Chewing gum stuck to footpaths, shopping centre entrances or public areas is an unpleasant problem that affects businesses and councils across Perth and throughout the country for that matter! Walk through any busy area and you’ll likely spot patches of dark, stubborn gum that’s been ground into the surface over time. Left untouched, this type of litter can leave commercial spaces looking dirty and neglected. Not only does it affect visual appeal, but it also increases cleaning costs and can create slippery hazards.
The real challenge with chewing gum is how quickly it bonds to surfaces, particularly rough materials like concrete or textured pavers. And once hardened, it’s incredibly difficult to remove using traditional methods. Scraping, chemical removers and other manual techniques often fall short, leaving behind residue or even damaging the surface itself. So it’s no surprise that businesses and councils are constantly searching for a better way to tackle this problem.
One of the most effective solutions for dealing with gum on outdoor surfaces is pressure washing as this method uses the force of high pressure water to break down and remove gum without the need for harsh chemicals. But as simple as it sounds, there’s a technique to getting it right and choosing the proper equipment and professional expertise plays a big part in the results.
Why Pressure Washing is So Effective for Gum Removal
When it comes to chewing gum removal, few methods can match the speed and efficiency of pressure washing. The main reason for this is simple and that is because the high pressure water jets break down the gum’s adhesive grip, allowing it to lift cleanly away from the surface. Unlike manual scraping, which often leaves behind traces of gum or damages the surface underneath, pressure washing removes the residue completely when done correctly.
Different surfaces respond differently to high pressure cleaning. With rougher surfaces like concrete sidewalks usually handling higher water pressure well, while smoother materials require more care. Adjusting the pressure settings and using a wide fan tip helps ensure even cleaning without causing surface damage.
Hot water systems tend to work best for gum removal. The combination of heat and pressure softens the gum, making it much easier to dislodge. This is especially helpful when dealing with older, hardened gum that’s been stuck for months. Cold water can still work, but it often requires more time and effort.
Another benefit of using pressure washing for gum removal is the scale at which it can be done. Large areas such as shopping centres, car parks or public spaces can be cleaned far more quickly using a pressure washer compared to manual methods. What might take hours with a scraper can often be handled in a fraction of the time using high pressure equipment.
Maintaining Clean Outdoor Spaces
Once gum has been removed, it’s worth thinking about ongoing maintenance to prevent the problem from returning. In busy areas routine pressure cleaning can help keep outdoor spaces looking fresh and well maintained, and regular cleaning reduces the chances of gum becoming embedded in the surface and cuts down on the effort required for future removal. For businesses, this can make a big difference in creating a professional and welcoming first impression as nobody likes seeing gum covered entrances or sticky footpaths leading to a store or office. A clean well maintained outdoor areas also help improve safety by reducing slip hazards caused by discarded gum.
Why Professional Help Makes a Difference
While it’s possible to hire or buy pressure washing equipment, achieving professional results isn’t always as easy as it looks. Having the right tools, understanding how much pressure to apply, and working safely are all part of effective gum removal. This is especially true in larger commercial spaces where time, consistency, and safety are priorities. So to ensure the absolute best results you should hire always hire the professionals.