An Unexpected Household Staple Can Remove Sticky Chewing Gum From Concrete In An Instant

Consider the following scenario: You've just installed new concrete for your driveway but notice some sticky chewing gum stuck to your freshly dried concrete. The longer you let the gum sit, the more damage it can cause. But instead of scraping the gum off and then scrubbing the stain, a can of WD-40 can easily rectify this issue for you. It will save you from the time and energy of touching up your driveway should the gum's acidity eat away at it. 

Even better, you probably have a can of WD-40 sitting in your garage, ready for double-duty use. There are tons of genius tips for using WD-40 at home, including loosening locks with broken keys, removing stubborn tree sap, and so much more. And now you can add "remove chewing gum from concrete" to its roster of unlimited possibilities. Before you contact your local mason or driveway paving service to repair unsightly chewing gum stains from your driveway, grab a can of WD-40 and prepare to be amazed. 

The first step is to make sure the gum is super dry to ensure you won't create a sticky mess. If it's still a bit tacky, try adding ice to make it cold. It will then dehydrate faster. Then grab your can of WD-40. Spray the gum and be mindful to stay far enough away from the spray path so as not to breathe it in. According to the brand, overexposure can lead to respiratory distress, so always give yourself plenty of space, fresh air, and take note of the direction the wind is blowing. It might be tempting to see if the WD-40 removed your gum right away, but you'll need to let it sit for a few minutes. This allows it to do its job so you can scrape it away with ease. 

Once the lubricant has infiltrated the gum in your driveway, you can get to work removing the sticky substance. Grab your putty knife and start scraping. You'll be amazed at how easily the gum separates from your driveway, leaving you with incredible results. Pro tip: Immediately throw the gum in the trash. If you're removing several pieces of gum, scraping it off and placing it elsewhere on your driveway might lead to the gum reaffixing itself, so dispose of it promptly to avoid more work for yourself.

Thanks to WD-40's water displacement properties (hence the "WD"), stubborn chewing gum will no longer plague your concrete driveway. Although it's not a true lubricant, it acts as one in this instance. Even better, you can use WD-40 to clean chewing gum off multiple surfaces, including your car's carpet or your front sidewalk. Once you've successfully removed all gum from your driveway, give it a thorough cleaning to ensure it's spotless. You can do so by either blotting spots with vinegar, or using a pressure washer to remove tougher stains. If using vinegar, apply it with a scrub brush and allow it to sit on the stain for a minimum of five minutes. This will help eat away any remaining residue.

When using WD-40 in your driveway, be mindful of any plastic planters you might have nearby. It should never be used on clear polystyrene plastic and polycarbonate, since it can damage and discolor it. So always move planters or other plastic items away from work areas where you'll spray the product.