First, don’t grab a metal scraper, knife, or wire brush. Those are the fastest way to scratch paint, powder coating, wood, or recycled plastic slats. The safest approach is usually cold, not heat, because cold makes the gum brittle and less sticky.
Start with ice. Put a few ice cubes in a zip-top bag, press it against the gum for 5 to 10 minutes, or use a reusable freezer pack. On a hot day you may need to do this a little longer. If you have access to a can of compressed air held upside down, that can flash-freeze the gum, but test first on plastic benches because extreme cold can make some plastics brittle.
Once the gum feels hard, use a plastic scraper, old loyalty card, or a wooden popsicle stick. Hold it at a low angle, around 30 to 45 degrees, and gently push from the edges toward the center. Don’t dig downward. If the gum cracks or lifts, keep working in small pieces. Wipe the scraper on a paper towel as you go.
For stubborn residue, apply a small amount of food-grade oil, like vegetable oil or peanut butter, and let it sit for a few minutes. The oils help loosen the gum’s grip. Wipe away with a soft cloth. Then wash the spot with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap to remove any oily film. If the bench is unpainted wood, skip oily products because they can stain; instead use a citrus-based adhesive remover and test it on a hidden spot first.
If the bench is metal or painted, a little isopropyl alcohol on a cloth can help dissolve remaining residue, but avoid soaking. For plastic or recycled-material benches, avoid acetone, harsh solvents, or strong adhesive removers unless the product label specifically says safe for plastics. On wood, avoid soaking and heat guns; use the gentlest method and dry the area afterward.
Finally, rinse the area with clean water if possible, wipe it dry, and check the finish. If any wax or protective coating was removed, apply a small amount of appropriate bench polish or furniture wax to blend the spot.
If you are unsure, test any product or method on an out-of-sight section of the bench first. The goal is to remove the gum while leaving the bench looking the same as before.