A mascot that was first introduced to the American public in 1958 is set to retire. The mascot of the Procter & Gamble-owned product Mr. Clean, which shares the same name with the brand, is being retired despite being a highly recognizable figure within the world of consumerism.
Mr. Clean is Retiring After Almost Seven Decades
The familiar bald-headed mascot, who is usually seen wearing a white t-shirt and a gold earring, will no longer represent the brand. Mr. Clean announced that the product’s mascot would be retiring in a humorous TikTok video.
Emphasizing the fact that the mascot is taking on a new role, the character wore a blue Hawaiian button-down shirt and dark sunglasses rather than his more familiar outfit. The mascot can be seen in the video standing at a podium as if he is giving a press conference. Concluding his speech, Mr. Clean dropped the microphone on the floor but also wiped down all of the equipment with the cleaning product.
“It’s true, Mr. Clean has announced his retirement,” the company announced. “After a career with zero stains on the record, he’s ready for new adventures. But don’t worry, his products will continue to be available to support all your cleaning needs.”
“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 caption to the video reads. “We know his journey will be fulfilling, and we support his decision.”
The statement in the caption continued, “As he steps into retirement, he is poised to embark on new adventures, promising to cherish his time and experiences. This transition marks the end of an era for Mr. Clean, but fans can take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through the products that will continue to fight stubborn dirt and grime.”
It concludes, “His decision to retire is met with support and enthusiasm, as many look forward to seeing where his new journey leads. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting chapter!”
Mr. Clean Confirms His Retirement on Instagram
Whether Mr. Clean is genuinely disappearing or if this is all some marketing ploy isn’t completely clear. However, the brand also posted to Instagram that included a screenshot of a Notes app message seemingly from the mascot himself.
“I’m saying goodbye to the world of cleaning in pursuit of new hobbies,” he wrote in the message. “Stay Clean.”
Meanwhile, the accompanying caption to the social meda post reads, “I’ve seen it all, cleaned it all. I think it’s finally time to hang up my white shirt.”
As for what Mr. Clean has been up to since his retirement? The company shared snaps of their former mascot DJing at a nightclub, hitting the slopes, running a marathon, experimenting in the kitchen and going on hikes.
In subsequent posts to social media, the company has shared photographs of Mr. Clean taking part in a series of activities in his retirement, including running a marathon and DJing at a trendy nightclub.
