Acetone (aka nail polish remover) safe for carbon rims?
Muc Off rim tape leaves a nasty residue that other, replacement tapes refuse to stick to. Have tried isopropyl alcohol (91%) but some spots simply remain tacky after repeated scrubbing.
Am also considering:
(kidding…)Effetto Mariposa’s ‘Carogna Remover’ would probably do it, if you can find it anywhere - it’s tubular glue removal stuff.
Acetone is safe on epoxy matrix but probably not your best bet for a rubbery adhesive. Your best bets are things from the terpene family eg limonene (citrus oil), pinene (gum turpentine) or cineole (eucalyptus oil), or a substituted aromatic like xylene or toluene. These have lower polarity and hydrogen bonding parameters so are more compatible with isoprenoids and similar.
The terpenes are probably more effective than the aromatics, definitely less toxic and very definitely more expensive. Ethyl acetate is slightly better than acetone but probably not enough to make a difference.
If melamine foam works, it works. Since this is mechanical it’s hard to predict. It will do no harm.
Long version: rubbers are polymers of isoprene which is fairly non polar, Hansen parameters are 14.7, 1.4, 4.1. On the principle that like dissolves like, you need a solvent with low but not zero polarity and hydrogen bonding numbers. Of commonly available non toxic solvents, terpenes with typical numbers around 17, 5, 4 are a good bet. These are also sustainably produced.
Acetone is 15.5, 10.4, 7.0 so it’s too polar and it’s a petrochemical. Ethyl acetate is slightly better, 16.7, 4.3, 7.2 and is usually produced from ethanol.
Substituted aromatics like toluene are somewhat less polar (around 18, 1, 2) but also likely to work. They require more stringent handling protocols due to respiratory toxicity and are also petrochemicals.
Came for the cycling, stayed for the organic chemistry!
I have successfully used Goo Gone when necessary. Some tapes are worse than others with leaving a residue.
My problem experience with Acetone was the rapid evaporation rate.
I recently had this problem, and after trying acetone, Citrol (a citrus cleaner), and IPA w/ cheap microfiber cloths, switching to scotchbrite pads soaked in IPA finally worked well enough to get the replacement tape to stick. Still took a fair bit of scrubbing to get the rim clean though.
Based on an above reply, sounds like citrol and scotchbrite pads probably would have worked been even better.
From the class of workshop chemicals a friend referred to as “methyl ethyl badstuff” 
Sorry, Muc Off tubeless rim tape claimed another victim!
I don’t think I have tried acetone but I have tried Goo Gone and Mötsenböcker Lift Off adhesive remover (I think it’s known as Lift Off now) and even with them, I needed tons of elbow grease and a whole lotta time to completely remove the stubborn Muc Off adhesive.
Not sure where you are. In the US, De-Solv-It comes in a contractor’s grade at Ace Hardware stores. This is the application data from the MSDS: ”Removal of asphalt, roofing tar, road tar, grease, oil, wet oil-based lacquers, paints, & stains, adhesives, caulk, mastic, liquid foam insulation, silicone sealant, water seal and similar products.” Sounds like it would do what you want. It’s citrus-based, so pretty benign.
Yes, Scotch-Brite will get usually the job done, but perhaps at cost? Exercise caution. Some hoops are anodized and they are indeed durable, but Scotch-Brite will quickly defeat the anodized surface.
I usually have no issues with adhesive residue using Stan’s Tape. I don’t use heat, it usually makes adhesive gummy. Rarely use a chemical cleaner, but I have had to on some buddy’s hoops.
I had pretty much the same thoughts as @Lyrebird_Cycles_Mark_Kelly when I read the OP.
If IPA won’t shift it then you’re unlikely to have much luck with acetone, but it’s worth a try if you happen to have some lying around.
A concentrated citrus degreaser (active ingredient: limonene) would be a good bet. Some of the bike branded stuff is fairly dilute, which might work fine but if you’re buying something specifically for this job it’s probably worth getting something you can dilute to the appropriate concentration yourself.
If you go down the melamine foam route, you might have more success if you heat the glue gently with a hair drier to melt it slightly.
I’ve used heat (a hairdryer; if I had a heat gun I would use that) with “good” results. I would recommend a heat tolerant glove so use don’t burn your thumb/finger. A tongue depressor or Popsicle stick would be a better choice. I look into some of the chemical options as well.
If you can find it, Sol-U-Mel concentrate from Melaleuca would be good to try. It is a staple in my shop to remove adhesive residue without damage.
Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) is a mix of terpenes, one of which is cineole (Eucalyptus oil).
I’ve had good luck using WD-40 to remove stubborn tape residue
To avoid further occurrences of the OP’s experience, does Tesa 4289 tape do the job? Specifically, is its cleanup easier?