Few people realise how much of a problem chewing gum is. In fact, it's not really the gum itself that's the problem; it's the incorrect disposal of gum that causes the issue.
If you've ever leaned or sat on a wall and encountered second-hand chewing gum, you might have an idea of how unpleasant it can be. But imagine that magnified a million times over and you'll get the picture. When you're in town, look at the block paving - those little grey or black spots are mostly old chewing gum. Some people even stick it to walls, benches and street signs.
Many local authorities in the UK have a dedicated task force to tackle the problem or set aside money in their budget to hire specialists like RenWash to do the job.
Between 80% and 90% of all chewing gum is not disposed of correctly or responsibly.
It is estimated that more than £60 million is spent every year on chewing gum removal services across the UK. In a time when local councils are cutting back on essential services, this extra expenditure is unwelcome but necessary due to the anti-social behaviour of gum-chewers.
Aside from looking unsightly, gum presents a health hazard. The sticky surface attracts dirt and bacteria (not to mention the oral bacteria it contains when spat out), leading to mould growth.
Discarded gum on pavements can become slippery in wet conditions, potentially resulting in injury.
Gum, while initially soft, tends to quickly mix with other substances (cigarette ash, discarded food and sugary drinks) and set hard after a while, making removal a difficult task and increasing the chance of damaging the surface beneath. This is especially important in cases involving period properties, listed buildings or heritage sites.
Finally, carelessly discarded gum represents a health hazard to pets and wildlife. It is mostly made from non-biodegradable synthetic polymers like polyvinyl acetate, the same stuff used to make bottles, bags and glue - basically, it's plastic! Most chewing gum takes at least five years to break down, and therefore it contributes to the problem of plastic pollution we currently face (whether disposed of responsibly or not).
There are several cleaning methods that are effective in removing gum, and the RenWash team is familiar with them all. We often combine different methods to achieve the best results, leaving the surfaces spotless and gum-free.
Pressure washers are great, but must be used with caution as they aren't suitable for all materials. While they might successfully blast away the gum, there's a chance that delicate surfaces could be damaged by the aggressive action. Many people forget that these are multi-pressure machines that can be adjusted and assume that maximum power is best!
However, our team would always assess the job beforehand to ascertain the appropriate method or adjust the pressure setting accordingly.
This brilliant machine is powerful enough to remove chewing gum (and most other nasty substances) without causing any damage to the substrate beneath. Water is heated to a maximum of 150ºc and sprayed onto the surface at a low pressure. This is enough to melt the gum and remove any stains it has caused. Another benefit of the DOFF cleaning method is that no harmful chemicals are required, and the steam action destroys bacteria, mould spores, germs, etc. leaving the surface clean and sterilised.
Designed by Stonehealth Limited, the same company that developed the DOFF system above, the TORC cleaning system uses a unique low-pressure vortex action of water combined with a fine granulate. Again, it is gentle but highly effective, making it one of the most popular tools in our fight against dirt and grime, including chewing gum removal.
Our chewing gum removal service targets all kinds of surfaces, wherever a large amount of gum has accumulated and is making the area dirty.
This includes:
The RenWash team will assess the situation and apply the appropriate cleaning method to restore the surface, making them spotlessly clean once again.
Sites like Checkatrade suggest an average of £1.50 per square metre for a chewing gum removal service, but this is only a general estimate. For those based in London and the southeast, prices will usually be higher than anywhere else. Some companies charge an hourly rate rather than by the square metre, which makes it difficult to compare the costs accurately.
The actual cost depends on how much chewing gum there is, the size of the area to be cleaned, what type of material is being cleaned, and which method we use.
Contact us directly to provide the necessary details, and we'll prepare a quote that's tailored to your specific requirements.
Anyone, essentially!
However, our clients are more likely to be people or organisations responsible for large pedestrian areas, car parks, sports facilities, bus stops, colleges, schools, bus/train stations or other public areas where gum is a real problem.
We are happy to remove chewing gum from all kinds of public spaces, including high streets and shopping centres. We also take on jobs for business customers relating to private premises, such as hotels, conference centres, airports, etc.
Although the majority of gum is found on the floor or pavement, it also gets stuck to walls or other surfaces in smaller amounts. Where this is a significant problem, we will apply the same methods and expertise to remove it.
We have the expertise, knowledge, experience and professional equipment to carry out the task efficiently and effectively.
Unless a cleaning company specifically states that it can handle chewing gum removal, it is unlikely to apply the correct methods. Many people have been caught out by those who say they can do the job, only to find patchy results as the contractors have targeted the gum itself, not the surrounding area. This leaves clean spots where the gum used to be and is a most unsatisfactory result.
Worse still, there are nightmare stories about gum being scraped or chiselled off, causing immense damage that then needs major repair work!
We guarantee that our fully insured team will work to a high standard, leaving your floor or pavement spotless with zero risk of damage.
RenWash has the perfect solution for all of your domestic or commercial cleaning requirements, including chewing gum removal. We will liaise with business representatives, private clients and local authorities alike to eliminate the unsightly problem of carelessly discarded gum.
In addition, our extensive range of cleaning services also includes graffiti removal. If this is a particular issue for you, feel free to enquire about graffiti removal options when you contact us concerning chewing gum removal and to get your free quote.
Our expert team will soon have your floors, pavements, walls and other surfaces spotlessly clean and chewing gum-free!
To remove chewing gum from surfaces, our company employs a number of techniques. One of the most common methods is to use high-pressure steam or hot water to melt away the gum without damaging the underlying surface. We also use specialised chemicals that dissolve the gum, allowing it to be easily scraped or wiped away. To physically remove the gum, we may use scraping or grinding tools in some cases. We always inspect the area to be cleaned and select the best method for the surface and amount of gum present.
Our company can remove chewing gum from a variety of surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, brick, and others. We have worked on sidewalks, streets, and building exteriors and can handle small and large-scale projects. We use the appropriate equipment and techniques for each surface.
We are committed to environmental responsibility, and our methods are environmentally friendly. We avoid the use of harsh chemicals or methods that may harm the environment. We take steps to reduce waste and dispose of any materials used during the cleaning process properly.
We understand the importance of keeping your environment clean and presentable, which is why we provide preventative measures to reduce future chewing gum buildup. Chewing gum-resistant coatings are one of the methods we offer. These coatings are applied to surfaces to make gum stickier, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. This is especially useful in high-traffic areas or areas where there has been a history of heavy gum buildup. To keep the area clean, we can also provide regular cleaning schedules.
