A worker uses a high-temperature pressure washer to clean layers of gum from Seattle's famous gum wall at Pike Place Market on Tuesday, November 10. Tourists and locals have been sticking their used chewing gum on the walls of a section of Post Alley for the past 20 years.
A worker uses a high-temperature pressure washer to clean layers of gum from Seattle's famous gum wall at Pike Place Market on Tuesday, November 10. Tourists and locals have been sticking their used chewing gum on the walls of a section of Post Alley for the past 20 years.
Ted S. Warren/AP
Although the walls will be cleaned down to bare brick, officials expect that the gum-sticking tradition will continue.
Although the walls will be cleaned down to bare brick, officials expect that the gum-sticking tradition will continue.
Elaine Thompson/AP
Fernando Soberania uses a tool to scrape layers of gum from the wall.
Fernando Soberania uses a tool to scrape layers of gum from the wall.
Ted S. Warren/AP
An estimated 1 million pieces of chewed gum will be removed.
An estimated 1 million pieces of chewed gum will be removed.
Ted S. Warren/AP
Javier Ramirez cleans a section of the wall.
Javier Ramirez cleans a section of the wall.
Ted S. Warren/AP
Visitors check out Seattle's gum wall on Monday, November 9, a day before the cleaning started. The cleaning should be complete on Thursday.
Visitors check out Seattle's gum wall on Monday, November 9, a day before the cleaning started. The cleaning should be complete on Thursday.
Ted S. Warren/AP
A United States flag made from pieces of gum is one decoration that will come off the wall.
A United States flag made from pieces of gum is one decoration that will come off the wall.
Ted S. Warren/AP
A tourist has her photo taken in front of the gum wall before the deep clean.
A tourist has her photo taken in front of the gum wall before the deep clean.
Ted S. Warren/AP