How to Remove Gum from a Computer

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Things You'll Need

  • Plastic bag

  • Ice cubes

  • Paper towels

  • Plastic scraper

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

  • Bowl

  • Cotton balls

  • Cotton swabs

  • Clean cloths

Gum stuck on the computer creates a sticky mess.

Chewing gum contains ingredients that help it stick as it's chewed. When gum ends up on other surfaces, such as the computer, a sticky, messy situation results. Gum isn't difficult to remove when tended to in a timely manner, but the surface to which it's stuck can cause difficulties. Computer keyboards and other grooved or textured surfaces on the computer demand that you clean minute, small spaces to avoid leaving any gum behind that might become a dirt magnet on your computer.

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Step 1

Harden gum with a bag filled with ice.

Fill a plastic zip bag with ice cubes. Lay the ice-filled bag on the gum that's stuck on your computer until it hardens.

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Step 2

Pick hardened gum off with a paper towel. Use the edge of a plastic scraper to break off or scrape up small bits of the hardened substance. Remove as much of the gum as possible, leaving only sticky residue.

Step 3

Cotton swabs are small enough to clean between keyboard keys.

Warm 1/2 cup white vinegar in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Dampen a cotton ball or cotton swab to wipe on the computer surface to remove sticky gum residue. Change to a clean cotton ball or swab as gum is removed, and continue to wipe.

Step 4

Dry the surface of the computer with a clean cloth.

Tip

Dampen a cotton ball or swab with vegetable oil to break down and remove the sticky residue left after gum is removed.

Lighter fluid effectively removes sticky gum from a computer surface.

Remove gum from the computer as quickly as possible. It will be much easier to clean up while still fresh.

Warning

Do not allow liquids to enter your computer during the removal process.

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