Well, the provided context is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine for this particular sticky situation. It offers a lovely list of cleaning services you could hire, but not the DIY gum-removal secrets you're actually here for. So, let's ignore that and get down to business.
Your sofa cushion's unfortunate encounter with gum doesn't have to be a permanent relationship. The most popular method is to give the gum the cold shoulder, literally. Grab a few ice cubes in a plastic bag and hold them against the offending wad until it's frozen solid. Once it’s hard and brittle, you should be able to gently scrape it off with a dull butter knife or the edge of a credit card. Scrape with the grain of the fabric to avoid making things worse.
If some stubborn residue remains after the deep freeze, it's time to fight sticky with slippery. A small amount of oil-based substance, like mayonnaise or even peanut butter, can help break down the gum's structure. Rub a little into the spot, let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently work the softened gum off. The catch, of course, is that you've now traded a gum problem for an oil-stain problem. A bit of mild dish soap and water should take care of that follow-up issue.
Before you go all in with any method, it's wise to test it on an inconspicuous area of the cushion first. You wouldn't want to save the fabric from gum only to sacrifice it to a giant, discolored spot. Good luck, and may your cushions live a long, un-chewed-upon life.
