What you'll need.
Before we get started, gather the following common household items:
- an ice cube
- peanut butter
- a nylon scraper
- paper towels
- damp rags
- wet dryer sheets
- powdered laundry detergent
- sponge
- white vinegar
Now let's dive into the step-by-step process to remove gum from your dryer drum.
Step 1: Freeze the gum.
While some might suggest the use of a hair dryer to reheat and remove chewing gum, we take a cooler approach.
Grab the ice cube and press it 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 the gum as possible. Be careful not to scratch the dryer drum while doing this.
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. Allow the peanut butter to sit on the gum for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the gum.
After the peanut butter has had time to work its magic, use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away the gum and peanut butter mixture.
Be patient and gentle, ensuring that you remove all the gum without leaving any residue behind. If necessary, repeat steps two and three until the gum is completely gone.
Step 4: Remove any remaining gum residue.
To get rid of any remaining gum residue, mix a tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent with water to create 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.
Will gum ruin my washer or dryer?
You might be wondering whether gum can cause any damage to your washer or dryer. The good news is that gum is unlikely to ruin your appliances — but that’s not to say it’s harmless.
The gum can potentially clog the drain or melt and stick to the dryer drum. If left untreated, the chewing gum can also reheat and then appear on a later load of laundry. The last thing you need is to remove gum from your clothes, so it's important to take care of the melted gum as soon as possible.
Related: Dryer Repair 101: common problems, fixes and who to call.
Need more help? Hire a professional today.
If you find yourself struggling to remove the gum from your dryer or prefer to leave the task to a professional, consider hiring a dryer repair professional. You can even try hiring a house cleaning service (just make sure they offer dryer cleaning).
Thumbtack is a great resource 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.
Related: How to clean your dryer.
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 mentioned earlier 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, when performing step five, you have the option to wipe down the drum using rubbing alcohol.
Before operating the dryer, remember to leave the door open for at least an hour to allow proper ventilation.
