Gentleman of Leisure: Dettol

Gentleman of Leisure is writer, erstwhile lecturer and notionally overeducated Martin Marks's PAPERMAG column on the things he likes and why.

While the greenies may cling to those bottles of Dr. Bronner’s All-Purpose Soap for their post-Coachella hose downs, and the slightly fancier set might relish the one part toffee apple, one part turkey jerky bouquet of Kiehl’s Amber Bath and Shower Gel, I’m hardly ever in a trifling mood when it comes to cleanliness. That’s why I use Dettol.

For those of us who lived in Commonwealth countries, Dettol was a fixture in the medicine cabinet, the grooming equivalent of WD-40, Duct Tape, and Mr. Clean, all rolled into one. Whenever a scrape had to be cleaned or a child needed to be bathed -- or punished -- the piney smell of Dettol wasn’t too far off. Indeed, I’m not too sure how much it differs from Pine Sol, in that you can also use it to mop floors. And treat acne. And disinfect nurseries. And manage dandruff. And control feral wildlife populations -- a cause very dear to my heart.

When I picked up a bottle at Myers of Keswick, a purveyor of British goods in Greenwich Village, the back label even had instructions for midwifery (as in, you can birth children with the help of this magical substance). Combined with the cautionary tale of “Dettol Man” (the Manchester recluse who accidentally used too much of it), Dettol’s half litter bottle seems to run the full circle of life.

Between these two Dettol-extremes lies the capful poured under a hot shower after a long run. Though some people may be put off by the pungency of Dettol’s aromatic chemical compound (I doubt that Sephora will be stocking a Chloroxylenol Collection anytime soon), and while others might miss Dr. Bronner’s hypnotizing, very fine print message of universal peace, free love, eco-friendliness, whale saving-ness, and whatnot, there’s something about Dettol’s royal appointment that makes it all the more palatable.

More info:
www.dettol.co.uk

Available at:
Myers of Keswick
www.myersofkeswick.com
634 Hudson St.
(212) 691-4194

Price:
$6.95 (£4.61 as per 7 May 2009 exchange rate)