How to Remove Gum From Concrete and Asphalt
When wet gum lands on a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, the gum can stick like glue. It eventually hardens, but remains attached to the surface. Trying to remove the gum by prying it loose only results in smaller pieces still attached to the concrete or asphalt. The gum requires a freezing agent to solidify it. Once the gum becomes solid, removing the entire piece becomes much easier.
Wipe dirt and dust from the gum on the asphalt or concrete with an old rag.
Spray a freezing agent over the entire wad of gum. Allow the freezing agent 10 to 15 seconds to freeze the gum.
- When wet gum lands on a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, the gum can stick like glue.
- Trying to remove the gum by prying it loose only results in smaller pieces still attached to the concrete or asphalt.
Lay a putty knife at the edge of the gum as flush as possible with the asphalt or concrete to avoid digging into the stone. Shove the putty knife under the gum, removing it entirely from the surface.
Wipe the surface clean with a wet rag, removing any gum pieces that may have broken loose when pulling it free from the concrete or asphalt.
Gum Off Concrete
If you encounter fresh gum on your concrete, it has not penetrated the surface yet, especially if it is a warm day. Old gum residues often absorb slightly into the concrete surface, rendering the scraper useless. The abrasive grits within scouring powder provide friction against the concrete without damaging the surface texture. If you have multiple chewing gum deposits on your concrete, such as on a nearby sidewalk, using a scraper or scouring powder takes too much time and physical effort. If all else fails, you can use chemicals on the gum. After applying the chosen chemical to the gum, work the liquid into the deposit using a hand scraper. Difficult gum stains eventually work out of the concrete with proper chemical applications.
- Lay a putty knife at the edge of the gum as flush as possible with the asphalt or concrete to avoid digging into the stone.
- Wipe the surface clean with a wet rag, removing any gum pieces that may have broken loose when pulling it free from the concrete or asphalt.
Tip
Find aerosol freezing agents at cleaning supply stores.
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References
Tips
- Find aerosol freezing agents at cleaning supply stores.
Writer Bio
Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.
