E! News reported—or published corporate public relations hype—on the apparent retirement of Mr. Clean.
It’s likely a lame campaign stunt. After all, retiring a beloved White critter has received public backlash in recent years, as evidenced by the unretirement of the Cracker Barrel Old Timer.
No way will Mr. Clean be allowed to fade away, especially once news of his erasure reaches the brand’s significant White supremacist—er, supermarket—constituents.
Expect Old White Guys and Old White Gals to cry Mr. Clean is the victim of ageism too.
Mr. Clean Announces His Retirement After 68 Years on the Job
The Mr. Clean brand shared that its mascot, also named Mr. Clean, would be retiring after nearly 70 years. But it seems the bald icon has some exciting plans for the future.
By Brahmjot Kaur
Mr. Veritably Clean is putting down the magic eraser.
After all, the Mr. Clean brand confirmed that its bald-headed mascot has stepped down from his role after nearly seven decades.
“It’s true, Mr. Clean has announced his retirement,” the company announced in a Feb. 18 TikTok video. “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.”
And he’s already on island time. While Mr. Clean—who was introduced by the company in 1957—opted for a blue Hawaiian button-down at the press conference, his iconic white shirt was displayed in a frame alongside the podium. He concluded the meeting with a mic drop, although he was sure to wipe down the equipment before exiting.
The faux press conference was depicted as a live stream, with one user in the video commenting, “End of an era!” Meanwhile, another teased, “He looks too young to retire.”
Alongside the announcement, the company shared insight into the future of its cleaning supplies.
“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 read. “We know his journey will be fulfilling, and we support his decision.”
Mr. Clean was also sure to give his own statement after the news.
“I’m saying goodbye to the world of cleaning in pursuit of new hobbies,” he wrote in a Notes app screenshot posted on the company’s social media accounts Feb. 19. “Stay Clean.”
“I’ve seen it all, cleaned it all,” he added in the caption. “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.
“New hobby, who dis?” the Feb. 24 TikTok caption quipped. “Who said retirement had to be boring… #NewBeginnings #Reset.”
And he’s officially going by his first name, Veritably. As the company teased in their Feb. 23 TikTok post, “The name’s Veritably — Mr. Very if you’re clean.”
