Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Trying to do a Science Fair project on best method to remove gum from bottom of shoe. How can we get the gum to stick to the shoe during winter. We have chewed the gum and stuck to the shoe but it just pulls off instead of sticking good so we can try the methods. Any help?

Hello,

Since the temperatures are going down as we are approaching winter, the gum will fall off as

freezing gum will make it harder and crack into fragments that can be easily chipped off the bottom of a shoe

(from https://www.howtogetgumoutofhair.org/shoes/ )

Therefore, I would suggest maybe doing the opposite and heating it up with a hairdryer when you stick it onto the bottom?

Good luck, and if this idea does not work, feel free to ask again and I will help find a better way with you.

-Regina