Mr. Clean, the Bald, Broad-Shouldered Cleaning Mascot, Retires

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by Alexandra E. Petri

February 25, 2026

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Mr. Clean, the iconic bald mascot known for his association with household cleaning products, has retired after a 68-year career. The character, created in the mid-1950s by Procter & Gamble (P&G), became a symbol of their detergent-based cleaner, with Mr. Black's design featuring a smiling bald man with a nose ring, inspired by genie imagery. Over the decades, Mr. Clean transitioned from radio and TV ads to becoming a staple in grocery stores, representing products like Magic Erasers and various cleaning tools. His retirement was announced on social media, hinting at new adventures beyond cleaning, including potential careers as a disc jockey or chef. The origins of Mr. Clean date back to the 1950s when P&G commissioned artist Richard Black to create a marketing character for their new detergent-based cleaner. The company chose a design featuring a bald man with a nose ring, symbolizing the "magic" of cleaning. This character, known as Mr. Clean, first appeared in 1958 and quickly became synonymous with household cleaning products. Over time, Mr. Clean evolved into a recognizable figure in ads and on store shelves, with his image adorning various cleaning tools and products. While the retirement announcement confirmed that Mr. Clean's packaging will remain unchanged, the future of the brand's mascot is uncertain. P&G has yet to reveal plans for a successor or whether Mr. Clean will pass the mantle to an heir. This retirement marks a significant shift in branding strategy, reflecting broader trends in consumer products and marketing. As companies adapt to changing consumer preferences, the departure of such a long-standing icon signals potential shifts in how brands connect with audiences.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026