If chewing gum gets on your concrete, it can be an inconvenience. After all, no one loves stepping in sticky residue. But actually, gum can have even more negative effects on your concrete than you may realize.
So in this article, let's talk about how to get rid of old gum from concrete. That way you can keep your walk and your driving services clean and usable.
Related Reading: Why Rust Stains Appear On Concrete Driveways
Why Prioritizing Chewing Gum Removal From Concrete Is Important
It can be a challenge to get gum off concrete because concrete is a porous surface. It's easier to remove gum when it's fresh. So once you spot it, it's important to take action.
Ultimately, if you don't remove chewing gum in time, it could leave dark spots and stains on your driveway, patio, or other concrete surface. So let's get into some strategies to get rid of it.
How To Remove Chewing Gum From Concrete
Here are some proven methods for how to remove old gum from concrete:
Use Ice
One great method to remove gum from concrete sidewalks and other surfaces is ice. If the chewing gum is still fresh, cooling it down can help prevent it from sticking to the ground or tools. You can use an ice cube or even freeze sprays like CRC. Then simply use a plastic bag to remove it.
Scrape It Off
If the chewing gum is hardened, you can use a putty knife or other device to scrape it off the concrete. Just be sure that the tool won't scrape the concrete or otherwise damage it. By lightly chiseling at the edge, the gum will loosen, and then you can get levers to lift it off.
Sometimes spraying the gum with some WD-40 makes the job go faster. If you notice that the gum is soft in the middle, then use the freeze spray as mentioned above. Then dispose of the gum.
Detergent
Once you've cooled or scraped the gum, you can use detergent on the remaining chewing gum that may have been left behind. Take around a half tablespoon of detergent and mix it with some hot water.
Then use a stiff brush and scrub the area clean. Additionally, you can use denatured alcohol if the detergent doesn't seem to be doing the job. If you do use the alcohol solution, let it sit for around five minutes before scrubbing.
Dissolve The Particles
Pour a little vinegar where the gum is and let it sit for around five minutes. This is important for dissolving the gum particles because of the pores in the concrete. Using a stiff brush, you can scrub the area until no traces of gum are left.
Power Washing Or Pressure Washing
You can hire professionals or rent pressure washing equipment. This applies high doses of pressurized water to a small area, ultimately removing gum and some additional stains.
Resurfacing
If you hire a professional concrete resurfacing company, they'll do a lot of cleaning and maintenance beforehand. And of course, your new surface will be free of gum, stains, and other debris. Sometimes that's just the easiest and most straightforward way to get your concrete floor clean again.
Hire The Concrete Experts Today
Removing gum off concrete can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to get rid of any residue or stains from your concrete is to hire the experts.
At EnviroDek, we provide commercial and residential concrete resurfacing in Atlanta. This provides you with an excellent looking, durable new concrete surface. So reach out to our experts today for a free estimate.
