Steps to remove chewing gum stains
Chewing gum can adhere firmly to your sofa’s fabric, but it can be swiftly and effectively removed with the right approach. In this article, we’ll share tips and hands-on experiences to help you tackle this issue.
Avoid grandma’s remedies
Many people attempt to clean chewing gum stains using recipes found online, such as baking soda, vinegar, or stain removers like Vanish or Pink Stuff. However, these methods can often lead to disastrous results, especially on light-colored fabrics. They may cause larger and more visible stains, or even alter the fabric’s color. It’s best to steer clear of these recipes and opt for safer methods.
Avoid steam cleaners
Using a steam cleaner without extraction can also harm your sofa’s fabric. The injected heat can cause damage, and the steam left on the sofa isn’t effectively extracted. Even steam injection and extraction cleaners might prove ineffective. Therefore, it’s better to prioritize the water-based injection-extraction technique for optimal cleaning.
How to proceed then ?
Before starting the cleaning process, it’s crucial to check if your sofa can be washed without risk of damage.
Is the sofa washable ?
Most fabric sofas are washable, except for specific fabric types like chili or loop pile, where water usage should be limited. To determine if your sofa can be safely cleaned, we recommend conducting a test on a small area, preferably on the back of the sofa. Spray a chewing gum stain remover and wait a day to see if there are any changes in texture. If everything is fine, you can proceed with the cleaning.
How to test on the sofa?
Professional injection-extraction water-based carpet cleaners can be rented for the day. Spray the chewing gum stain remover on the stain, then use the carpet cleaner to expand the cleaning area. This will prevent rings on the cleaned area compared to the untouched area. Also, protect your floor if it’s made of solid natural wood.
Starting the shampooing process
Choosing fabric shampoo
If you or your family members have allergies, opt for a suitable fabric shampoo, like Ecolab or Ecovert, based on your past experiences. Otherwise, go for reputable brands like Karcher or those sold in specialized stores.
Dampening the sofa
Dampen the sofa and use an electric brush for cleaning.
Conditioned brushing
Pay attention to your sofa’s fabric type. Some fabrics like velvet, loop pile, nubuck, or alcantara can be sensitive to dynamic brush movement.
Deep vacuuming
Inject water and simultaneously vacuum for deep cleaning.
Repeat the previous 3 steps
If necessary, repeat the steps to completely eliminate the stains.
Drying
Allow the sofa to air dry at room temperature. If the sofa is placed in a humid area like a garage, basement, or storage room, drying might take longer.
Share Your experience
We value our customers’ feedback and learn from each of their experiences. Feel free to share your tips or mistakes to avoid when cleaning your fabric sofa.
Short on time? Seek expert help
If you’re short on time or prefer professional assistance, you can always contact Happy Gelssa for information or request a quote via email or WhatsApp.
Conclusion :
In conclusion, tackling chewing gum stains on your sofa requires a thoughtful and cautious approach. While online remedies and quick fixes might seem tempting, they often lead to undesirable outcomes, leaving you with more significant challenges to address. Instead, opt for safer methods that preserve your sofa’s fabric integrity and color.
Remember to test any stain remover on a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with the entire cleaning process. This simple step can prevent irreversible damage and save you from unnecessary frustration. If you’re unsure about handling the cleaning yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Companies like Happy Gelssa are at your service, ready to provide expert advice or handle the cleaning process for you.
FAQ :
- How do I choose the right chewing gum stain remover for my sofa ?
Opt for a chewing gum stain remover that suits your sofa’s fabric type. If you or your family have allergies, prioritize hypoallergenic products.
- Are steam cleaning methods effective in removing chewing gum stains ?
Steam cleaners without extraction can damage the fabric. Choose the water-based injection-extraction technique for optimal cleaning.
- Why should I test the stain remover on a small sofa area ?
Testing prevents the risk of damaging the entire sofa. It avoids harming the whole sofa.
- How to avoid rings when cleaning chewing gum stains ?
Expand the cleaning area to avoid color differences between cleaned and untouched sections.
- How long does it take for the sofa to completely dry ?
Drying time depends on ambient conditions. Let the sofa air dry in a dry place to speed up the process.
