extra residue from the spray is wiped off. Throw away the dirty towels or rags.
Use Peanut Butter
Step 1: get creamy peanut butter and take at least 2 tablespoons. Apply a thick layer of it over the gum. Let the peanut butter stay on the gum for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: After approximately 10 minutes, scrub away the peanut butter using a wire brush. The gum should come off with the peanut butter easily when you scrub. It may take a little effort but the gum should come off completely. Remember to be careful when scrubbing and scrub along the grooves in the sole, not against them. Otherwise, the sole might get damaged.
Step 3: clean the shoe using cold running water. While holding the shoe under the water, use a sponge to scrub off the remaining peanut butter and gum residue.
Using Sand
Step 1: get some dry sand in a bowl and a stick. This method is the most beneficial if you happen to get pliable and soft gum stuck on the sole of your shoe outdoors. With a small wooden stick and, your shoes will be good as new.
Step 2: sprinkle dry sand over the gum after you take off the shoe. With the stick, rub the sand into the gum. the glue will come off in small chunks very easily.
Step 3: when the gum starts coming off, sprinkle more sand and repeat the rubbing process. The sand, in this case, is acting as an exfoliator, allowing the resistant gum to come off easily. Repeat the sprinkling of sand and rubbing until all the gum has come off. The process works best with gum that is still soft so it is better to act quickly before the gum hardens in the sole.
Dissolve the Gum
Step 1: take a piece of towel or cloth and soak it in naphtha (lighter fluid). Rub this web cloth or towel on the gum to make it dissolve away. Remember to use naphtha only in a properly ventilated room where there are no heat sources since naphtha is highly flammable.
Step 2: if you do not have naphtha, you can use acetone-based nail polish remover instead. This is known to dissolve gum as well. Soak a cloth or towel in nail polish remover and rub it on the gum.
Getting gum on the sole of new shoes can be a very frustrating dilemma but with the easy steps mentioned above, you can make your new shoes spotless again in no time!
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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