How to Remove Gum From a Clothes Dryer

Let's face it, we've all left a stick of gum in a pair of jeans before.  Not only can the gum get all over the jeans, but all over the dryer as well.  What a mess!  Removing gum from the clothes dryer doesn't have to be a hassle.  There are a few methods that can remove the gum safely and effectively.

We’ve all probably had the experience where we have left things in our pocket and then put them through the wash.  Money, receipts, notebooks, and yes, sometimes even gum.  If gum ends up sticking in the dryer, it can be difficult to remove, but should be removed before putting the next load through.  There are a couple of methods for removing remaining gum from the dryer.

• Use ice to harden the gum.  Once the gum has hardened, you can scrape it off with a dull knife or putty knife.  Remaining bits can be removed with some peanut butter and a paper towel.  Then clean the inside of the dryer with a regular household cleaning product such as Fantastic or Windex, or a vinegar and water mixture.  Use one part vinegar and one part water. 


• Spray the gum with WD-40 and allow it to soak through the gum for about five minutes.  Use an old rag to wipe off the gum.  Repeat the process until all of the gum has been removed.  Once the dryer is gum free, clean the inside of the dryer using a regular household cleaner or a vinegar and water solution.


• Wet a fabric softener sheet and allow it to sit over the gum for about ten minutes.  Most of the gum should come off relatively easily at that point.  Once the bulk of the gum has been removed, use the dryer sheet to scrape off any remnants.


• Run the empty dryer so that the gum heats up some, and the stickiness lessens some.  Apply creamy peanut butter on the gum spots, and allow it to sit on the gum for a couple of minutes.  The oils in the peanut butter will help remove the gum from the dryer.  Wipe the peanut butter off, and with it, the gum.