Reinstate the Traditional "Kaboom" Name to Honor Billy Mays


Reinstate the Traditional "Kaboom" Name to Honor Billy Mays
The Issue
I am a staunch admirer of Billy Mays, a celebrated television direct-response advertisement salesperson. His charm and charisma were instrumental in promoting several household products, one being the exceptional bathroom cleaner - Kaboom. I am deeply hurt and feel that they are disrespecting his memory by changing the name of the product he endorsed with such zeal to just "OxiClean bathroom spray". Billy Mays, with his signature enthusiasm, championed the Kaboom brand. His presentations not only boosted sales but also made the product a household name.
Historically, Kaboom, as endorsed by Billy Mays, achieved its sales peak in the mid-2000s, with millions of American households relying on it for their bathroom cleanliness needs. Now, changing the name that consumers associate with quality feels like an affront to both the customers and Billy Mays' memory.
In honoring Billy Mays, let's stand together to urge the product's parent company, Church & Dwight, to revert their decision and restore the iconic "Kaboom" bathroom cleaner. Sign this petition to reinstate the traditional "Kaboom" name and keep Billy Mays' legacy alive. Let us preserve his vibrant spirit embodied in the product he endorsed with such passion.
Here are 10 reasons OxiClean should change their bathroom spray's name back to Kaboom!:
Brand Recognition: Kaboom! was already a recognizable name in the cleaning industry, with a loyal customer base. Changing it to “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” risks losing that familiarity.
Catchier Name: "Kaboom!" is fun, memorable, and energetic. It immediately conveys the idea of a powerful cleaning action, while “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” is more generic and forgettable.
Appeals to Kids and Families: The name "Kaboom!" has a playful, engaging vibe that makes it more appealing to families and parents looking for an effective, fun solution. “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” feels more clinical and less inviting.
Differentiation: Kaboom! stood out in the crowded bathroom cleaner market. The OxiClean brand is already well-known, but using “OxiClean” in the product name may cause it to blend in with other OxiClean products and lose its unique identity.
Emotional Connection: The Kaboom! name built a connection with consumers who liked the fun, energetic, and explosive nature of the brand. Changing the name might feel like a loss of personality and charm.
Nostalgia: For long-time users, the Kaboom! name likely carries a sense of nostalgia and trust. Reverting to that name could reignite positive memories and create a sense of familiarity.
Strong Visual Branding: Kaboom! had a clear, visually distinctive brand identity, often with bold graphics and packaging that stood out on shelves. OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner may not have the same visual impact.
Clear Product Purpose: The name Kaboom! instantly communicates its purpose as a powerful, no-nonsense cleaner. The new name, while functional, doesn’t have the same instant impact or clarity.
Avoiding Brand Confusion: OxiClean is associated with multiple cleaning products. Using “Bathroom Cleaner” in the name may cause confusion for customers who think it’s a different product entirely, diluting the brand’s impact.
Cultural Relevance: Kaboom! is a fun word that resonates with pop culture, adding a little excitement to the everyday task of cleaning. The new name is much more mundane and doesn’t evoke the same energy or cultural relevance.
Changing the name back to Kaboom! could bring back that sense of fun, energy, and brand distinction that was so successful in the first place.
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The Issue
I am a staunch admirer of Billy Mays, a celebrated television direct-response advertisement salesperson. His charm and charisma were instrumental in promoting several household products, one being the exceptional bathroom cleaner - Kaboom. I am deeply hurt and feel that they are disrespecting his memory by changing the name of the product he endorsed with such zeal to just "OxiClean bathroom spray". Billy Mays, with his signature enthusiasm, championed the Kaboom brand. His presentations not only boosted sales but also made the product a household name.
Historically, Kaboom, as endorsed by Billy Mays, achieved its sales peak in the mid-2000s, with millions of American households relying on it for their bathroom cleanliness needs. Now, changing the name that consumers associate with quality feels like an affront to both the customers and Billy Mays' memory.
In honoring Billy Mays, let's stand together to urge the product's parent company, Church & Dwight, to revert their decision and restore the iconic "Kaboom" bathroom cleaner. Sign this petition to reinstate the traditional "Kaboom" name and keep Billy Mays' legacy alive. Let us preserve his vibrant spirit embodied in the product he endorsed with such passion.
Here are 10 reasons OxiClean should change their bathroom spray's name back to Kaboom!:
Brand Recognition: Kaboom! was already a recognizable name in the cleaning industry, with a loyal customer base. Changing it to “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” risks losing that familiarity.
Catchier Name: "Kaboom!" is fun, memorable, and energetic. It immediately conveys the idea of a powerful cleaning action, while “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” is more generic and forgettable.
Appeals to Kids and Families: The name "Kaboom!" has a playful, engaging vibe that makes it more appealing to families and parents looking for an effective, fun solution. “OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner” feels more clinical and less inviting.
Differentiation: Kaboom! stood out in the crowded bathroom cleaner market. The OxiClean brand is already well-known, but using “OxiClean” in the product name may cause it to blend in with other OxiClean products and lose its unique identity.
Emotional Connection: The Kaboom! name built a connection with consumers who liked the fun, energetic, and explosive nature of the brand. Changing the name might feel like a loss of personality and charm.
Nostalgia: For long-time users, the Kaboom! name likely carries a sense of nostalgia and trust. Reverting to that name could reignite positive memories and create a sense of familiarity.
Strong Visual Branding: Kaboom! had a clear, visually distinctive brand identity, often with bold graphics and packaging that stood out on shelves. OxiClean: Bathroom Cleaner may not have the same visual impact.
Clear Product Purpose: The name Kaboom! instantly communicates its purpose as a powerful, no-nonsense cleaner. The new name, while functional, doesn’t have the same instant impact or clarity.
Avoiding Brand Confusion: OxiClean is associated with multiple cleaning products. Using “Bathroom Cleaner” in the name may cause confusion for customers who think it’s a different product entirely, diluting the brand’s impact.
Cultural Relevance: Kaboom! is a fun word that resonates with pop culture, adding a little excitement to the everyday task of cleaning. The new name is much more mundane and doesn’t evoke the same energy or cultural relevance.
Changing the name back to Kaboom! could bring back that sense of fun, energy, and brand distinction that was so successful in the first place.
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The Decision Makers
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Petition created on March 18, 2025