Dettol at 90: A pungent whiff mixed with the sweet smell of success

But when Dettol - which is still made in Hull and celebrates its 90th anniversary this year - was first brought out, it was up against a deadly foe.In the 1920s and 1930s there was a high death rate among new mothers - over a third of those who died had blood poisoning.A Government committee discovered many women weren't using antiseptics because they could irritate the skin and were sometimes corrosive.Dettol - created by Dr William Colebrook Reynolds who had joined the city firm Reckitt & Sons in 1929 - was used in a trial at Queen Charlotte maternity hospital in London. After two years it helped reduce deaths by half.Contemporary advertising trumpeted: "Precious lives - mother and baby - everything must be done to protect them.."Many maternity hospitals use it. Take no risks - get Dettol." In the 30s the produce went global - first appearing in Australia and New Zealand followed by South Africa, then India, Canada and South America.During WW2 it was issued for use by military personnel for first aid, and when the factory on Dansom Lane was bombed it moved out to Skipton, returning to the city in 1968.Today Dettol - which keeps the sword in its branding showing it "kills off germs" - is still used for "gentle antiseptic wound cleansing" but is also sold in 124 countries in varied products including disinfectant sprays and liquids, mildew removers and kitchen cleaners.From 25 July to 22 August, Reckitt will be displaying key pieces from across Dettol’s history at Hull History Centre - including the first bottle of Dettol ever produced and the real Dettol sword, made by Wilkinson Sword.Reckitt’s Heritage Advisor will be giving a talk on 8 August, starting at 12:30pm.Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We are delighted to work with Reckitt by hosting the exhibition at Hull History Centre.“Dettol is an internationally known brand, and a product which continues to make a significant contribution to healthcare across the world. And it all started here in Hull!”