How do I get gum off the side of a leather shoe?

Im used to taking peanut butter to get gum off of things- but I’m not liking the idea of the peanut butter oil getting into the pores of my leather dress shoes (they’re pumps).

Goo off would make an oily stain too, right?

I’ve scraped off all I can, now what?


  16 answers
  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Mar 31, 2020

    I usually use Lemon essential oil to take off sticky things, but maybe you could try applying the oil to a rag before the shoe and test out a small area?

  • Megan Megan on Mar 31, 2020

    Here is a good article on getting gum off of leather shoes! :)


    https://www.footfitter.com/blog/how-to-get-gum-off-shoes/

  • Try rubbing alcohol and a toothbrush

  • William William on Mar 31, 2020

    Try using Goo Gone or WD40. An ice cube will harden the gum and you can pick it off.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Mar 31, 2020

    Get goo gone you could get it in Home Depot you could also put the sho in a bag and then freeze it and then the gum will crack off

  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Mar 31, 2020

    Have you tried ice? Maybe freezing the shoe, then it should pop right off

  • You could try goo gone or a rag with hot water on it that will help melt it... use a dull knife to help pry it loose

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Mar 31, 2020

    Freezing should work. If you don't want to freeze the shoe (possible leather damage) you can place ice against it until it freezes. Then it should be able to be chipped away.

  • Annie Annie on Mar 31, 2020

    Put your shoe in the freezer and see if that works. You may have to do a bit of scraping; use something dull, like a firm spatula

  • Kate Garrett Kate Garrett on Apr 01, 2020

    Banana oil to the rescue. I used to work in mens fashion. Shoe polishes can be made from animal products like mink oil or petrolium products like petroleum jelly, but some of the fancy eco-consious brands extract oil from banana peels. It may also be the secret ingredient in your favorite "quick shine" sponge. It is naturally colorless, so it won't damage the dyes in your leather.


    Rub the pith (the mushy inside bit) of the banana peel against the leather all over the shoe, working closer & closer to the gum. As you get to the gum, wiggle the blob & work pith under it as much as possible. If you are lucky, that is enough to pull it off. Then rub the pith over the marred area and buff off the goopy bits with a clean cloth.


    If it didn't all come away, it is time for some cold. Put the shoe in the kitchen freezer for 5-10 min after covering all that good banana pith on the shoe with plastic wrap, leaving only the gum exposed The banana oil will reduce the strain of the temperature shock on the leather but not the gum. The colder gum gets, the less sticky it is. Do not leave leather in the freezer for longer than 10 min! Pull the shoes from the cold, & try to pry the gum up. If it works, unwrap the shoe & buff off the pith.


    If you need further cold, don't put the shoe back in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Going back & forth repeatedly can cause cracking. If you need faster results at this point, keep your shoe wrapped & place 1 ice cube in a cheap (thin) plastic sandwhich bag. (Don't use cling film: 1 or 2 layers may leak, 3 or more will insulate too much.) Grip the top of the bag & hold the wrapped ice against the gum. Check every so often as the ice melts if the gum is willing to release yet. Repeat with a 2nd cube if needed. Once the gum is off, unwrap & buff the shoe. Given how much cold the leather gas endured at this point, treat the pair to a good round of your favorite polish.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 01, 2020

    Put the shoe in the freezer, the gum will come right off after it is frozen, leaving no residue.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 01, 2020

    Hi Lifestyle Homes,

    Put in freezer to freeze, then it will come off easily. Best wishes.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 01, 2020

    Hello, maybe this will help you out,

    1. Carefully scrape excess gum.
    2. Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water.
    3. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
    4. Apply only the foam with a sponge and scrub gently until matter is removed.
    5. Dry with a clean cloth.


  • Sharon Sharon on Apr 01, 2020

    I like an ice cube which makes the gum brittle, then keep brushing the flakes out. How the heck did you get gum in the shoe, if I may ask.