Dettol

Dettol

Dettol is a brand of cleaning supplies and disinfectant and antiseptic, introduced in 1932 and the Reckitt Benckiser Group currently produces and distributes it. The product name is derived from its original chemical compound, para-dichlorobenzyl alcohol.

History

The Dettol brand was launched in 1932 by Reckitt Benckiser, a British multinational consumer goods company. The product was initially used in hospitals for cleaning and disinfection, and was later marketed to consumers for general household cleaning.

Composition

The active ingredient in Dettol that confers its antiseptic property is chloroxylenol (C8H9ClO), an aromatic chemical compound. Chloroxylenol comprises 4.8% of Dettol's total admixture, with the rest made up of pine oil, isopropanol, castor oil, soap and water.

Uses

Dettol is used for multiple purposes, including first aid and medical, personal hygiene, and household cleaning. It can be used for bathing, mopping, laundry and other household chores. Dettol is also commonly used in Australia to kill cane toads, which are a pest species.

Safety

Dettol Antiseptic Disinfectant Liquid should always be used as directed. Undiluted Dettol can be used for urgent applications but not for sensitive skin and eczematous conditions. They also should not be used on the broken skin or wounds.

See also

• List of cleaning products
• Antiseptic
• Disinfectant
• Reckitt Benckiser