How to Clean Gum out of the Dryer

You can clean gum off the inside of your dryer using any of a variety of methods. Do not despair when you see that sticky, dull gray or black splotch on the dryer drum. Instead, try one of these recommended methods to remove gum from inside the clothes dryer. Take the dryer load out first, and allow the dryer drum to cool down before you start.

Method 1 - Ice the Gum

Step 1: Apply Ice to the Gum Spots

Put pieces of ice in a small sealable plastic bag and hold them for several seconds against each gum spot to harden it. With a plastic spatula or a plastic scrubber that is safe for non-stick cookware, scrape away at the hardened gum to remove as much as possible.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Dryer Drum with Vinegar and Water

Make a 50 percent solution of vinegar and water in a 1-quart bottle and apply this to a cloth. Wipe over the gum spots to lift off more residue.

Step 3: Use High Dryer Heat to Soften the Remaining Gum

Place a few worn-out towels and rags in the dryer and run it on the highest heat setting for 10 minutes to soften up any gum bits still remaining. Then go to Method 2 - Fabric Softener.

Method 2 - Fabric Softener

Step 1: Soften the Adhesive with Fabric Softener

Soak a clean, lint-free linen or cotton cloth in fabric softener and press it onto the gum splotches still remaining. This should make the gum adhesive stretch and peel off in strips.

Step 2: Scrape Gently while Wiping with the Fabric Softener Cloth

With a plastic pot scrubber or a spatula, scrape the gum spots and wipe again with the fabric softener to peel off the remaining gum.

Step 3: Wipe Around the Dryer Drum Again

Using the vinegar and water solution, wipe down the gummy areas once more.

Step 4: Run the Dryer Once More with Damp Towels

Soak and wring out the worn towels. Put them in the dryer on the medium-high setting for permanent press clothes. This should remove the last bits of the chewing gum.

If these methods fail, try:

Method 3 - WD-40 Lubricant

Step 1: Spray the Stubborn Chewing Gum with WD-40 Lubricant

Carefully focus and spray the WD-40 over the gummed spots. Let the WD-40 lubricant soak in thoroughly. Do this in a ventilated area, as WD-40 can emit unpleasant fumes. Wipe off the spots weakened by the WD-40 and scrape away any remaining gum residue.  

Step 2: Wash Down the Inside of the Drum

Use a cloth with a mild dish detergent and warm water to wash down the inside of the drum. Be sure you remove all traces of the gum and the WD-40, as it is petroleum-based.

Step 3: Run a Damp Towel Load through the Dryer

Moisten shabby towels and rags with plain water and dry in the dryer on medium heat to clean up any gum, soap or WD-40 that may still be in the dryer drum.