How can I best get gum unstuck if it ends up where it doesn't belong?

1. From Clothing:

For washable clothing, try scraping off any excess gum with a dull knife and then rubbing the area with ice until the remaining gum rolls off into a ball.

Another method is to seal the dry garment in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer. After the garment is frozen, remove and gently scrape with a dull knife.

There are also natural solvent extracts from citrus peels which may work. Be sure to test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of your garment first to ensure color fastness, and read all the manufacturer's instructions before use.

You can also try using an extra strength deep-heating rub. Evenly spread the deep-heating rub on the opposite side of the gum residue. Heat the area covered with the rub with a blow dryer for 30 seconds. Immediately after turning off the dryer, the gum residue should easily peel off. Your garment should then be laundered as usual.

2. From Carpet:

First, try scraping any excess gum off your carpet with a dull knife and then rubbing the area with ice until the remaining gum rolls off into a ball.

You might try using an extra strength deep-heating rub to remove the gum. First, heat the gum residue on your carpet with a blow dryer for one or two minutes. Then, using four-inch squares of plastic (sandwich bags will work nicely) remove as much gum as possible. You may have to apply more heat if the gum hardens. Continue to use the plastic squares to remove the gum. This part of the process should remove 80% of the gum residue.

Next, spread half a teaspoon of the extra strength deep-heating rub evenly over the remaining gum residue. Heat with a blow dryer set on high for 30 seconds. After turning off the dryer, immediately use the plastic squares in a circular motion (alternating between clockwise and counter-clock wise movements) to remove any residual stain. Then apply a mild detergent and water solution with paper towels or a cloth rag, and allow the area to air dry.

It is important that you try a small amount of the deep-heating rub on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first to ensure color fastness. Be sure to keep deep-heating rub out of the reach of children and follow all safety precautions as recommended by the manufacturer.

3. From Hair:

Natural solvent extracts from citrus peels often work well to remove gum from hair. Be sure to read all the manufacturer's instructions before use. If a citrus peel solvent is not available, mineral oil, cooking oil or peanut butter sometimes work. Add a small amount and knead the gum with your fingers in order to soften and disperse gum, pull out gradually as gum softens, then rinse with soap and water. These products are helpful, but may leave a residue and require shampooing of the hair after the gum removal is completed.

4. From Concrete Sidewalks, Patios or Other Hard Surfaces:

When simple scraping is not enough, many commercial organizations and municipalities have found use of a power washer to be effective in removing chewing gum from hard surfaces. Warm water under pressure - with or without solvents - yields the best results.