Our History

First formulated in 1929 and Dettol soon found a place in the home, in addition to being used in hospitals and by doctors. Today, we are a world leading hygiene brand trusted by millions.

It all began with an innate instinct to protect

We all have an inherent nature to protect our loved ones. Whether it’s to protect our families, friends, or even the strangers in our communities - keeping people hygienic is at the forefront of our minds. But no matter who you are, the question from all sides has always been how can I most effectively protect those I care about?

Defying status quo through science

In the early 19th century, it was believed disease was caused by the imbalance of the body. Dettol took pride in progressive science that represented a new way of thinking - that disease was caused by germs we contract throughout our daily activities in life. It was later discovered that millions of illnesses can be prevented through effective hygiene practices.

Dettol was born

Fuelled by this biological instinct to help protect society and utilise our scientific expertise, Dettol embarked on a mission to create a healthier, cleaner & safer world. We began formulating high quality and efficacious products with that mission in mind. In turn, the concept of a sword (to kill harmful germs) and shield (to protect our communities) was born. Years later, we still champion this ideology and became the global hygiene leader we are today.

Efficacy, trust & education

First formulated in 1929, Dettol is the child of Albert Leopold Reckitt & Dr. William Colebrook Reynolds. It was first used for personal use, as a douching formulation for females and washing hands. Used in hospitals and by doctors, in 1933 a maternity (gynaecological and obstetric) study demonstrated that Dettol was effective in washing hands and helping o reduce illness causing bacteria and viruses. From then, it was used in hospitals and by doctors and has since evolved into the product we trust today.

1934

Dettol launched in Australia2.

1935 - 1939

Dettol was brought to people around the world in the form of antiseptic liquid, also recognised as one of our most iconic products to date.

1950

First sold over the counter in UK pharmacies

1958

Launched into UK grocery stores.

Dettol Becomes A Pioneer In Health & Hygiene Through Innovation

We didn’t want our fight against germs to end at disinfecting medical supplies and treating cuts and wounds. Hands, surfaces and clothes are also breeding grounds for bacteria that can make people sick. In 1979, Dettol began to further expand its technology, know-how, and resources to further introduce new formats to help protect more people and more places around the world in really powerful ways. And... we haven’t stopped innovating since.

As Dettol continued to grow and deliver its promise for protection, it became more loved by millions of people in over 124 countries.

The fact is, although Dettol and our protector community have improved health & hygiene affairs globally, we still have more battles we need to fight for a better world.

We keep protecting

We strive to continue to protect against germs each and every moment. No matter who you are or where you’re from. We are in this together, let’s all fight for a healthier and happier world.

Reference:

Winner Most Trusted Brand 2020. Voted by Australians & New Zealanders, Readers Digest, Household Cleaning.

First published:

26th October 2020

Last updated:

