Well, it appears the provided search results are about as useful as a chocolate teapot for this particular sticky situation. They hint at a solution but then just try to sell you a professional cleaning service. Classic. Fear not, for your couch's unfortunate run-in with a wad of gum doesn't have to be a permanent design choice.
Your first line of attack should be to give that gum the cold shoulder. Literally. Grab a few ice cubes, seal them in a plastic bag to prevent a watery mess, and press the bag firmly against the gum. Your goal is to freeze the gum solid, making it brittle and less sticky. After a few minutes, it should be hard enough to pry off. Use a dull object like a butter knife, a spoon, or an old credit card to gently scrape and chip the frozen gum away from the fabric fibers.
If the deep freeze doesn't do the trick, it's time to fight sticky with slippery. An oil-based substance can help break down the gum's grip. You can try a small amount of mayonnaise, peanut butter, or even vegetable oil. Dab a little directly onto the gum, let it sit for a bit to work its magic, and then gently work the gum off with a cloth or dull scraper. Alternatively, a bit of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on a cloth can also dissolve the gum. Crucially, before you go slathering anything on your beloved sofa, always test your chosen solution on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration.
Once the main offender is gone, you might be left with a small, greasy reminder of the ordeal. To clean up any residue, a simple solution of a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water should suffice. Gently blot the area with a clean cloth dipped in the soapy water, then blot again with a cloth dampened with plain water to rinse. Let it air dry, and your couch will be back to its gum-free glory, none the wiser.
