HOW TO GET CHEWING GUM OFF OF SKIN: TRIED-AND-TRUE METHODS FOR PARENTS
Let’s talk about something many of us probably have a love/hate relationship with: gum. It’s a fun and exciting texture to introduce to little ones, but it can feel like a nightmare when it ends up somewhere it shouldn’t be. Arms, legs, bellies, faces it’s bound to happen! Not only is it aggravating for us to clean, but it’s uncomfortable for kids, too.
It’s sticky, oddly warm, and downright yucky-feeling. And let’s not even get started about how frustrating (and painful!) it can be when it gets stuck to arm or leg hair. But here’s the good news: removing gum from skin doesn’t have to be an endless battle.
At this point, I consider myself an expert in removing things from places they don’t belong. I’ve posted about how to remove permanent marker, how to get food coloring off hands, and how to wash chocolate stains because I’ve seen it all. But today, I’m sharing an easy-to-follow guide on how to get chewing gum off of skin. With patience and a few household ingredients, you can remove gum from skin quickly, gently, and with as little drama as possible.
How To Get Chewing Gum Off Of Skin: Tried-and-True Methods for Parents
When it comes down to it, a quick homemade hack can handle the stickiest situations. That’s how I ended up creating guides on how to get slime out of hair and how to remove stickers from furniture! It’s easier for everyone when you have simple, effective methods and that’s exactly what I’m here to help you find.
Whether you’re dealing with a sensory-sensitive kiddo or trying to avoid an impending meltdown, this post will walk you through the easiest ways to get chewing gum off of skin no tears or panic involved.
But, before we jump into my go-to chewing gum removal methods, let’s discuss a few other things first! Like, is chewing gum harmful or just a harmless (yet aggravating) mess? And, what are the best products for removing chewing gum from skin? I’ll cover everything you need to know to make this process easier for you and your kids.
Is Chewing Gum Bad On Your Skin
Generally no, chewing gum is not harmful to your skin! But, as I discussed in my post on how to get permanent markers off of skin, gum can cause discomfort and irritation if left on for too long. Chewing gum is naturally super sticky, which means it can pull and tug on skin during removal.
For little ones with delicate and/or sensitive skin, removing chewing gum can lead to redness or mild irritation. No reason to panic, though this is to be expected! As with other similar situations, it’s best to remove the gum as soon as possible. And, with the right approach, you can get it off with ease.
What Takes Gum Off Skin
Peanut Butter
Ice Cubes
Toothpaste (particularly with whitening agents)
Vaseline
How To Remove Chewing Gum From Skin
Peanut Butter: Apply a scoop of peanut butter onto the area where the gum is stuck. Creamy is the best (just so the crunchy nuts don’t get in the way), but whatever you have will work! Let it sit for a few minutes so the oil can break down the adhesive. Then, gently peel or scrape the gum off the skin and wash the area with soap and water.
Ice Cubes: Either wrap an ice cube in a cloth or put it into a plastic ziplock bag. Apply it to the area and let it sit for 5-15 minutes, giving the gum time to harden. Once the gum is hard, gently peel or scrape it off.
Vegetable Oil or Baby Oil: These products work just the same, so you can use whatever you have on hand! Apply a generous amount of either oil to the area and massage it into the gum for a few seconds. Like peanut butter, the oil should begin to lift the gum, allowing you to peel or scrape it off easily.
White Vinegar: Although vinegar uses acidity to break down the gum, it’s perfectly safe for gentle skin when used for short periods of time! Pour a little vinegar onto the area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrape or peel the gum away.
Toothpaste: Squeeze a little whitening toothpaste onto the skin and let it sit for a few minutes. If you can’t easily peel the gum off, try gently scrubbing the skin in circular motions with a soft toothbrush!
Vaseline: Apply vaseline to the area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Because it’s full of natural oils and waxes, the gum should eventually just slide right off. Repeat as necessary!
These gentle, skin-safe ingredients make removing gum quicker and easier than ever!
Chewing gum can feel like one of the hardest things to remove especially when it’s stuck to your little one’s skin. But you don’t need any harsh ingredients or rough methods to fix the problem! With a few skin-safe materials and a little extra patience, the gum will be off in no time.
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Check out the Mothercould blog for more engaging sensory play recipes! And, for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource.