Fast Orange® isn’t just a hand cleaner. It’s a game-changer. Since its launch in 1990, it has become the go-to solution for mechanics, tradespeople, and hard-working hands everywhere. What started as an innovative citrus-based alternative to harsh petroleum solvents quickly turned into the #1 heavy-duty hand cleaner in its class.
Fast Orange didn’t just show up. It earned its spot by revolutionizing how tough jobs get cleaned up. Here’s the story of how it all began, and why Fast Orange remains the trusted name in hand cleaning.
In 1990, Permatex, a company with a long history in automotive maintenance, saw an opportunity. It acquired D.L. Banite, America’s oldest hand-cleaner maker, and introduced Fast Orange: a natural, biodegradable, waterless hand cleaner with the power of citrus.
At the time, many mechanics were still using petroleum-based cleaners or even gasoline to remove grease. Fast Orange changed the game. It was tough on grime but gentle on skin, using natural orange oil and fine pumice for scrubbing power, without the sting or harsh chemical smell.
Fast Orange quickly became a staple in garages and workshops across America. By the mid-90s, it was the best-selling heavy-duty hand cleaner on the market.
Fast Orange didn’t become the industry leader by accident. It earned that reputation by consistently outperforming the competition. Mechanics, industrial workers, and DIYers trusted it because it worked, plain and simple.
As word spread, Fast Orange became the default choice for professionals and hobbyists alike. It wasn’t just a product. It was a must-have tool in every shop.
Fast Orange never stopped improving. Over the years, it introduced innovations that kept it at the forefront of hand cleaning.
Multiple Grits & Forms: From smooth lotion to pumice-infused versions, bar soap, and even wipes, Fast Orange offered something for every preference MicroGel™ Technology (2013): A reformulated version that improved cleaning power while eliminating citrus oil solvents, meeting new environmental regulations without sacrificing effectiveness Fast Orange Xtreme (2016): A professional-grade formula with 10% more cleaning power and an odor eliminator to remove petroleum smells from hands Fast Orange Pro Clean (2018): A hand cleaner developed specifically to remove latex and urethane based paints from skin. Premium Walnut Formula (2023): Introduced a walnut-shell scrub alternative, giving users a softer, skin-friendly grit option Antibacterial Fast Orange (2023): The first heavy-duty hand cleaner with antibacterial agents, killing 99% of germs while still removing stubborn greaseThrough every innovation, Fast Orange remained true to its promise: No petroleum solvents. No harsh chemicals. No grease left behind.
Fast Orange didn’t just lead the industry. It shaped it. It set the standard for biodegradable, citrus-based hand cleaners, influencing competitors to follow suit. Today, it’s a household name among professionals, with mechanics often saying, “Pass me the Fast Orange,” as if it were synonymous with hand cleaner itself.
Through it all, one thing has never changed. Fast Orange is the cleaner that gets the job done. Whether you’re an auto technician, a plumber, a farmer, or just someone with dirty hands, Fast Orange is built for you.
From a bold citrus cleaner in 1990 to a global leader in hand cleaning today, Fast Orange stayed gritty, effective, and true to the needs of people who get their hands dirty. It built its name on trust, performance, and constant reinvention.
Tough on grime. Easy on skin. No sink required.
That’s the Fast Orange way.
