wall to wall carpet

HOW TO REMOVE GUM FROM WALL-TO-WALL CARPET

Prevent a tacky situation: Here are a few easy steps for removing gum from your carpet/carpet tiles, whether in a residential or commercial setting.

The removal of gum from a fine woolen rug or carpet fiber is much more difficult than removing gum from concrete or the bottom of your shoe. Getting rid of chewing gum immediately may be tempting, but it can easily damage carpet fibers. Gum can be removed from the carpet in three ways.

 Hairdryer

Using a hairdryer is an effective way to remove gum from the carpet. You can soften the gum with the help of a hair dryer. Once the gum has softened, lift it off the carpet, and the fibers should release. The blotting and lifting process must be repeated until the gum is removed without harming the carpet fibers. Once the gum has hardened, apply heat again.

It is important to use caution when removing gum with the hot method. The fibers of wool or synthetic carpet can be damaged by too much heat. When using the hair dryer, be aware of any melting. Test a hidden carpet area on a small section if in doubt.

Ice Cubes

Another technique for removing gum is using ice cubes to freeze it. The gum will not be removed by applying ice, but it will harden after about 15 to 20 minutes, making it easier to lift off the carpet. Pick at the edges of the gum after the ice has hardened it. Don’t pull up carpet fibers alongside the gum. Gum can usually be removed from carpets; however, small traces may remain. Benzyl salicylate is an active ingredient in a muscle rub that contains carpet cleaning detergent, spray degreaser, spot cleaners, and carpet cleaning detergent.

If your carpet was originally installed in a hidden area, such as an area under the sofa, or beneath the closet, these carpet cleaners might cause discoloration of their own. Scrubbing left behind gum residue should be vacuumed up.

Carpet Cleaning Detergents / Carpet Spot Removers

Depending on how old the gum spot is, you might need to apply dry cleaning or gel-based solvents like paint, oil, and grease removers. Use a plastic spoon or spatula to scrape the gum gently while the solvent works. A knife’s sharp edge can damage a carpet pile when used to lift gum stains. Any remaining solvents or chemicals should be rinsed out using a solution of baking soda dissolved in water after using any of the above cleaning techniques. The cleaning process will be more effective by neutralizing acidic products and removing any odors or colors left behind by scrubs.

After blotting with a clean cloth to wick up the water, weigh down the cloth with a stone or heavy item.

Solvents and scrubbing used in these methods may damage many very delicate carpets. A professional carpet cleaner should always be contacted if there are doubts about a procedure. New Elite Floors Professional carpet cleaners have the tools and equipment necessary to remove chewing gum stains safely and easily.

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