The History of Jeyes Fluid

JEYES GROUP was founded by John Jeyes, who first patented disinfectant fluid in 1877 (the same year that Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph!).  This same disinfectant is marketed today as JEYES FLUID and has been a popular choice for households over the world since the Victorian era.

JEYES GROUP was granted the prestigious Royal Warrant to the British Royal Family in 1896; Royal Warrants are awarded for renewable terms of 5 years, though they can be revoked at any time.  JEYES GROUP’s Royal patronage is one of few that have remained in place for over 100 years, during six successive reigns.

The recent Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton had raised some discussions over the future of the current Royal warrants.  There are only three members of the royal family entitled to grant warrants - the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.  As these responsibilities are passed on to new hands, what will this mean for the renewal of the current Royal warrants?  Having been renewed every 5 years, through 6 successive reigns, JEYES FLUID has one of the longest standing Royal warrants of all time.  A change of hands shouldn’t affect their impressive patronage reign.

In addition to the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment, JEYES FLUID has proved to be more than just the nation’s favourite versatile disinfectant - it also has historical links with eminent medical personnel;

Dr Woodman (1828-1891) is a well-respected medical professional who not only volunteered as a surgeon during Napoleon III's coup d'etat, but also served as a police surgeon and held a high rank in many Orders, including the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine.  JEYES FLUID was used for a range of medical treatments, however, it is most known for its significant contribution to the treatment of Scarlet Fever; quoting from the British Medical Journal (1888, Vol 2), of which Dr Woodman was president of the branch:

“Dr Woodman drew special attention to the scarlet fever cases treated in hospital, and pointed out that the whole of the deaths among them occurred in 1877.  From 1877 to December 31st 1887, 241 cases of scarlet fever were treated by the medical officers at the sanatorium without a death.”

The reason for success since 1877 is that patients were given frequent warm baths with some JEYES FLUID added - this proved significant in the treatment of Scarlet Fever and also the prevention of Dropsy, which usually followed.

“At least it is very remarkable that since the regular use of the baths, no death from, or case of dropsy after scarlet fever has occurred.  Dr Woodman adds that he has employed the same treatment in his private practice with equally satisfactory results.”

With medical contributions, agricultural reliance, long-standing product performance and the continued renewal for Royal patronage, it is no wonder that JEYES FLUID is a renowned brand and deservedly part of British history.  

Original JEYES FLUID memorabilia have become sought after collectables, with an interesting range of items being sold and collected all over the world.

Recently, a rare c1900 JEYES FLUID enamel sign, normally fixed to public toilet doors, found its way onto eBay.  Even though the sign is clearly damaged and rusted, 6 people began a bidding war to claim their piece of JEYES history.  In total there were 11 bids and the sign sold for £70.

Another popular JEYES FLUID collectable are the original glass bottles, however, even the later metal containers have even been sold online, regardless of condition.

JEYES FLUID remains very popular and this iconic brand is still a firm favourite especially amongst farmers and stable owners.  The disinfecting power behind JEYES FLUID even "kills the Bird Flu H5N1 virus dead", which began a global spread in 2004.

For the first time in 130 years, JEYES FLUID hit the TV screens with a £500,000 advertising campaign which was aired in the UK over the Easter bank holiday period.  The campaign is not only to remind consumers of its versatility, but to widen the appeal to the new generation.  After all, with the patent filed 137 years ago, its life exceeds that of the oldest recorded person to have ever lived.

With their historical contributions and continued performance, JEYES GROUP have built and maintained an impressive reputation, which has helped the company grow and expand into one of the most trusted cleaning suppliers.

THE JEYES GROUP (JEYES PROFESSIONAL) has an exclusive licence to sell the CAREX and IMPERIAL LEATHER brands to the UK professional cleaning market.

CLICK CLEANING not only stock JEYES GROUP’s renowned JEYES FLUID - additional products from their exclusive licence can also be found in our product range.  View the full JEYES GROUP CLEANING RANGE for more information.