Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off: What’s Better, Goof Off Or Goo Gone?

Are you having difficulty getting rid of a tough adhesive like super glue or something of your vehicle’s surface? What surface do you intend to clean on your vehicle? These are a few questions you must answer when considering what to use between Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off.

Both adhesive removers are popular for wiping off stains, dirt, grime, or any other adhesive on a vehicle’s body, rim, or interior. However, manufacturers have strictly warned users on the procedure for using adhesive removers.

While one may be okay for light stains, it may not be very effective for tough adhesives. On the other hand, another may be okay for tough adhesives but result in unexpected damages to the surface of a vehicle. So, what makes Goo Gone different from Goof Off? Let’s find out.

Goo Gone

Goo Gone

Goo Gone is an adhesive remover/cleaning solvent formulated with chemicals, including citrus (which produces a nice scent) for the removal of stubborn stains, dirt, scuff, or grime.

Goo Gone is produced with tolerable chemicals that do not harm or damage the surfaces on which it is applied. Unlike some other adhesive removers and cleaners, Goo Gone does not contain petroleum-based ingredients which are capable of causing harm on surfaces.

Goo Gone works so flawlessly, as it can clear off any residue from stickers that are removed off a glass or any surface. It can also deal with grease, gum, fiberglass stain, scuff, etc. And It only requires a little application of Goo Gone to wipe off stains from any adhesive.

Pros of Goo Gone

  • Produces a nice scent due to the presence of citrus.
  • Does not damage the surfaces on which it is applied.
  • Applicable on different surfaces.
  • Helps to remove window decals easily.

Cons

  • Ineffective (compared to Goof Off) for removing extremely tough adhesives.
  • Leaves oil on surfaces after cleaning.
  • Content is liable to wastage due to wide opening during application (in the bottle form).

Goof Off

Goof Off

Goof Off is an adhesive remover/cleaner formulated with chemicals, including acetone, which is the main base ingredient. It is a tough adhesive remover manufactured with an ultra-potent formula that is capable of removing super glue, gorilla glue, epoxy, acrylic glue, etc.

Goof Off is manufactured by WM Barr Company in Memphis, TN, USA. Goof Off comes with such a design that makes it easy to apply without wastage. It also ensures no trace of any residue from the adhesives it removes after being applied.

Pros of Goof Off

  • Easy to apply due to spray-pattern container design.
  • Very effective in removing tough stains from super glue, gorilla glue, etc.
  • Applicable on different surfaces, including metal, wood, fabric, etc.
  • Convenient aerosol can for use.

Cons

  • Contains highly concentrated chemicals; hence, it must be used with carefulness.
  • The product may leave drip lines or any other marks when used on car paint.
  • The product cannot be applied to plastic, synthetic, and Formica materials.

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off Differences

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off

It is essential to critically understand the difference between Goo Gone and Goof Off to enable you to choose the adhesive remover that is suitable for the kind of surface you intend to apply it on.

Goo Gone and Goof Off have several pros and cons, and as such, they must be critically considered when making a final decision on which adhesive is best for you.

On its top, it is important to note that every product comes with advantages and disadvantages. However, the usefulness of a product can be dependent on the extent of its advantages over its disadvantages and vice versa.

So, while some people may opine that Goo Gone is better than Goof Off because it is not harsh on surfaces such as car paint, others may argue in support of Goof Off due to its ability to wipe off extremely tough stains from different kinds of glues, etc. In any case, it is essential to consider their differences.

 

Goo Gone Automotive

Goof Off

Purpose To clean dirt, grease, grime, and other sticky messes. To wipe off extremely tough adhesive that other adhesive remover may not clean.
Performance Very effective on minor stains. Very effective on tough adhesives.
Odor Citrus scent Petroleum smell
Weight 11.7 ounces 1 pound
Product Dimension 1.75 x 3.7 x 8.63 inches 3 x 3 x 8 inches
Safety precaution Not inflammable.

Not toxic to skin.

Does not contain ozone depleter and air pollutants.

Relatively inflammable.

Pretty toxic when intensive contact is established with skin.

Price Relative cheaper than Goof Off. More expensive than Goo Gone.

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off Performance

Goo Gone works perfectly well when used to clear off dirt, stain, grease, or grime from a vehicle’s paint. It is also very effective in cleaning the interior of a car, apart from leather surfaces. However, the solvent is not very effective in cleaning off extremely tough adhesives.

Conversely, goof off is tested and trusted when it comes to cleaning off any kinds of stains, especially tough adhesive like gorilla glue, epoxy, etc. To your liking, it leaves no trace of residue when applied to clean stains or remove stickers from glass.

However, its highly concentrated chemicals make it harmful to some surfaces like car paint. You cannot also apply Goof Off on plastic materials.

Manufacturers instruct that users should try a little of the solvent on a minor area of the entire surface to be cleaned in order to ascertain whether the solvent will cause harm or not before moving on to clean the surface completely.

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off Safety Precautions

Safety precautions are very important when choosing a product because the lives of the user and those around are more important than whatever purpose the product serves.

Flammability

Goo Gone can be used on virtually all surfaces and things, including dryer drums, ovens, etc. because its ingredients are not flammable. You only need to wash off the solvent from the surface with soap and water after applying it.

On the other hand, Goof Off is highly flammable due to acetone, a petroleum-based ingredient. No wonder the manufacturer warns users never to use the solvent except in well-ventilated areas and also to keep the product away from open fire and heat.

Toxicity

Goo Gone’s ingredients are not toxic to the skin, and the solvent is not irritating to the eyes, as well as the skin. Hence, they have a certification of Federal Hazardous Substance.