16th July 2024

Our Expertise

How to Clean Your Room
Cleaning and disinfecting your home can help remove germs. But how do you disinfect your house? Here we talk through what to clean and provide tips on cleaning methods around the house.
Bedrooms can be a haven for dust and allergens. With so many hours spent in bed every night, your bedroom is one of the most important rooms to keep clean and hygienic to prevent dust and allergens from collecting.
How to disinfect your laundry and stop the spread of germs in the wash
Doing the laundry may seem like a boring old chore, but proper laundry hygiene can be an important way to help keep you and your family healthy.
Body Odour: Causes and Prevention
Body odour, sometimes called BO, refers to unpleasant smells that our body creates, including in our breath, feet and armpits. It can be embarrassing and affect our self-confidence, but the good news is that bad body odour can usually be prevented with a few simple personal hygiene steps.
How To Clean A Toilet
Toilets can be a breeding ground, for germs because of the damp, warm conditions. These germs can easily spread into the air when you flush. Cleaning and disinfecting your toilet regularly, as well as putting the toilet lid down every time you flush, will go a long way to keeping your toilet hygienically clean.
How to Clean a Wound
Cuts and grazes are part and parcel of life. Knowing how to properly clean and treat basic minor wounds will help prevent a graze or wound becoming infected and aid in proper healing.
How to Clean Shower Glass
Glass shower screens can really add a touch of modern good looks to your bathroom – not to mention eliminate that daily battle with a wet clingy shower curtain! But so often our shower glass ends up looking cloudy and dull. So what causes this unsightly grime? And how can you get your shower screens spotless and sparkling clean again – and keep it that way?
How to Clean a Floor
Cleaning your floors is important for preventing dirt, dust and allergens from building up – but between all the different types of flooring out there, it can be hard to know the right way to go about it. Lucky for you, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you get your floor spick, span and hygienic.
How to Clean your Kitchen
The kitchen is known as the heart of the home – but it can also be a popular place for germs and bacteria to be found. Knowing how to properly clean and disinfect the different parts of your kitchen can help stop it from becoming a hotbed for germs. Here, we share kitchen cleaning tips to help keep your kitchen clean.
How to Disinfect Your House
Cleaning and disinfecting your home can help remove germs. But how do you disinfect your house? Here we talk through what to clean and provide tips on cleaning methods around the house.
Hygiene Rules in the Kitchen
Read how you can avoid food poisoning caused by food contamination, with the kitchen hygiene rules known as the four C’s.
How to Clean a Living Room
Whether you call it a lounge room, family room or rumpus room, your living rooms are probably some of the busiest areas in your home as they are the ideal place for family and friends come to relax and spend time together. Handling all that traffic can mean your living room begins to look a bit worse for wear after a while. Here, we share our best tips on how to keep your living room clean and in tip top shape for those special moments.
How to clean a bathroom
Did you know the average person visits the bathroom around five to six times a day?1 Bathrooms are an essential part of any home, but also inevitably give rise to germs.1,2 Using some simple cleaning techniques and the right products, you can help ensure your bathroom is properly disinfected to reduce the spread of germs and prevent the growth of mould.
How to Sterilise a Dummy or Baby Bottle
If your baby is fed with a bottle or uses a dummy, knowing how to make sure bottles and dummies are hygienically clean is important for your baby’s health.
Mould removal at home
No one likes to share their home with mould. Read on to find out more about mould, how it can impact your health and how to keep it out of your home.
Washing machine detergent myths, busted!
Most of us have probably learned how to do laundry from our parents, but the products and knowledge available today could mean their laundry routines aren’t necessarily the most up to date. Here, we take a look at 5 common laundry myths to separate the fact from fiction, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of every load.
Helping You Understand Those Washing Labels
Ever wonder what those washing icons mean? When it comes to taking care of your clothes, it’s easy to get confused by those complicated clothing care symbols on clothing tags. But all these laundry tag symbols are simply there to provide you with instructions for keeping your clothes looking their best for as long as possible. With this handy laundry symbols guide, Dettol is here to help take the hassle out of laundry day and explain what all of those head-scratching laundry care symbols mean.
Hand Washing for Kids
Washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap is one of the best ways to help protect you and your family from germs.
How to Clean Grout in Tiles
You’ve cleaned and mopped your tiled floors until they shine, but the grout still looks dingy – why is that? Grout is the stuff that is used to fill the gaps between and underneath tiles, helping to keep them securely in place. But because grout sits lower than the surface of the tiles, dirt and other debris that is removed from the tiles with regular sweeping or cleaning can collect in the grout lines.
Hand Sanitiser Vs Washing Hands with Soap Water
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
Science and Innovation
Our Research, Development & Innovation Centres can be found across the globe. From our main laboratory hub sitting in the US to our regional labs in the UK, China and India. It’s here we research, develop and rigorously test products to make sure they’re right for you and the home.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands regularly is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent the spread of germs.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
Nappy Change Tips with Dettol
Here we answer all your laundry- related questions. From how to clean a washing machine, to how to disinfect clothes when washing, Dettol has your laundry covered.
Where To Buy
Ingredient Transparency
Ever wondered what Dettol is made of, picked up a product, read the back of the pack and still didn’t quite understand what these ingredients are and what purpose they serve? Well, this one's for you
Dettol Antibacterial Laundry Sanitiser Gym
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
When and How to Wash Your Hands
Your hands can end up with germs picked up from the environment around you as you go about your daily life. This is normal and only becomes a potential issue when you pick up ‘bad’ germs, which can cause sickness if they get into your system. But should you be washing your hands with soap and water or is just using hand sanitiser enough? This article explores both options.
Social Impact
We believe nobody should feel powerless in protecting who and what they love. That is why delivering quality and trusted hygiene products is at the core of everything we do. We understand that good hygiene is essential for a good life.
Washing Baby Clothes: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are all the basic things to know about doing baby laundry.
Our Partners
We’re proud to be partnered with many leading organisations around the world, including The Global Hygiene Council, Healthy Habits programs in schools and many more.