How to Remove Gum From Shoes: 11 Quick & Easy Methods

Stepping on gum is the worst. It’s sticky, gross, and somehow always finds your best shoes. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all wondered the same thing: how to remove gum from shoes without making things worse.

Here’s the good news: You can get gum off shoes using things you already have at home. Ice, peanut butter, vinegar, and even tape all work—if you know how to use them right. The key is using the right trick for your shoe type and the gum’s condition.

Curious?

Let us walk you through every method we’ve tested ourselves. We’ll show you what works fast, what to avoid, and how to clean up like it never happened.

Key Takeaways

• Ice hardens gum so you can scrape it off easily without damage.

• Freezing your shoe in a plastic bag helps pull off gum cleanly.

• Peanut butter softens stubborn gum with its oils.

• Duct tape works well for fresh gum on canvas or fabric.

• White vinegar helps dissolve gum from rubber or plastic soles.

• A hair dryer softens gum so you can wipe it off fast.

• WD-40 works great for gum stuck deep in treads.

• Baking soda and vinegar help remove leftover gum stains safely.

How to Remove Gum from Shoes? 11 Simple Methods

To remove gum from shoes, freeze it with ice or place the shoe in a freezer until the gum hardens. Then gently scrape it off with a spoon. You can also use peanut butter, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the gum.

Freeze It with Ice

To remove gum from shoes, rub ice on the gum until it hardens, then scrape it off with a spoon. This method works because ice turns soft, sticky gum into something solid. Once it freezes, it stops clinging to the shoe.

We’ve done this many times, especially when the gum is fresh. It’s quick, clean, and doesn’t involve any weird products. We use this method on rubber soles, leather, and fabric shoes.

Here’s how to get gum off shoes with ice:

• Get some ice cubes: Put them in a plastic bag.

• Rub the ice over the gum: Hold it there until the gum hardens.

• Wait a few minutes: Don’t try to rush this.

• Scrape the gum: Use a spoon or dull knife.

• Clean the area: Wipe it with a wet cloth to remove any leftover bits.

Important Note: You do have to be a little patient. If the gum isn’t completely hard, it won’t come off clean. It just smears.

Put the Shoe in the Freezer

To get gum off sneakers, place each shoe in a plastic bag and freeze it until the gum hardens, then peel it off. This works because cold air turns gum stiff. When it freezes, it sticks less and becomes easy to pull off in one piece.

Follow these steps:

• Put the shoe in a plastic bag: Make sure the gum faces outward.

• Seal the bag: Press it so the gum touches the inside of the bag.

• Place it in the freezer: Leave it for about 1 to 2 hours.

• Remove the shoe: Pull the plastic away. The gum should peel off with it.

• Scrape off anything left behind: Use a spoon or toothbrush.

• Wipe clean: Use a damp cloth or soapy water.

The key part is pressing the gum against the inside of the plastic bag before freezing. If it doesn’t stick to the plastic, the gum won’t peel off easily. We learned this the hard way the first time we tried it. Now we always make sure the gum is in full contact with the bag.

We usually set a timer for an hour and a half. If you leave it too long, the sole can get stiff. That happened once with a pair of rubber clogs—they felt weird for a bit after. So now we stick to two hours max.

After peeling off the gum, there might still be some pieces left in the tread. We suggest scrubbing them out with a toothbrush.

Use Peanut Butter

You can easily remove gum from shoes using peanut butter. Simply cover the gum with peanut butter, wait 15 minutes, then scrub it off and clean the area.

Peanut butter breaks down gum with oil. The gum softens and loses its stick, which makes it easy to scrub off.

We usually go for this method when the gum is old, dried, or extra sticky. Ice doesn’t always work on that kind. Peanut butter softens it just enough to scrape it off.

Important Point: One thing to keep in mind is smell. The shoes might smell like peanut butter for a bit, especially if you don’t rinse well. So we always clean with dish soap after scrubbing.

