Iconic mascot stepping down after 68 years

Mr. Clean, the ageless, earring-clad icon of Procter & Gamble, is officially stepping down from his post as the face of floor wax and Magic Erasers. The brand announced that the mascot is retiring to pursue “new adventures,” leaving behind a legacy of sparkling surfaces and millions of homeowners who wonder how a man manages to stay that buff while spending all his time in a laundry room.

Since his debut in 1958, the mascot—who looks like a cross between a Navy SEAL and a helpful genie—has become a household staple. Fans took to social media this week to bid farewell to the man who convinced generations that a damp piece of white foam was a more effective cleaning tool than literal elbow grease.

“Is he going to a tropical island? Does he finally have a last name?” one Twitter user asked, echoing the sentiments of a nation that has spent nearly seven decades not asking why a man who cleans for a living wears a blindingly white outfit.

While some speculate that he is simply tired of explaining that he is not, in fact, a member of a local CrossFit gym, P&G representatives remained vague about his post-retirement plans. Whether he is sailing the high seas or finally auditioning for a role in a Fast & Furious sequel remains to be seen.

Industry experts say the departure marks the end of an era for brand mascots, most of whom have either been “modernized” into terrifying CGI monsters or quietly retired to the great pantry in the sky.

As of Tuesday, there were no reports on who—or what—will take over the task of looking disappointed at the grime in your shower. For now, the public is encouraged to use their remaining Magic Erasers with a sense of somber reverence.

The company has not confirmed if the retirement package includes a lifetime supply of bleach or a shirt with actual sleeves.