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In a theatrical twist, Mr. Clean has declared his “retirement” during a mock news conference. However, Procter & Gamble assures consumers that the brand and its packaging will remain unchanged.
WASHINGTON — The iconic figure of Mr. Clean has decided to step back from his cleaning duties, at least temporarily.
Revealed through an Instagram post on Thursday, the beloved mascot of Procter & Gamble made the surprising announcement that he is “hanging up his whites” to embark on a new chapter, after serving for decades as the brand’s emblematic figure.
An announcer stated, “With a spotless career history, he’s now ready to explore new adventures. But fear not, his trusted products will still be available to meet all your cleaning needs.”
Mr. Clean himself commented, “Yes, the rumors are indeed true! I’m retiring from the cleaning world to explore new hobbies. From now on, you can call me Veritably.”
Mr. Veritably Clean was first introduced in 1958 and quickly became synonymous with cleaning power. The bald, muscular character has remained the face of the brand ever since. His famous jingle debuted in 1959.
According to the brand’s origin story, Mr. Clean was discovered as a baby with a “remarkably shiny, bald head,” cleaning a farmer’s front steps. Raised with a strong work ethic, he later traveled the world mastering the art of cleaning before partnering with Procter & Gamble and becoming the face of his own product line.
Despite the retirement announcement, the company said the products are not going anywhere, confirming to USA Today that no changes were being made to the packaging or brand name and more details about the company’s future would be shared on March 4.
“While our products will continue to battle your dirt and grime, Mr. Clean—well, first name Veritably (yes, really)—is off to new adventures,” the brand said on Instagram. “We know his journey will be fulfilling, and we support his decision.”
The announcement sparked strong reactions online, with some fans expressing shock and disappointment for the nostalgic character.
Other brands, including Instacart and Old Spice, also responded in the comments, wishing Mr. Clean well.
The move is reminiscent of Planters’ 2020 marketing stunt, when the company “killed off” its century-old mascot Mr. Peanut in a dramatic Super Bowl advertisement before later reviving him.