Use Duct Tape or Packing Tape

To remove gum from shoes, try duct tape or packing tape. Press the tape onto the gum and pull it off quickly. It’s the best method for canvas and fabric shoes, especially when the gum is still fresh. It grabs best when the gum hasn’t fully settled into the threads yet.

In our experience, this method doesn’t work as well on deep treads or rubber soles.

Also, be aware. The tape can pull at delicate fabrics. We made that mistake once with a lightweight summer shoe. It pulled some threads, so now we only use this method on sturdy fabric like canvas.

Use White Vinegar

To get gum off leather shoes, you can use white vinegar.

• Pour some white vinegar into a bowl: Heat it slightly—don’t boil it.

• Soak a clean cloth in the warm vinegar: Let it absorb.

• Press the cloth onto the gum: Hold it for 1–2 minutes.

• Rub gently: The gum should soften and start to come off.

• Wipe clean: Use another damp cloth to remove any leftover gum and vinegar smell.

This method is great when we’re at home and want to use something from the kitchen. One time, after a walk in the park, we found gum on the side of a sneaker. We didn’t feel like freezing anything. Warm vinegar worked fast and didn’t damage the shoe.

It does smell strong, though. We always open a window or rinse the shoes right after.

Use a Hair Dryer

A hair dryer is one of the most effective methods to get rid of gum from shoes. It’s also simple. Just heat the gum with a hair dryer and then wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel.

We suggest using this on plastic, rubber, or synthetic shoes. In our opinion, it’s not safe for leather or suede. One of us once overheated a suede loafer, and it never looked the same again.

Here are the complete steps:

• Plug in a hair dryer: Set it to medium heat.

• Aim the heat at the gum: Hold it a few inches away.

• Move the dryer around: Keep the heat even for 1–2 minutes.

• Check the gum: When it softens, it’s ready.

• Wipe off the gum: Use a paper towel or clean cloth.

• Clean the shoe: Use warm soapy water to remove any leftover stickiness.

If the gum is still firm after two minutes, we turn the heat up slightly but only for a short burst. Overheating can melt glue inside the sole, and we’ve seen it happen.

After wiping the gum, we always clean the area right away. Sometimes the heat can leave the surface feeling tacky. Dish soap or even a wet wipe usually clears that up.

Use Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover

To loosen gum from shoes, dab rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on it. These liquids break the bond between the gum and the shoe material. We’ve used this when gum was dried and nothing else worked.

But be careful. Alcohol and polish remover can damage leather, suede, or dyed fabrics. So, follow these steps correctly to remove gum using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover:

• Pour a small amount onto a cloth or cotton ball: Don’t soak it.

• Dab the gum gently: Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.

• Rub the gum with the cloth: It should start lifting.

• Use a spoon or brush for leftovers: Only if needed.

• Wipe the shoe clean: Use warm, soapy water to remove residue.

Use WD-40 Spray

To remove gum from shoes, spray WD-40 on the gum, wait a few minutes, then scrub and wipe it off. WD-40 breaks down the sticky grip of gum. It’s designed to loosen adhesives, so it works fast on rubber and plastic.

Here’s how to use WD-40 spray to get rid of gum from shoes:

• Shake the WD-40 can: Make sure it’s ready to spray.

• Spray directly onto the gum: Cover it well but don’t soak the entire shoe.

• Let it sit: Wait 1 to 2 minutes.

• Scrub gently: Use a toothbrush or cloth to loosen the gum.

• Wipe it clean: Use a dry cloth to remove any leftover gum.

• Wash the area: Use warm soapy water to remove any oily residue.

We keep a can of WD-40 in the garage, so this is something we reach for when the gum is tough. One time, we tried everything on a thick wad stuck in boot treads, and nothing worked until we sprayed this on. It made the gum slide right off.

However, let us warn you - you need to be careful. The first time we tried this, we didn’t think to test it first and ended up with a dark spot on a light shoe. Since then, we always test on a hidden spot before spraying.

