March 27, 2026, 5:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Gum stuck to the sole of your shoe is gross, stubborn, and annoying. But don’t worry, with these tips and tricks, you’ll get rid of it easily.
It’s happened to everyone: You’re walking down the street, unsuspecting, and—bam!—you step in fresh gum. That’s gross enough, but to save your shoes, the sticky mess needs to be removed. While it requires a bit of elbow grease, myHOMEBOOK reveals how to quickly and reliably get rid of the pesky gum.
Removing Gum from Shoes in the Freezer
Take out the frozen pizza, put in the shoes. Gum is much easier to remove when it’s frozen. Simply place the shoe in a plastic bag and press the plastic firmly against the gum. The bag doesn’t need to be sealed. Now, place the shoe in the freezer for about two hours. Once the gum on the shoe is frozen solid, you can carefully peel off the plastic along with the gum. The fresher the gum, the better the result. This trick can also be used on clothing.
Also interesting: Yellow Stains? Here’s How to Make a Yellowed Pillow White Again
Penetrating Oil from the Hardware Store
Usually, only car enthusiasts and mechanics handle penetrating oil. But its lubricating and water-repelling properties are ideal for removing gum. For about 3 euros, you can get penetrating oil, also known as WD-40, at the hardware store. To remove the sticky gum, simply spray it on the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe it off with a cloth.
How to Remove Gum From Clothing
How to Properly Clean, Care for, and Waterproof Leather Shoes
Nail Polish Remover Removes Gum from Shoes
If you prefer to dissolve the gum, use lighter fluid. Simply apply it to the gum, let it sit briefly, and then gently rub. The gum practically dissolves on its own. The same works with acetone-based nail polish remover. Be sure to keep the window open when using it, as lighter fluid, in particular, can irritate the respiratory system. Unfortunately, the harsh chemicals aren’t suitable for fine leather soles—opt for a gentler method here.
Removing Gum from Shoes with Olive Oil
Who would have thought that olive oil could also help remove gum quickly? Simply rub the area gently with olive oil, making sure the oil doesn’t get on the upper material, as it can cause unsightly stains. Let it sit briefly, then gently wipe it off with a cloth. Remove any remaining bits with a pointed object. Soak the object in olive oil to prevent the gum from sticking to it. Done!