Goop Hand Cleaner History

Veteran Founded, Family Owned & Made in the U.S.A. Since 1949

The Goop brand began with a single, waterless hand cleaner and has grown into a complete range of products designed for tough, specialized cleaning. Goop Multi-Purpose Hand Cleaner was the original waterless hand cleaner introduced in 1949. It removes almost anything from your hands while also being kind to your skin, with or without water.

But the story of GOOP really started back in 1943, when the founder, John Critzas, was drafted at the young age of 18 to serve his country in World War II. As a Sherman tank gunner in the 12th Armored Division under General George Patton, John belonged to the group of brave young men known as the Hellcats. During his service, he took part in numerous heroic missions, including rescues and concentration camp liberations.

After his return to civilian life, John founded his company in 1949. The same manufacturing facility that has produced all Goop Hand Cleaners is still in operation today.

Located in St. Louis, the company remains a family-owned and operated business. The Critzas family has continued John’s legacy and take great pride in the quality of their fine, American-made Goop brand, the choice of do-it-yourselfers all over the world.

Goop serves a multitude of industries and has a very strong global presence. It can be found in the automotive, hardware, janitorial, construction, agricultural, mining, oil and military markets. Goop products have built a reputation for being able to ‘remove almost anything, from almost everything’– your hands, your clothes, your pets, and just about everything else!

To help preserve the memories and experiences of members of the 12th Armored Division, John was one of four veterans who founded the Twelfth Armored Division Memorial Museum in Abilene, Texas. Its primary mission is to provide education about World War II, its effect on the American people and the world, and to help ensure the atrocities committed will never be repeated.