Use Sand or Salt

You can use sand or salt to remove gum from your white sneakers.

• Sprinkle sand or coarse salt over the gum: Make sure it covers the surface.

• Rub it in gently: Use your fingers or a stick—whatever you have.

• Let it sit for a few minutes: This gives the grit time to break the gum’s surface.

• Peel the gum off: Use a paper towel or napkin if available.

• Clean the area later: Once home, rinse the shoe with warm water.

The grains grip the gum and make it easier to pull off.

Use a Commercial Gum Remover

To remove gum from expensive shoes, apply a commercial gum remover and follow the instructions on the label. These removers are made to break down sticky substances quickly. We’ve used one from a hardware store when gum was stuck deep in the grooves and nothing else worked.

You can also try commercial gum remover when everything else fails. We had one case with a pair of nice suede shoes where gum had been there for hours. We didn’t want to risk ice or vinegar. We bought RADO+ remover, and it worked better than expected.

Once gum is gone, there’s usually more grime to deal with. Here’s how a steamer hose can help clean shoes without scrubbing.

Use Baking Soda

If you want to use baking soda to remove gum from your shoes, then follow these steps:

• Mix baking soda with water: Use just enough to make a thick paste.

• Apply the paste to the gum: Cover the whole area.

• Let it sit: Wait 13 to 15 minutes.

• Scrub the gum gently: Use an old toothbrush or cloth.

• Wipe clean: Use a wet cloth to remove any paste left behind.

• Repeat if needed: Sometimes it takes two rounds.

Baking soda works by drying out the gum and helping it break away from the surface. It also acts as a gentle cleaner. We’ve used it on shoes that we didn’t want to treat with oil or vinegar.

However, let us tell you - It’s not the fastest method, but it’s low-risk. It doesn’t damage finishes, and it rinses off easily.

If you’re cleaning up after kids, gum might not be your only problem. These simple ways to clean toddler shoes will help keep little ones’ shoes looking fresh.

What’s the Fastest Way to Remove Gum From Shoes?

The fastest way to remove gum from shoes is by rubbing ice on the gum until it hardens, then scraping it off with a spoon. This works because ice quickly turns sticky gum solid. Once it hardens, the gum loses its grip on the surface and comes off clean.

We’ve done this in under five minutes using just a bag of ice from a drink. It’s quick, doesn’t require any fancy tools, and works on most shoes.

How to Get Gum Off Your Shoe at School

If you get gum on your shoe at school, then do this:

• Step 1: Look for a sink or water fountain where you can safely reach your shoe.

• Step 2: Angle your shoe so the water hits the gum directly. Let the cold water run over it for about 1 to 2 minutes.

• Step 3: Cold water won't freeze it like ice, but it should stiffen the gum enough to make removal easier.

• Step 4: Gently use a school ID card, ruler, or even the edge of a notebook to pry the gum off. Do it slowly to avoid spreading.

• Step 5: Use a paper towel, tissue, or napkin to wipe away any leftover gum or moisture.

• Optional Step 6: If available, use a disinfectant wipe or damp tissue to clean the area, especially if the gum was sticky or dirty.

Does Goo Gone Remove Gum from Shoes?

Yes, Goo Gone can remove gum from shoes if you use it correctly. Goo Gone is designed to break down sticky, gummy residue. We’ve used it on old gum stuck to sneakers, and it worked. But you need to be careful about what kind of shoe you're using it on, and how much you apply.

• We usually start by dabbing a bit of Goo Gone onto a cotton ball.

• Then we press it onto the gum and let it sit for a minute or two. This helps the gum loosen.

• After that, we gently rub the gum off with the cloth or use a spoon to lift it.

• Once the gum is gone, we always wash the area with warm, soapy water to remove the Goo Gone residue.

