Is goof off just acetone?

Author: Adrien Mitchell DVM  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Most furniture is still finished with lacquer or a high-performance two-part finish, but Goof Off is now based on acetone, and acetone will attack and damage all but the most durable of finishes.

What is the main ingredient in Goof Off?

Contains acetone and Xylene. Reports have associated repeated and prolonged overexposure to solvents with neurological and other physical damage. Intentional misuse of this product by deliberately concentrating and inhaling vapors can be harmful or fatal. Avoid contact with eyes and contact with skin.

Is Goo-Gone just acetone?

Goo Gone is a fairly average citrus-based cleaner, where as Goof Off is based on acetone. It'll melt many paint and plastics on contact.

What's the difference between Goo-Gone and Goof Off?

A: Goo gone is a light to regular-duty cleaner that will remove sticky residue and things like that. Goof Off is heavy duty. Care must be taken to test the item you're using it on to be sure that the cleaner doesn't damage it. This would be more likely on plastics, etc.

What should you not use Goof Off on?

Even when a clay bar was used on the marks before applying Goof Off and the spots were waxed post applying the Goof Off, dull marks were left behind on the car's surface. This, in turn, has led to not recommending Goof Off for applying on any plastic or paints.

Goof Off vs. Acetone on HDPE: Who Will Win?

How long do you let Goof Off sit?

The bottle recommends 24 hours, so we did another one and left it overnight, then rinsed with the pressure washer for some extra power and the stain is gone!

What are the hazards of Goof Off?

P271: Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  1. GHS Precaution Phrases: H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
  2. GHS Hazard Phrases: Flammable Liquids, Category 2.
  3. Acute Toxicity: Inhalation, Category 4. Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation, Category 2.
  4. Carcinogenicity, Category 2. ...
  5. Danger GHS Signal Word:

What works better than Goof Off?

Goo-Gone is a bit more gentle and is my preferred choice for anything plastic. You just have to rub it in slowly and give it a little more time to work. Then, there is the good old WD-40 solvent for removing most any kind of gooey tape residue.

Will Goof Off damage plastic?

Goof Off® Heavy Duty Remover is formulated for and safe for use on plastics and fabric. Always test in an inconspicuous area before broad application.

What is the strongest adhesive remover?

Vegetable or canola oil can work wonders, as can peanut butter or mayonnaise. Spread it on, let it soak into the residue for about an hour, then wipe it away. For a tougher clean, try rubbing alcohol or vodka. Let it fully permeate the unwanted residue, then rub away completely with a cloth.

Is Goof Off like acetone?

Most furniture is still finished with lacquer or a high-performance two-part finish, but Goof Off is now based on acetone, and acetone will attack and damage all but the most durable of finishes.

Does vinegar remove goo?

Method 5: Soak in distilled white vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent cleaner and residue-remover. Pour some distilled white vinegar onto a paper towel and place it over the adhesive. Let it sit for a few minutes before scraping or wiping the residue away with a damp cloth.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove goo?

Hydrogen peroxide is especially good on super glue, and it's a safe way to clean up most glue spills on metal. Soak a cotton ball with the hydrogen peroxide and press it onto the glue until it softens. Use fresh cotton balls as needed to blot up any glue residue.

What is equivalent to Goof Off?

I use Goo Gone for plastics. It's the citrus-based stuff. Goof Off 'Pro Strength Remover' for everything else (which is basically acetone, with a few added ingredients). You can also get 100% acetone in the nail polish aisle at any Walmart, which is about 90% as good.

What happens if Goof Off gets on your skin?

Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation, redness, swelling and possible tissue destruction. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause dermatitis. Prolonged skin contact may result in absorption of a harmful amount of this material. May cause liver damage.

How do you make homemade Goof Off?

How to Make Homemade Goo Remover
  1. ½ cup olive or vegetable oil (either works perfectly)
  2. ⅓-1/2 cup baking soda (add more to make a thicker paste)
  3. Optional: Lemon juice OR a fragrant essential oil (commercial Goo Gone has an orange scent but you can choose any scent that you would like.)

What should I not use Goof Off on?

Goof Off is petroleum based, while Goo Gone is citrus based (mostly). Generally, the prevailing guidance is don't use Goof Off on plastic or anything that is sensitive to petroleum based substances (i.e. don't use Goof Off on painted surfaces unless you are will to deal with possible damage).

Will Goo Gone remove melted plastic?

Using Goo Gone: Follow the label directions as you apply the cleaner to the plastic. Allow it to work for several minutes and then scrape the stovetop.

Will Goof Off ruin car paint?

Goof off is definitely safe for paint but it must be used with discretion (which seems to be the point that is always missed). I've used it several times for road paint removal jobs and other industrial paint/coating removal jobs.

Will WD-40 remove adhesive?

The WD-40 Multi-Use Product will need a bit of time to soften the sticker adhesive for all the residue to be removed by a rag, so allow several minutes for the formula to sit on the area. Once the product has loosened the adhesive, use a clean rag to wipe away the rest of the sticker residue and the excess product.

What is Goof Off safe on?

Effective remover for dried latex paint, caulk, stickers, decals, glue, tar, road grime, bugs and tree sap, this super strength remover can do it all. Safe to use on baseboards, metals, glass, brick, wood, concrete, grout, fiberglass, most automotive surfaces, fully cured varnish and oil painted surfaces.

What dissolves heavy duty glue?

Apply Heat. If you are dealing with a delicate surface and are unable to use adhesive remover, acetone, rubbing alcohol, etc., a bit of heat may do the trick, without damaging the surface. Some stubborn adhesives melt or soften and become much easier to remove when heated. Heat the adhesive using a heat gun.

What precautions should be taken when using Goof Off?

Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. A source of clean water should be kept in the immediate work area for flushing of the eyes and skin. Follow all MSDS/label precautions even after container is emptied because they may retain product residues.

What solvent is in Goof Off?

Ingredients
  • Acetone. Solvent. A compound that is able to dissolve another substance and form a solution. ...
  • Xylene (mixed isomers) Solvent. A compound that is able to dissolve another substance and form a solution. ...
  • Stoddard Solvent. Solvent. ...
  • Methanol. Solvent. ...
  • Ethylbenzene. Solvent. ...
  • 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene. Solvent. ...
  • Cumene. Solvent.

What are the side effects of Goof Off?

Skin: Brief contact may cause slight skin irritation with local redness. Repeated exposure may cause irritation, even a burn. May cause more severe response on covered skin (under clothing, gloves). Inhalation: When used as directed, the consumer is not expected to experience any exposure effects.

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