Can Goo Gone Be Used On Electronics?

Electronics have become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones to laptops, we rely on these devices daily. When sticky residues or unwanted labels tarnish their appearance, we naturally look for effective cleaning solutions. One popular product that comes to mind is Goo Gone. But the question that comes to mind is:

Can Goo Gone be used on electronics?

The answer to this is almost always: NO. Do not use Goo Gone on your electronics. When talking about anything with a display (like LCD Monitors, laptop screens, smartphones, etc.) the answer is always a resounding NO! Goo Gone will permanently damage your screen and you’ll have to replace it. Looking more broadly at electronics boards and circuits – the answer is also NO! Goo gone can damage circuit boards and leave residue behind that will be nearly impossible to clean out.

Goo Gone should not be used on electronics or items that could be sensitive to the chemicals in the product. The chemicals in Goo Gone may cause irreversible damage. While Goo Gone is safe to use on many common surfaces, including wood, carpet, glass, fabric, and sealed stone, the manufacturer says it should not be used on things like electronics, silk, or leather. You should also avoid applying or spraying liquids directly, as you can easily get it inside crevices, possibly damaging your computer, smartphone, or other electronics device.

So what can it be used for?

If you know what you’re doing, you can use a small amount of Goo Gone applied to a cloth to clean or remove things like stickers on the plastic casing of your desktop/laptop or non-Display touching portions of your portable devices. We don’t recommend doing this because the risks of the chemical coming in contact with your display may be there (use Isopropyl alcohol instead) but if you want to accept that risk then go ahead. Let’s learn more about Goo Gone.

---

Understanding Goo Gone: What is it?

Goo Gone is a renowned adhesive remover, best known for its efficacy in eliminating sticky residues, gum, and labels. Made primarily from petroleum-based components and citrus extracts, it works wonders on various surfaces. But should it be used on sensitive electronic devices? Let’s delve deeper.

---

Benefits of Using Goo Gone on Electronics

1. Effective Adhesive Removal: Goo Gone easily breaks down stubborn adhesives that are often challenging to remove.
2. Gentle on Surfaces: When used correctly, it doesn’t scratch or damage most surfaces.
3. Pleasant Citrus Scent: Unlike other chemical solvents, Goo Gone has a pleasant aroma, thanks to its citrus ingredients.

---

Potential Risks and Considerations

• Potential Harm to Screen Coatings: Electronic screens, especially touchscreens, have sensitive coatings that Goo Gone may affect.
• Possible Ingress into Devices: If used excessively, there’s a risk of the solution seeping into the device, which might damage internal components.
• Residual Film: Sometimes, Goo Gone can leave a slight oily residue, which may require additional cleaning.

---

Safe Usage: Steps to Use Goo Gone on Electronics

1. Turn off the Device: Ensure the device is off and unplugged.
2. Apply Sparingly: Less is more. Use a minimal amount on a soft cloth.
3. Gentle Application: Rub the area gently without applying excessive pressure.
4. Wipe Off: After cleaning, wipe off any residue with a clean, dry cloth.

---

Alternative Cleaning Solutions for Electronics

If you’re hesitant about using Goo Gone, consider these alternatives:

• Isopropyl Alcohol: Effective and safe for most electronics.
• Microfiber Cloth: Ideal for screens and sensitive surfaces.
• Electronic Cleaning Wipes: Specifically designed for gadget cleaning.

---

Personal Experience and Recommendations

I remember trying to get a sticker off my laptop before trying to sell it. At that time I had no idea that Goo Gone was even dangerous to LCD screen so I sprayed it on the inside casing (next to the touchpad). No big deal right? Well, when you close the laptop up the screen comes close enough to that casing that the Goo Gone residue I didn’t get off transferred over and ruined my LCD. An expensive lesson learned. Use isopropyl alcohol.

---

FAQs

Can Goo Gone damage electronics? Yes, if used improperly, Goo Gone can damage electronic devices, especially if it seeps into internal components or removes essential screen coatings.

Is Goo Gone safe for all types of screens? No. While it might be safe for some screens, it can damage others, especially touchscreens with sensitive coatings.

How often can I use Goo Gone on my devices? Use it sparingly and only when necessary. Overuse might result in damage.

Are there any electronic devices I should avoid using Goo Gone on? Avoid using Goo Gone on devices with water-resistant seals, as it might degrade the sealing components.

Can Goo Gone affect the functionality of my device? If Goo Gone enters the device, it can potentially affect its functionality.

Is there a risk-free method to use Goo Gone on electronics? Always test on a small area first, use sparingly, and ensure the device is off and unplugged.

---

Conclusion

In essence, while Goo Gone is a miraculous adhesive remover, there are almost no applications for it in electronics. With the above insights, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision and ensure the longevity and pristine condition of your gadgets.