It works best on rubber soles or plastic materials. We’ve used it on work boots, everyday sneakers, and outdoor shoes. But we don’t use it on leather, suede, or fabric because Goo Gone can leave oily spots or affect the color.

How to Remove Gum From Shoe Laces

To remove gum from shoelaces, freeze the lace or rub it with ice. Do this until the gum hardens. After that, you can just scrape or peel it off.

Gum on shoelaces is frustrating because it sticks to the threads and spreads fast. But we’ve cleaned laces more than once using just ice and a bit of patience.

Here’s what we do: If we’re home, we place the shoelace in a small plastic bag and toss it in the freezer for 30–60 minutes. Once the gum hardens, we bend the lace to crack the gum a bit and peel it off gently with our fingers or a dull edge.

If we’re not home, we grab ice, wrap it in a paper towel, and rub the gum for a few minutes until it’s hard. Then we try to pull it off piece by piece.

One tip: if the lace is too messy, just replace it. But most times, freezing and scrubbing get it clean enough to use again.

How to Remove Gum Stain From Shoes

To remove a gum stain from shoes:

• Scrub the stained or dirty area with warm, soapy water.

• Then treat it with baking soda or vinegar until the stain fades. Scrub gently for a minute or two, then let it sit for 5 more minutes.

• After that, we wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

Even after removing the gum itself, the stain it leaves behind can look awful. We’ve dealt with this on white soles, leather, and even canvas. And yes, it’s fixable.

We don’t recommend harsh chemicals. One time, we used a heavy-duty cleaner on a running shoe, and it left a yellow spot. Now we stick to baking soda and vinegar first.

Final Words

Getting gum on your shoes is annoying, but it’s not the end of the world. We’ve tried all these methods ourselves, and they actually work. Here’s what to remember:

• Use ice or the freezer for fast, mess-free gum removal.

• Peanut butter, vinegar, or WD-40 helps with stuck or dried gum.

• Always match the method to your shoe material.

• Rinse the cleaned area to remove any residue.

That’s all.

Stepping on gum is the worst. It’s sticky, gross, and somehow always finds your best shoes. We’ve all been there, and we’ve all wondered the same thing: how to remove gum from shoes without making things worse.

Here’s the good news: You can get gum off shoes using things you already have at home. Ice, peanut butter, vinegar, and even tape all work—if you know how to use them right. The key is using the right trick for your shoe type and the gum’s condition.

Curious?

Let us walk you through every method we’ve tested ourselves. We’ll show you what works fast, what to avoid, and how to clean up like it never happened.

Key Takeaways

• Ice hardens gum so you can scrape it off easily without damage.

• Freezing your shoe in a plastic bag helps pull off gum cleanly.

• Peanut butter softens stubborn gum with its oils.

• Duct tape works well for fresh gum on canvas or fabric.

• White vinegar helps dissolve gum from rubber or plastic soles.

• A hair dryer softens gum so you can wipe it off fast.

• WD-40 works great for gum stuck deep in treads.

• Baking soda and vinegar help remove leftover gum stains safely.

How to Remove Gum from Shoes? 11 Simple Methods

To remove gum from shoes, freeze it with ice or place the shoe in a freezer until the gum hardens. Then gently scrape it off with a spoon. You can also use peanut butter, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to get rid of the gum.

Freeze It with Ice

To remove gum from shoes, rub ice on the gum until it hardens, then scrape it off with a spoon. This method works because ice turns soft, sticky gum into something solid. Once it freezes, it stops clinging to the shoe.

We’ve done this many times, especially when the gum is fresh. It’s quick, clean, and doesn’t involve any weird products. We use this method on rubber soles, leather, and fabric shoes.

Here’s how to get gum off shoes with ice:

• Get some ice cubes: Put them in a plastic bag.

• Rub the ice over the gum: Hold it there until the gum hardens.

• Wait a few minutes: Don’t try to rush this.

• Scrape the gum: Use a spoon or dull knife.

• Clean the area: Wipe it with a wet cloth to remove any leftover bits.

