The Sticky Situation: How Often Do They Scrape the Gum Wall in Seattle?
Seattle's gum wall - a sticky shrine to chewed-up minty goodness, or a biohazard depending on your perspective. This tourist attraction is famous (or infamous) for its ever-growing collection of technicolor gum. But beneath the layers of Dubble Bubble and Juicy Fruit lies a question that plagues tourists and germophobes alike: how often do they clean this sucker?
Well, buckle up, because the answer is about as messy as a five-year-old's post-birthday-party face.
Once Upon a Time in the Gummy Wild West...
For over 20 years, the gum wall was a bastion of unbridled sticky freedom. Tourists plastered their wads of gum with reckless abandon, creating a multi-layered monument to the power of human mastication. The sugar content alone could probably fuel a small rocket (don't try this at home, kids).
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Then, in 2015, the unthinkable happened. The powers that be decided the wall needed a spa day. A steam-cleaning, power-scrubbing, 130-hour epic that removed a staggering 2,350 pounds of gum. Yes, you read that right. That's more than a baby elephant!
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| How Often Do They Clean The Gum Wall In Seattle |
But Wait, There's More!
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Fear not, lovers of the delightfully dubious! The cleaning was a one-time deal (or so they thought). The allure of the gum wall proved too strong, and tourists quickly resumed their sticky traditions. Fast forward to 2023, and history repeated itself. The gum wall got another de-guming to preserve the brick facade underneath.
So, How Often Do They Clean It, Really?
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
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Here's the truth: the Seattle gum wall is on a "clean it when it becomes a structural hazard" schedule. Which, let's be honest, is probably the most logical approach for a wall made entirely of used chewing gum.
So, what does this mean for you, the future gum wall enthusiast?
- Embrace the Ephemeral: The gum wall is a living, breathing (well, not literally breathing) monument to impermanence. Enjoy it in all its sticky glory, because you never know when it might be sparkling clean again.
- Pack Your Juicy Fruit: If you gotta add to the legacy, go for it. Just be prepared for your contribution to be power-washed away someday.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Gum Wall FAQ
How to get to the gum wall? It's located in Post Alley, near the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Just follow your nose (or the trail of discarded gum wrappers).
How much gum is on the wall? There's no official count, but it's safe to say it's a LOT. Enough to make your dentist weep.
How do they clean the gum wall? They use a combination of steam cleaning and good old-fashioned elbow grease. It's a sticky job, no doubt.
Is it okay to add gum to the wall? Technically, it's not encouraged. But hey, it's a tourist tradition. Just use your best judgment (and maybe some hand sanitizer afterwards).
How often should I brush my teeth after visiting the gum wall? Let's just say a thorough cleaning is probably a good idea.
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