Hi Bruce,
Happy Wife - You're right of course - Damp today so spent time with lubricants (Not personal, of course) but got no further with the 'gum' situation - Not even on Wiky.
PTFE only available as spray or included in heavy grease - Guess fry pan or for cycle chains.
Some folks say Castor oil the biz or various additives - Esp. those who sell it.
Suspect any oil tends to degrade to gum in time so ball/roller bearings the best option.
Mind you, after 4 years or so the ball bearings in my oil burner motor seize up with a loud squeak.
Guess it's just life - Chris.