Household & personal care · Yado Market Blog
What Is Dettol? Antiseptic Liquid, Soap & How People Use It
In many African and Caribbean homes, Dettol is a medicine-cabinet staple. Here's what it is, what's in it, how people use it for first aid, bathing and cleaning, and the safety rules everyone should know.
Quick answer: Dettol is a brand of antiseptic products. The classic Dettol liquid is a concentrated antiseptic whose active ingredient is chloroxylenol (4.8%). Diluted in water, it's used to clean minor cuts and grazes, for personal hygiene, and as a household disinfectant. It must always be diluted and should never be swallowed.
What's inside
What Is Dettol Made Of?
Classic Dettol antiseptic liquid contains 4.8% chloroxylenol, an antiseptic that kills a wide range of bacteria, along with pine oil, isopropyl alcohol, castor oil, soap and water. That's where its famous pine scent comes from. The concentrate is amber, and it turns milky white when you add it to water.
The Dettol name also covers other products, like antibacterial bar soap, body wash and wipes, which are gentler everyday products and are used differently from the concentrate. Formulas vary by country, so always read your label.
How People Use Dettol Liquid
Minor cuts & grazes
Diluted Dettol is used to cleanse minor wounds from cuts, grazes, bites and insect stings, then covered with a clean dressing.
Personal hygiene
Some people add a small, measured amount to bath water, as the label allows, for a fresh, clean feeling.
Household surfaces
Diluted in water, it's used to wipe down hard surfaces like sinks, counters and floors.
Laundry
A capful added to the rinse cycle is a common way to freshen towels, linens and cloth diapers.
Always dilute
How to Dilute Dettol Liquid
Dettol's own labels give directions like these. Strengths and directions can differ between countries, so always follow the label on your bottle.
1 tbsp in ½ pint
Minor wounds: about 15 ml of Dettol in roughly 250 ml (half a pint) of water. Clean the area, then cover with dry gauze.
20 ml in 400 ml
Household surfaces: a 1:20 mix, about one capful in 400 ml of water. Discard leftover solution after use.
30 ml per bath
Bath or laundry rinse: about 30 ml (two tablespoons) added to a full bath or the rinse cycle.
Safety rules
Dettol Safety: Read Before Use
- Never swallow it. Dettol liquid is poisonous if swallowed.
- Never use it undiluted on skin.
- Keep it away from eyes, ears, nose and mouth.
- Don't use it on large areas of the body, on eczema or on sensitive skin.
- Stop if you get a rash or irritation; skin sensitivity is possible.
- Don't mix it with other cleaners or chemicals.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
- Keep it away from cats and pets. It's especially harmful to cats.
If someone swallows Dettol or gets it in their eyes, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) right away, or 911 in an emergency.
Shop Yado Market
Where to Buy Dettol Liquid and Dettol Soap
Yado African & Caribbean Market carries Dettol antiseptic liquid and Dettol bar soap in our Chicago store at 1651 E 87th St and online, with shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Dettol FAQ
This article is general information only. Always read and follow the product label. Dettol is a trademark of Reckitt; Yado Market is an independent retailer.