How to Get Gum Off Dryer Walls

Laundry Detergent Mixture

• 1

  Run the dryer for a few minutes to warm and soften the gum. Put old rags in the dryer so it’s not running empty.

• 2

  Mix 2 tablespoons of powdered laundry detergent and 1 cup of hot water in a bowl. Whisk the mixture to dissolve the detergent completely.

• 3

  Dip a sponge into the mixture, and use it to clean the gum from the dryer. Press hard with the sponge to work the sticky gum loose.

• 4

  Wipe away loose pieces with a wet paper towel.

Fabric Softener

• 5

  Run the dryer for five minutes with a few rags in it to heat the gum on the dryer wall.

• 6

  Spray a fabric softener sheet with laundry stain remover.

• 7

  Soak the fabric softener sheet in hot water to saturate it completely.

• 8

  Press the wet fabric softener sheet against the gum. The dryer sheet will stick to the gum. Leave it there for five to 10 minutes.

• 9

  Remove the dryer sheet. The gum should lift away from the dryer wall. If it’s stubborn, use a wet sponge to wipe away the remaining residue.

Vinegar and Water

• 10

  Soften the gum by heating up the dryer with damp cloths inside for five minutes.

• 11

  Mix 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup hot water in a bowl. You can use straight vinegar if you wish; water simply minimizes the vinegar’s odor.

• 12

  Dip a rag into the vinegar solution.

• 13

  Wipe away the gum with the rag. You may have to use a little elbow grease to remove all the gum. Use a plastic spatula to lift off the gum.