How to Get Gum Off Your Car: 8 Simple Ways

Ever found yourself in a sticky situation where a piece of gum is stuck in your car? A simple problem like this can be frustrating to deal with, especially if you don’t know how to go about it.

Fortunately, there are a bunch of solutions to this problem, and it only involves using a few household items. Learning how to remove gum from your car’s paint and interior is as easy as adding these methods to your cleanup know-how.

Use a Bug and Tar Remover

A bug and tar remover is designed to remove splattered insects and tar from your vehicle, but it’s also effective in removing gum from your car without damaging its paint job.

Simply spray the bug and tar remover on the chewing gum, and let the solution soak for a few minutes. Then, use a plastic razor blade to scrape the gum off, beginning at the sides and toward the center.

The gum might be hard to remove on the first try, so you might have to do the procedure a few more times. It’s also important to keep the surface lubricated with bug and tar remover while scraping the gum to prevent the razor blade from getting stuck.

Freeze the Gum

Gum tends to harden under freezing temperatures, making it easier to remove when stuck.

For this method, you can use a can of compressed air to freeze the gum before scraping it off with a plastic knife or card.

If a can of compressed air is unavailable, you can use an ice cube to freeze the gum instead. Then, use a residue remover to remove the remaining pieces of gum on your car.

Spray the Gum with a Cleaning Solution

Cleaning solutions containing d-limonene usually make great alternatives when removing gum from the car. D-limonene cleaning solutions are known to be citrus-based cleaners.

Soak a cloth in the cleaning solution before pressing it onto the gum for a few minutes. Be sure to wipe the solution around the edges for better results.

Smear Peanut Butter on the Gum

This method might seem odd, but peanut butter has natural oils that can dissolve chewing gum. Make sure to smear peanut butter on the sides of the gum and let it set for a few minutes before wiping it off with a soft cloth.

Scrape the Gum Off the Old-Fashioned Way

In some cases, a few simple tools are enough to get rid of stuck gum. Use a palette knife or a plastic razor blade to scrape the gum off your car. Then, you can clean the area with a soapy solution and a towel or sponge.

Use an Adhesive Remover

If a piece of gum is stuck on your car seat, you might want to try using an adhesive remover to get it off.

An adhesive remover can loosen up the gum residue, which you can scrape off using a toothbrush or plastic card.

You can also use soapy water to clean the area and remove the smaller bits of gum residue.

Spray Some Vinegar

Vinegar is arguably the easiest thing to find in your cupboard, and fortunately, you can use it to remove gum on your car, too.

The vinegar’s acid can help soften the gum and separate it from the fabric. You can use an old toothbrush to scrape it off.

You can also mix vinegar with liquid dish soap and water to make a cleaning solution for other interior parts like the dashboard, carpet, and seats.

Use WD-40

WD-40 is marketed as a multi-use product, which means the solution to squeaky hinges works well on removing gum. Spray the gum with WD-40, and let it soak for a few minutes before wiping it away with a dry cloth.

Taking Care of Your Car’s Paint Job

A piece of chewing gum is enough to damage your car’s paint job if you don’t know how to implement the proper techniques.

And if you do manage to resolve the issue without any trouble, the next step is to observe some of the few maintenance tasks that will help your daily driver look good as new.

Here are a few ways to take care of your vehicle’s paint job.

Get Your Car Washed

Wash your car as soon as the dirt begins to build up. Always use a gentle cloth while cleaning your car and avoid using strong detergents or soaps that could potentially damage the outer coating of the paint.

Also, keep in mind that raindrop markings can be harmful to your car’s paint. Rainwater accumulates dirt and other contaminants, which can lead to corrosion.

Leaving your car unwashed after the rain will cause the droplets to seal the stains on the paint, making them hard to clean.

Rustproof Your Car

Rustproofing your car protects the paint from corrosion. It’s ideal if you live near the sea where there’s a high concentration of salt.

While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to rustproof your vehicle’s underbody for more protection against corrosive elements.

Get Rid of Stains Immediately

Fingerprints, ash, bird droppings, and splattered bugs might seem harmless, but leaving them on your car for too long can damage the body paint. Make sure to remove them as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

A piece of gum on your hood or leather seat is no reason to panic because there are several ways you can solve the issue using simple products and tools.

Over the course of your vehicle’s lifespan, there are bound to be other contaminants that can damage its paint job aside from a piece of gum.

To keep your vehicle’s paint job in mint condition, it’s important to stay on top of simple maintenance tasks like car washing and rustproofing.

Where to Get Car Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning your car regularly has other benefits besides removing gum or other debris. It not only keeps your ride looking its best but it also helps prolong the lifespan of different components. What’s more, a well-maintained vehicle also has more value than neglected cars.

As such, it’s crucial to stock up on items that help you maintain your vehicle’s luster, such as car wash soaps, WD-40, and car wax. The great news is that you can find all that and more at CarParts.com.

After searching for the car cleaning solution you want, use the search filters to narrow down your options to the ones that match your preferred brand, price, and features. Don’t worry about quality. We source all our products from top brands to ensure they’re effective.

Place your order using our website, or you can also dial our toll-free hotline for further assistance. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses, you can get your order in as fast as two business days.

Shop for cleaning tools and materials at CarParts.com and get the best deals today!