It’s a Snap: The Painless Way to Un-Stick Gum From Carpets

As delicious as it is, gum is pretty gross, even when it's in your mouth where it's supposed to be. But when it gets into your hair or — God forbid — the carpet, it's a disaster. We all know the peanut butter trick for any unfortunate hair situations, but as it turns out, there's a trick your carpet needs, too.

Plus, it's easier and way cleaner than peanut butter could ever be. All the mess is contained in a Ziploc bag — just where we like it.

More from The Stir: It's a Snap: How to Un-Shrink Clothes That (Whoops!) Got Tiny in the Wash

Anyway, the hack:

1. Wait for 6-year-old to grind gum into rug.
2. Fill a plastic bag with ice cubes and gently rub it against the gum until it hardens.
3. Use a dull object to break the gum apart and chip it off the fibers.
4. Vacuum up the residue.
5. Repeat on the couch, tablecloth, or clothes that also have gum ground into them.

With any luck, the gum will sweep right off. The hack also works for candle wax, so scrub away!

Image via avemario/Shutterstock