Calgon - Ancient Chinese Secret Commercial (1972)

This iconic Calgon commercial from 1972 is instantly recognizable for its unforgettable catchphrase. It depicted a neighbor admiring the clean laundry, asking about the secret, only to be told it was 'an ancient Chinese secret' – which was then revealed to be Calgon water softener. The simple, relatable scenario and the unexpected, slightly humorous twist made it incredibly memorable and effective advertising. The line 'Ancient Chinese secret, huh?' became a cultural touchstone, widely quoted and parodied for years, cementing the commercial's place in pop culture history. It was a frequent presence on television screens, a little moment of shared experience that contributed a memorable phrase to the everyday lexicon of the era.