Chewing gum, one way or the other, seems to find a variety of places to get stuck. Therefore, getting gum stuck on your leather seats is a completely possible and probable case. However, on the bright side, getting rid of the gum on your leather seats should not have to be a challenging task. If you identify the gum early and act quickly, you can easily fix the issue.
Contrary to popular opinion, gum doesn´t easily stick well to leather. It can only prove to be bothersome when pressed into leather or left to melt in a hot car. Therefore, there is no need for you to start worrying as soon as you drop gum on your leather seats. Panicking doesn´t help one bit! There is also no need for you to take your leather seats to the cleaner just yet. There are things you can do to get gum off the leather seats yourself.
When removing gum, it is advisable for you to avoid using solvents such as WD-40 and other ingredients such as vegetable oil and peanut butter. The aforementioned products and ingredients can leave behind stubborn stains. So, if you choose to use them, do so at your own risk!
Now, the question arises—how to get gum off the leather seats then?
Well, fortunately for you, we have identified a method that actually works. To execute this method, you will require an adhesive remover, latex gloves, ice, a cleaning towel, plastic baggie, plastic scraper, soapy water, and a tape.
- The first step
The first step involves you applying ice to the gum. We would advise you to put a large chunk of ice in a baggie and apply it directly to the gum. You should continue pressing the ice on the gum until it becomes very cold to the point where it is almost frozen.
- The second step
Now, after the completion of the first step, you should start scraping the gum off with a plastic scraper. It is even possible for you to use your credit card to scrape the gum off. You should start the process from one corner of the gum and work your way towards peeling it off. Now, if the gum becomes pliable and turns soft again, you should repeat the first step i.e. reapply the ice. Then, you should continue scraping the gum off.
- The third step
Of course, you may not be completely successful in removing the gum entirely with a plastic scraper. If there is still gum left behind, we would recommend you to use tape, preferably duct tape, and stick it firmly onto the gum left behind. After that, you can proceed to pull the tape off. You should continue this process as many times as necessary. We don´t want any gum to be left behind now, do we?
- The fourth step
If the third step (tape method) doesn’t prove to be effective, you can rest assured that there are other ways to remove gum. For instance, you can also use an adhesive remover to get the job done. So, how do you use an adhesive remover? Well, all that you will need to do is to apply a small amount of the product to a rag. Then, you should vigorously wipe the problem area. Sooner or later, your issue will be fixed and you won´t have gum on your leather seats anymore. However, we would advise you to be extra careful when using an adhesive remover. You must read the label instructions carefully before using an adhesive remover.
- The fifth step
For those who don´t have an adhesive remover on standby, you can use soapy water and a clean cloth to scrub out the remaining gum. We would recommend you to only use a small amount of soapy water at a time to prevent damaging the leather. The application of excess water can leave a stain behind. After the gum is removed, you should thoroughly dry the area immediately.
- The sixth step
After you are done removing the gum off your leather seats, we would suggest you to use a leather conditioner and a leather cleaner >>> check top leather care products guide to further clean and add extra protection to your leather seats. Doing so helps prevent the leather from drying and deteriorating.
More useful tips:
Cleaning leather car seats with soap and water: https://nanocareproducts.com/cleaning-leather-car-seats-soap-water/
What Does Waxing a Car Do?: https://nanocareproducts.com/what-does-waxing-car-do/
What is nanotechnology paint protection for cars: https://nanocareproducts.com/what-is-nanotechnology-paint-protection-for-cars/