History of Dreft

Dreft is a laundry detergent brand first introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1933. Initially marketed as the first synthetic detergent for home use, Dreft was notable for its ability to clean clothes effectively in hard water without producing excessive suds. However, it wasn’t as strong on heavily soiled fabrics, so P&G later positioned it specifically for delicate fabrics and baby clothes.

By the mid-20th century, Dreft became widely recognized as a gentle, mild detergent, trusted by parents for washing newborn clothing, blankets, and linens. Its hypoallergenic formula made it popular among families concerned about skin sensitivity. Over time, Dreft expanded its product line to include various stages of baby laundry care, from newborn to toddler, maintaining its reputation as the “baby detergent” trusted for generations.