5 steps to get gum out of your dryer
By Vanessa Wolf•Last updated Jul 2, 2024
Last updated Jul 2, 2024
We've all found ourselves in the occasional sticky situation: you're going about your laundry routine when you suddenly discover a gluey mess of chewing gum inside your dryer.
It may seem like a daunting task. But as long as you know the right techniques (and have some patience), you can easily remove gum from your dryer.
What you'll need
Before you get started, gather these common household items:
- an ice cube
- peanut butter
- a nylon scraper
- paper towels
- damp rags
- wet dryer sheets
- powdered laundry detergent
- a sponge
- white vinegar
Now let's walk through the steps to remove gum from your dryer drum.
Step 1: Freeze the gum
While some people suggest using a hair dryer to reheat and remove chewing gum, this method takes a cooler approach.
Press an ice cube against the gum for a few minutes. This will harden the gum and make it easier to remove.
Once the gum is frozen, use a nylon scraper to gently remove as much of it as possible. Be careful not to scratch the dryer drum.
Step 2: Apply peanut butter
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the remaining gum residue. The oils in peanut butter help break down the gum, making it easier to remove. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the gum
After the peanut butter has had time to work, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away the gum and peanut butter mixture.
Be patient and gentle, and remove all the gum without leaving any residue behind. If needed, repeat steps two and three until the gum is completely gone.
Step 4: Remove any remaining gum residue
To get rid of any remaining residue, mix a tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and scrub gently with a cloth or sponge. Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.
Step 5: Final touches
To eliminate any lingering odors, soak a rag with white vinegar and wipe down the inside of the dryer drum.
Afterward, run a cycle on high heat and toss in a few damp rags or a fabric softener sheet to remove any residual peanut butter or vinegar smell. This will also freshen up your dryer for future use.
Need more help? Hire a professional today
If you're struggling to remove gum from your dryer or would rather leave the task to a professional, consider hiring a dryer repair professional. You can also try hiring a house cleaning service — just make sure they offer dryer cleaning.
Thumbtack is a great way to connect with top-rated professionals in your area who can handle this job efficiently. Whether you need a contractor or a handyman, download the Thumbtack app today.
FAQs
Can you use Goo Gone to remove gum from a dryer?
While Goo Gone is a popular adhesive remover, it is not recommended for use in dryers. The chemicals in Goo Gone can leave behind a residue that may affect your dryer's performance or stain your clothes. Stick to the methods above for safe and effective gum removal.
Will rubbing alcohol remove gum from a dryer?
Rubbing alcohol won't remove gum from a dryer on its own. However, in step five, you can wipe down the drum using vinegar.
Before operating the dryer, leave the door open for at least an hour to allow proper ventilation.
Will gum ruin my washer or dryer?
You might be wondering whether gum can damage your washer or dryer. The good news is that gum is unlikely to ruin your appliances — but that doesn't mean it's harmless.
Gum can potentially clog the drain or melt and stick to the dryer drum. If left untreated, chewing gum can also reheat and show up on a later load of laundry. The last thing you need is to remove gum from your clothes, so it's important to deal with melted gum as soon as possible.
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