While gum is great for giving you fresh breath, any time you see it stuck to your walkways, driveways and sidewalks, it is problematic. Sometimes that sticky, slimy stuff can be pretty difficult to get rid of. Luckily, there are methods that can be used to successfully get rid of gum depending on how long the gum has been glued to the concrete. Big Moose Pressure Cleaning is here to talk about removing gum from concrete so you are prepared the next time you see that gunk stuck to your driveway.
Removing Fresh Gum from Concrete
Most of us have experienced stepping in fresh gum on a warm day. That sticky mess that it creates on your shoe is more than irritating. It can also be incredibly difficult to get it off if you try to work with it when it has been heated onto your concrete. The best way to start the removal process is to shade the area with an umbrella or other method and put an ice cube directly on top of the gum. This will work to harden it and make it so it isn’t a workable texture. You will need to have a metal hand scraper and start scraping to remove the gum. If it has gotten cold enough, the gum should fairly easily scrape off the surface.
How to Remove Old Gum from Concrete
When gum has had a chance to really sink into the porous concrete surface, it can start to leave a residue as it absorbs into the surface. This makes it near impossible to use a metal scraper to remove it. Your best bet is to sprinkle the area generously with a scouring powder and get to work. You will need a wire brush to work to get rid of the old gum from the surface. The scouring powder is abrasive and will work to help in the removal process without damaging the surface of the concrete.
Gum Removal Chemicals
Orange peel oil and paint thinner can be used to remove chewed gum from concrete surfaces as needed. If you notice that any chemicals are starting to damage the surface, you need to discontinue this method and turn the task over to professionals for removal. It isn’t worth damaging your concrete in order to do it yourself.
Power Washing, Pressure Cleaning & More in McDonough, Barnesville, Fayetteville, Covington, Locust Grove, Griffin, Stockbridge, Social Circle & Jackson, Georgia
There are times you may have several pieces of chewed gum stuck to your sidewalk or other concrete surfaces. The thought of getting down and scrubbing to remove all of these spots will not be a good use of your time. In this case, you can turn to the power washing experts at Big Moose Pressure Cleaning to remove them for you with our industrial strength power washers. We have experience and training to effectively remove any chewed gum from your concrete surfaces as well as any residue that is left behind without damaging your concrete. Call us today!