Important Note: You do have to be a little patient. If the gum isn’t completely hard, it won’t come off clean. It just smears.

Put the Shoe in the Freezer

To get gum off sneakers, place each shoe in a plastic bag and freeze it until the gum hardens, then peel it off. This works because cold air turns gum stiff. When it freezes, it sticks less and becomes easy to pull off in one piece.

Follow these steps:

• Put the shoe in a plastic bag: Make sure the gum faces outward.

• Seal the bag: Press it so the gum touches the inside of the bag.

• Place it in the freezer: Leave it for about 1 to 2 hours.

• Remove the shoe: Pull the plastic away. The gum should peel off with it.

• Scrape off anything left behind: Use a spoon or toothbrush.

• Wipe clean: Use a damp cloth or soapy water.

The key part is pressing the gum against the inside of the plastic bag before freezing. If it doesn’t stick to the plastic, the gum won’t peel off easily. We learned this the hard way the first time we tried it. Now we always make sure the gum is in full contact with the bag.

We usually set a timer for an hour and a half. If you leave it too long, the sole can get stiff. That happened once with a pair of rubber clogs—they felt weird for a bit after. So now we stick to two hours max.

After peeling off the gum, there might still be some pieces left in the tread. We suggest scrubbing them out with a toothbrush.

Use Peanut Butter

You can easily remove gum from shoes using peanut butter. Simply cover the gum with peanut butter, wait 15 minutes, then scrub it off and clean the area.

Peanut butter breaks down gum with oil. The gum softens and loses its stick, which makes it easy to scrub off.

We usually go for this method when the gum is old, dried, or extra sticky. Ice doesn’t always work on that kind. Peanut butter softens it just enough to scrape it off.

Important Point: One thing to keep in mind is smell. The shoes might smell like peanut butter for a bit, especially if you don’t rinse well. So we always clean with dish soap after scrubbing.

Use Duct Tape or Packing Tape

To remove gum from shoes, try duct tape or packing tape. Press the tape onto the gum and pull it off quickly. It’s the best method for canvas and fabric shoes, especially when the gum is still fresh. It grabs best when the gum hasn’t fully settled into the threads yet.

In our experience, this method doesn’t work as well on deep treads or rubber soles.

Also, be aware. The tape can pull at delicate fabrics. We made that mistake once with a lightweight summer shoe. It pulled some threads, so now we only use this method on sturdy fabric like canvas.

Use White Vinegar

To get gum off leather shoes, you can use white vinegar.

• Pour some white vinegar into a bowl: Heat it slightly—don’t boil it.

• Soak a clean cloth in the warm vinegar: Let it absorb.

• Press the cloth onto the gum: Hold it for 1–2 minutes.

• Rub gently: The gum should soften and start to come off.

• Wipe clean: Use another damp cloth to remove any leftover gum and vinegar smell.

This method is great when we’re at home and want to use something from the kitchen. One time, after a walk in the park, we found gum on the side of a sneaker. We didn’t feel like freezing anything. Warm vinegar worked fast and didn’t damage the shoe.

It does smell strong, though. We always open a window or rinse the shoes right after.

Use a Hair Dryer

A hair dryer is one of the most effective methods to get rid of gum from shoes. It’s also simple. Just heat the gum with a hair dryer and then wipe it off with a cloth or paper towel.

We suggest using this on plastic, rubber, or synthetic shoes. In our opinion, it’s not safe for leather or suede. One of us once overheated a suede loafer, and it never looked the same again.

Here are the complete steps:

• Plug in a hair dryer: Set it to medium heat.

• Aim the heat at the gum: Hold it a few inches away.

• Move the dryer around: Keep the heat even for 1–2 minutes.

• Check the gum: When it softens, it’s ready.

• Wipe off the gum: Use a paper towel or clean cloth.

• Clean the shoe: Use warm soapy water to remove any leftover stickiness.