In contrast, Goof Off can be toxic when absorbed through the human skin and result in mild irritation, burns, and severe pain.

However, the effect depends on the intensity of the contact established. It can also dry the human skin if contact is repeated over time. If you were wondering, “What is Goof Off made of?” One major ingredient that is pretty toxic is acetone.

It is crucial to note that these adhesive removers must be kept out of children’s reach, and older children may be allowed to use them under strict supervision.

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off Purpose

Goo Gone is specifically designed for cleaning up stains, dirt, and sticky substances from surfaces. It can be used in the home and on car surfaces such as the body, rims, and interior.

In a nutshell, Goo Gone is meant to clean dirt or stains that are relatively less tough compared to those that only Goof Off can handle.

Goof Off spray is designed with highly concentrated chemicals to clear off extremely tough adhesives or stains such as gorilla glue, super glue, etc. Therefore, Goof Off is more effective on tough stains.

Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off Price

Goo Gone is relatively cheaper than Goof Off. It costs only $7 for a bottle weighing around 8 ounces. On the other hand, Goof Off is quite expensive. A bottle of around 4 ounces of Goof Off costs between $8 and $9.

However, Goof Off is very effective, especially on tough adhesives; hence, it’s highly expensive compared to Goo Gone. So, when considering Goof off vs. Goo Gone, ensure to take cognizance of their prices.

What’s Better, Goof Off Or Goo Gone

Goo Gone and Goof Off are two great adhesive removers. However, when considering which is better, it is important to take note of the ingredients of both adhesive removers.

Goof Off produces a petroleum odor, while Goo Gone contains citrus, which gives it a pleasant smell. Meanwhile, the acetone in Goof Off does not leave an oily or greasy residue on surfaces like Goo Gone.

Also, since Goof Off contains highly concentrated chemicals that are harmful to certain surfaces, it would be best to use it on tough adhesives. In contrast, Goo Gone can be used more on dirt or stains that are not very tough.

Therefore, choosing the best product between Goo Gone and Goof Off depends on the purpose for which you intend to the adhesive remover.

Goo Gone would be best if it is on a fragile surface like a car’s paint or delicate interior parts. On the other hand, if the adhesive you intend to remove is a very stubborn and tough one, you will have to go for Goof Off.

FAQs

Q: Is there anything better than Goo Gone?

If you have battled with a very stubborn adhesive for a long time, even after applying some of the best adhesive removers like Goo Gone, the best alternative to try would be vinegar. A mixture of vinegar, liquid dish soap, and warm water is a very effective formula to use.

So, would you rather continue to struggle with fighting a tough adhesive on any of your car’s surfaces? Why not try out the vinegar, liquid soap, and warm water formula? The result can be magical.

Another proven adhesive that fights stubborn dirt, grimes, and scuff is goof off. However, if your Goo Gone works effectively for you, it’s okay to stick to it.

Q: What is the strongest adhesive remover?

Goof Off Pro Strength Remover is the strongest adhesive remover due to its toughness on very stubborn adhesive, especially super glue. No wonder the adhesive is also referred to as “Goof Off Pro Strength Super Glue Remover.”

So, if you think you’ve seen a tough adhesive remover, you haven’t seen it all until you use the Goof Off Pro Strength Super Glue Remover.

The adhesive remover has the capacity to deal with Gorilla glue, epoxy, and any other difficult adhesive that has proven stubborn to other adhesive removers.

Q: Is acetone and Goof Off the same thing?

Goof Off was manufactured containing xylene; for the update, the recent Goof Off is based on acetone. Technically, it is an improvement of the old Goof Off. For a reminder, California prohibits the sales of xylene and other products that contain the substance.

The prohibition on xylene in California is probably the reason the new Goof Off is based on acetone. However, if the differences between xylene and acetone are critically considered, it may be a better ground to judge between the two organic chemicals.

Xylene is pretty cheaper and relatively less toxic organic compound compared to acetone. So, since acetone is an organic compound that is contained in the new Goof Off; hence, it may be okay to say they are the same.

Q: Is Goo Gone automotive different than regular Goo Gone?

Goo Gone automotive and the regular Goo Gone seem to be similar quite similar. However, the fact that the former is tagged “Automotive” is a message that must be driven home. That means it would be best to stick to using the Goo Gone Automotive for your car.

It is assumed that the regular Goo Gone was repackaged and renamed “Goo Gone Automotive.” Notwithstanding, ensure to use the Goo Gone Automotive for vehicles instead of the regular Goo Gone, since the manufacturer intends that the automotive crowd should use it.

Q: Does Goof Off hurt car paint?

When using Goof Off on a car’s surface, especially the painted area, it is important to be very careful. Goof Off can be safe on a car’s paint if you adhere to the warning, instructing users to test it on a little surface area before moving on with a wide surface.

It is also recommended that users should leave Goof Off on the car’s surface for a few minutes (maybe 3 to 5 minutes) before wiping it off gently, little by little. If you also need to use the Goof Off paint remover, ensure to pay attention to the instructions.

So, to avoid damaging your vehicle’s paint with Goof Off, you must adhere to the warning and every other instruction provided by the manufacturers on how to use Goof Off. Otherwise, you may be risking unexpected damage to your car’s paint.

Final Words

Undoubtedly, Goo Gone Vs. Goof Off is quite a contemplation that requires critical analysis of both adhesive removers. A lot of information has been unveiled about the two adhesive removers, and as such, you should be able to choose the best product that suits your need.

Once again, it is crucial to note that Goo Gone is better for stains or dirt that are not very tough to remove; otherwise, you would need to use Goof Off.

Also, note that although Goof Off is very effective, it can cause serious damage to some surfaces like car paint, plastic, etc., if care is not taken.

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Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

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