Removing chewing gum from sidewalk?

C&S · May 12, 2014

any ideas on how or what to use?

I have a tm, but was wondering if there was a trick to this without buying a bunch or special equipment.

Running RAGE TM.

Desk Jockey · May 12, 2014

You can use a pressure gun with a long lance. You might be able to do it with a rage if it gets hot enough and your pressure is turned up. You'll need a jet that has a narrow focused spray.

The issue around here is recovery of the water. Steam carts work better for gum removal but even then they leave you with a clean spot once the gum is gone. :errf:

C&S · May 12, 2014

Just talked to Jim Pemberton (pembertons in pittsburg) and he suggested same thing. The cleaner we will be using is 100% safe for vegetation and will not damage anything as far a metal, concrete, or glass, and is mainly sodium per carbonate. I was going to clean with sx-12 so I can recover the spent solution anyways so there is no redeposit of cleaner and little to no run off. and no people to walk threw the cleaner and complain. We are doing this early early moring before the store opens and will probably be done with the area within a few hours.

Lee Stockwell · May 12, 2014

Turbo Hybrid gets most of it.

A pressure wash wand with a spinner tip (0 deg) used for detailing and stubborn stuff. (less than $100 total at Lowes).

Bill Morgan · May 12, 2014

Lee,

Didn't you post something about using WD-40? Was that for use on concrete or carpet too?
Did you remove that becasuse it wasn't a "green friendly" solution?

I've got some gum on my garage and basement floors... was gonna give it a try.

Thanks,
Bill Morgan

Goomer · May 12, 2014

The trick is to try to "flip" the pieces off by focusing the stream under one corner of the piece of gum from a low sharp angle, and peeling is off.
Dont be tempted to rush and get your wand tip too close to the surface, as you may score the "cream".
Get the angle right and let the water do the work.
If you don't have too much experience with gum, expect it to take a little longer than you think if there are a lot of pieces. Just like carpet, if it"s bad, gum removal can take just as long as the cleaning itself.
Prepare the customer for the possibility of "gum ghosts", which are gum stains that may remain after the piece is removed. There is no remedy for these, but most will fade with time.

Ed Valentine · May 12, 2014

Another thought is this:

Freeze it and chip it off using FREON.

The only aspect that would worry me is breaking it down and allowing it to stick to the pavement.

Just another idea.

best;
Ed Valentine

C&S · May 12, 2014

not going to freeze it. takes two long, and I have a couple different pressure washers.

Desk Jockey · May 12, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6R9cIdmNSw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_5Wv5NEU0I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTlAEWAtMhw
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C&S · May 12, 2014

Thanks for the videos. yeah I bet my machine can melt it if necessary..

Lee Stockwell · May 12, 2014

Bill Morgan said:
Lee,

Didn't you post something about using WD-40? Was that for use on concrete or carpet too?
Did you remove that becasuse it wasn't a "green friendly" solution?

I've got some gum on my garage and basement floors... was gonna give it a try.

Thanks,
Bill Morgan

Bill you had a quick eye. Yes I missed the "concrete" in his post at first.

WD 40 is very effective on gum, but probably not needed with the right heat, pressure and nozzle tips.

Goomer · May 12, 2014

Don't waste time with anything topical.

Heat will pop them off ALOT easier.

If over 1500 psi, best to forget you have a ZERO degree tip. 15/40 degree fan tips will be more effective at getting underneath and peeling the pieces off.
ZERO degree tips can often lead to damage and uneven results.

Lee Stockwell · May 12, 2014

Rotary turbo tip is magic.

http://www.lowes.com/Outdoors/Outdo...-Tools/Pressure-Washer-Nozzles/_/N-1z0wgbv/pl#!

Goomer · May 12, 2014

Lee Stockwell said:
Rotary turbo tip is magic.

http://www.lowes.com/Outdoors/Outdo...-Tools/Pressure-Washer-Nozzles/_/N-1z0wgbv/pl#!

Rotary tips are nice on some types of flat work. They take a little getting used to in keeping them at the ideal distance from the surface. I quickly burned out a few cheaper ones. Better to spend a few bucks on a higher quality one that can handle high flow machines.
They are basically a rotating zero degree tip, so you should still use with caution.

Captain America · May 13, 2014

Scott C&S said:
any ideas on how or what to use?

I have a tm, but was wondering if there was a trick to this without buying a bunch or special equipment.

Running RAGE TM.

Sounds kinda like a pressure washer situation.....I have done a few sidewalks....with kero heat.. And small water flow..maybe 1.5 gallons..per minute
More heat more pressure.more water flow...these pressure washer guys have these huge water pumps and heat....
It can be done with less but takes longer

Cap

C&S · May 14, 2014

Thanks guys

Sent from my HTC6435LVW using Tapatalk

What A Difference Ky · May 14, 2014

Scott C&S said:
Just talked to Jim Pemberton (pembertons in pittsburg) and he suggested same thing. The cleaner we will be using is 100% safe for vegetation and will not damage anything as far a metal, concrete, or glass, and is mainly sodium per carbonate. I was going to clean with sx-12 so I can recover the spent solution anyways so there is no redeposit of cleaner and little to no run off. and no people to walk threw the cleaner and complain. We are doing this early early moring before the store opens and will probably be done with the area within a few hours.

I have a SX-15, they are only rated for 1400 psi so be careful if you crank it up.

Removing chewing gum from sidewalk?

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