If the gum is still firm after two minutes, we turn the heat up slightly but only for a short burst. Overheating can melt glue inside the sole, and we’ve seen it happen.

After wiping the gum, we always clean the area right away. Sometimes the heat can leave the surface feeling tacky. Dish soap or even a wet wipe usually clears that up.

Use Rubbing Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover

To loosen gum from shoes, dab rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on it. These liquids break the bond between the gum and the shoe material. We’ve used this when gum was dried and nothing else worked.

But be careful. Alcohol and polish remover can damage leather, suede, or dyed fabrics. So, follow these steps correctly to remove gum using rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover:

• Pour a small amount onto a cloth or cotton ball: Don’t soak it.

• Dab the gum gently: Let it sit for 1–2 minutes.

• Rub the gum with the cloth: It should start lifting.

• Use a spoon or brush for leftovers: Only if needed.

• Wipe the shoe clean: Use warm, soapy water to remove residue.

Use WD-40 Spray

To remove gum from shoes, spray WD-40 on the gum, wait a few minutes, then scrub and wipe it off. WD-40 breaks down the sticky grip of gum. It’s designed to loosen adhesives, so it works fast on rubber and plastic.

Here’s how to use WD-40 spray to get rid of gum from shoes:

• Shake the WD-40 can: Make sure it’s ready to spray.

• Spray directly onto the gum: Cover it well but don’t soak the entire shoe.

• Let it sit: Wait 1 to 2 minutes.

• Scrub gently: Use a toothbrush or cloth to loosen the gum.

• Wipe it clean: Use a dry cloth to remove any leftover gum.

• Wash the area: Use warm soapy water to remove any oily residue.

We keep a can of WD-40 in the garage, so this is something we reach for when the gum is tough. One time, we tried everything on a thick wad stuck in boot treads, and nothing worked until we sprayed this on. It made the gum slide right off.

However, let us warn you - you need to be careful. The first time we tried this, we didn’t think to test it first and ended up with a dark spot on a light shoe. Since then, we always test on a hidden spot before spraying.

Use Sand or Salt

You can use sand or salt to remove gum from your white sneakers.

• Sprinkle sand or coarse salt over the gum: Make sure it covers the surface.

• Rub it in gently: Use your fingers or a stick—whatever you have.

• Let it sit for a few minutes: This gives the grit time to break the gum’s surface.

• Peel the gum off: Use a paper towel or napkin if available.

• Clean the area later: Once home, rinse the shoe with warm water.

The grains grip the gum and make it easier to pull off.

Use a Commercial Gum Remover

To remove gum from expensive shoes, apply a commercial gum remover and follow the instructions on the label. These removers are made to break down sticky substances quickly. We’ve used one from a hardware store when gum was stuck deep in the grooves and nothing else worked.

You can also try commercial gum remover when everything else fails. We had one case with a pair of nice suede shoes where gum had been there for hours. We didn’t want to risk ice or vinegar. We bought RADO+ remover, and it worked better than expected.

Once gum is gone, there’s usually more grime to deal with. Here’s how a steamer hose can help clean shoes without scrubbing.

Use Baking Soda

If you want to use baking soda to remove gum from your shoes, then follow these steps:

• Mix baking soda with water: Use just enough to make a thick paste.

• Apply the paste to the gum: Cover the whole area.

• Let it sit: Wait 13 to 15 minutes.

• Scrub the gum gently: Use an old toothbrush or cloth.

• Wipe clean: Use a wet cloth to remove any paste left behind.

• Repeat if needed: Sometimes it takes two rounds.

Baking soda works by drying out the gum and helping it break away from the surface. It also acts as a gentle cleaner. We’ve used it on shoes that we didn’t want to treat with oil or vinegar.

However, let us tell you - It’s not the fastest method, but it’s low-risk. It doesn’t damage finishes, and it rinses off easily.

