How to Remove Gum from Leather Couch: 7 Powerful Methods(DIY)

It is about two months ago when I came back home from the office and sat on the couch, I noticed on one side corner, a stain was visible and looking dirty.

I asked to mom what happened and she told me the children had put chewing gum there and I had removed it but the stain was not coming out.

I was a little worried but after trying a few things I found a solution.

I was a guy who never believed in regular maintenance and cleaning of the couch and that’s why when I removed the stain successfully I noticed cracks and torn there.

According to Researchgate regular cleaning and maintenance of leather couches are necessary because, without it leather loses the fats and oils periodically and cracks and tears appear.

Then how to remove gum from leather couch without leaving a single stain, I will discuss in this article.

Here, I will discuss any type of gum that you can remove from your leather goods and I will tell you about how to remove chewing gum from leather.

Let’s start…

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How to Remove Gum from Leather Couch

1. Naphtha Solution

Now after hearing this name, do not worry about where it is available because it is sold in shops by the name of Wd 40. It is a powerful thing to remove any kind of stain from any surface.

Most industries use it to remove rust stains and stubborn dust particles from equipment. That is the reason people think this is harmful to leather but it is not that harmful.

Process

• First, clean the couch with a wet cloth to remove all dust particles.
• Now, remove the gum as much as you can with a spatula or any sharp object.
• Spray the WD 40 over the stain, make the whole stain completely wet, and keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• With a spatula remove the stain, and you will feel easy to remove it now.
• In a bowl take 1 portion of detergent powder and 3 portions of water and mix it well.
• With a cloth rub this solution on the affected area and wipe out the stain.
• Again dip a cloth with warm water and wipe the area.

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2. Washing Soda

If somehow any leather adhesive gum gets stuck on the sofa then it does not require much effort, you can normally remove it with washing soda. But make sure to use the washing soda in a lower proportion than water because it can leave white stains on the leather.

Process

• Take a bowl of cold water and add some ice cubes to it.
• With a dropper add 5 to 6 drops of water on the area and make it completely wet.
• Wait for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
• Now in a bowl take water and soda in 3:1 ratio.
• Dip an unused toothbrush into the solution and gently rub the surface until the gum is completely not removed.
• With a clean cloth wipe the water from that area.

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3. Heat By Sunlight

The main ingredient of any adhesive gum is resin and it melts in high-temperature. So, keep the couch somewhere the couch exposed to sunlight and keep it there for 10 to 15 minutes.

One of the best alternatives to sunlight is the hair dryer. You need to hold the hair dryer for a long time until the gum melts.

Process

• Keep the couch under the sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes or use the hair dryer for at least 25 to 30 minutes.
• With a sharp spatula gently scrape the gum.
• Dip a clean cloth in warm water and rub on the affected surface to remove the remaining gum stains.

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4. Paint Thinner

A paint thinner proves to be effective in removing any kind of gum because it can dissolve the gum within itself.

But, one truth that cannot be denied is that thinner can become a threat to pure leather fabrics. It can be a reason for the discoloration of leather.

But it can be safe to use if your couch is built with artificial leather. Still, for the safer side apply thinner to a small portion of the couch.

If you notice any reaction then avoid it, otherwise go with it because no one knows if it is made with 100% artificial leather or not.

Process

• First, clean the affected area and remove the dust.
• Apply 3 to 4 ml of thinner in a droplet manner on the affected area.
• Keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• When you try to pull the gum, you will see that it comes out easily.
• If there is still gum left on the surface then repeat the same process.

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5. Alcohol Solution

Alcohol simply breaks down the stickiness nature of gum and also it is safe to use on any type of leather. To be precise you can use an Isopropyl alcohol solution which is normally found in alcohol-based hand wash.

The process is simple just keep the stain properly soaked in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes and then remove it with a spatula or a knife.

It is possible that when you use alcohol, the stains do not come out in one go, then repeat the process 2-3 times because it is not as effective as thinner or WD 40.

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How to Remove Chewing Gum from Leather

6. Ice Cubes

It is a tested way of removing chewing gum easily without any hassle. I was also worried when there was a chewing gum stain on my couch and it took a lot of time to remove it.

My mom just removed the gum by pulling it forcefully, but the gum had stuck so well that it was leaving stains, then I tried this method and got results.

Ice cubes simply freeze the chewing gum and gum loses its sticking properties. Then it becomes easy to remove it. The best thing about this method it is 0% harmful so, anyone can use it.

How I removed chewing gum from leather couch?

• Take 3 to 4 ice cubes and simply rub on the chewing gum directly for 2 to 3 minutes and then put one ice cube on the gum for 2 minutes more.
• Take a knife and scrape the gum gently and it becomes easy to remove.
• Wipe the water from the area with a cloth.

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7. Oily Substances

Any kind of oily substance like coconut oil, olive oil, baby oil, or peanut butter can effectively remove chewing gum and any type of adhesive gum. It completely breaks down the stickiness of the gum so easily removed by just pulling up.

But one problem you may face is that when you apply the oil, you may apply it from the top but it may be difficult to apply it from the bottom. A better way for this is to first pull out the gum with the help of tongs and then apply oil everywhere.

Process

• soak a cotton with the oil or directly apply the peanut butter on the gum and keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Now take oil or peanut butter on your fingertips and just rub on the gum with a little pressure.
• Take a knife and scrape the remaining gum from the couch.
• If required then repeat the process until you get positive results.

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Repair Leather Couch After Gum Removal

The gum removal process is too harsh for the couch and it damages the fabric. Besides, chemicals like Wd 40 and thinner also cause a lot of damage to the leather.

That is why there is a need to condition the couch so that no further damage or discoloration occurs and also to maintain its quality and longevity.

Process

• After doing the removal process first clean the entire couch with a dry cotton or cloth and clean the affected area with simple warm water properly.
• Take a good quality leather conditioner and just apply it with cotton on the whole couch in a circular motion.
• Sprinkle some drops of coconut oil everywhere on the couch and with a cotton cloth gently rub for 5 to 10 minutes.
• This has to be applied on the entire couch so that there is no mismatch of color between the affected area and the unaffected area.
• If any color difference is noticed, you can restore the color with the help of a good lather color kit.

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Final Thoughts on How to Remove Gum from Leather Couch

Typically if you are aware enough to condition your couch periodically with a top-quality conditioner and oils, so it is almost impossible for any gum to stick well to the couch. Because oil and conditioner resist sticking on the surface.

If you ever find that gum has stuck to the couch, you can apply the methods I have mentioned and get results. But, keep in mind that it also depends on the age of the stain and which method will be more effective.

If it has been a long time since the gum was stuck, use naphtha solution, ice cubes, or thinner. If it has just been applied then oil and ice cubes work best.

If you like our efforts and got results from our methods or have any doubts then for sure add comments. It helps us to do more for you.

Thank You

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FAQs on How to Remove Gum from Leather Couch