If you’re cleaning up after kids, gum might not be your only problem. These simple ways to clean toddler shoes will help keep little ones’ shoes looking fresh.

What’s the Fastest Way to Remove Gum From Shoes?

The fastest way to remove gum from shoes is by rubbing ice on the gum until it hardens, then scraping it off with a spoon. This works because ice quickly turns sticky gum solid. Once it hardens, the gum loses its grip on the surface and comes off clean.

We’ve done this in under five minutes using just a bag of ice from a drink. It’s quick, doesn’t require any fancy tools, and works on most shoes.

How to Get Gum Off Your Shoe at School

If you get gum on your shoe at school, then do this:

• Step 1: Look for a sink or water fountain where you can safely reach your shoe.

• Step 2: Angle your shoe so the water hits the gum directly. Let the cold water run over it for about 1 to 2 minutes.

• Step 3: Cold water won't freeze it like ice, but it should stiffen the gum enough to make removal easier.

• Step 4: Gently use a school ID card, ruler, or even the edge of a notebook to pry the gum off. Do it slowly to avoid spreading.

• Step 5: Use a paper towel, tissue, or napkin to wipe away any leftover gum or moisture.

• Optional Step 6: If available, use a disinfectant wipe or damp tissue to clean the area, especially if the gum was sticky or dirty.

Does Goo Gone Remove Gum from Shoes?

Yes, Goo Gone can remove gum from shoes if you use it correctly. Goo Gone is designed to break down sticky, gummy residue. We’ve used it on old gum stuck to sneakers, and it worked. But you need to be careful about what kind of shoe you're using it on, and how much you apply.

• We usually start by dabbing a bit of Goo Gone onto a cotton ball.

• Then we press it onto the gum and let it sit for a minute or two. This helps the gum loosen.

• After that, we gently rub the gum off with the cloth or use a spoon to lift it.

• Once the gum is gone, we always wash the area with warm, soapy water to remove the Goo Gone residue.

It works best on rubber soles or plastic materials. We’ve used it on work boots, everyday sneakers, and outdoor shoes. But we don’t use it on leather, suede, or fabric because Goo Gone can leave oily spots or affect the color.

How to Remove Gum From Shoe Laces

To remove gum from shoelaces, freeze the lace or rub it with ice. Do this until the gum hardens. After that, you can just scrape or peel it off.

Gum on shoelaces is frustrating because it sticks to the threads and spreads fast. But we’ve cleaned laces more than once using just ice and a bit of patience.

Here’s what we do: If we’re home, we place the shoelace in a small plastic bag and toss it in the freezer for 30–60 minutes. Once the gum hardens, we bend the lace to crack the gum a bit and peel it off gently with our fingers or a dull edge.

If we’re not home, we grab ice, wrap it in a paper towel, and rub the gum for a few minutes until it’s hard. Then we try to pull it off piece by piece.

One tip: if the lace is too messy, just replace it. But most times, freezing and scrubbing get it clean enough to use again.

How to Remove Gum Stain From Shoes

To remove a gum stain from shoes:

• Scrub the stained or dirty area with warm, soapy water.

• Then treat it with baking soda or vinegar until the stain fades. Scrub gently for a minute or two, then let it sit for 5 more minutes.

• After that, we wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.

Even after removing the gum itself, the stain it leaves behind can look awful. We’ve dealt with this on white soles, leather, and even canvas. And yes, it’s fixable.

We don’t recommend harsh chemicals. One time, we used a heavy-duty cleaner on a running shoe, and it left a yellow spot. Now we stick to baking soda and vinegar first.

Final Words

Getting gum on your shoes is annoying, but it’s not the end of the world. We’ve tried all these methods ourselves, and they actually work. Here’s what to remember:

• Use ice or the freezer for fast, mess-free gum removal.

• Peanut butter, vinegar, or WD-40 helps with stuck or dried gum.

• Always match the method to your shoe material.

• Rinse the cleaned area to remove any residue.

That’s all.