Rinso is a brand name of laundry soap and detergent marketed by Unilever. The brand was created by Robert Spear Hudson and originally branded Hudson's Soap, which was sold to Lever Brothers of Port Sunlight, England, in 1908. It was introduced in the United States by Lever Brothers Company in 1918.
Rinso giveaway at a Wellington store opening with Sir Edmund Hillary (left) and Selwyn Toogood (right), 1956.
Image: Advertisement for Hudson's Soap with policemen (front). Wellcome L0069078 Restoration
Image: Advertisement for Hudson's Soap with policemen (back). Wellcome L0069077 Restoration
Robert Spear Hudson was an English businessman who popularised dry soap powder. His company was very successful thanks to both an increasing demand for soap and his unprecedented levels of advertising. After his death, the company was taken over by his son, and was later purchased by Lever Brothers.
Robert Spear Hudson
Advertisement for Hudson's Dry Soap
Advertisement for Hudson's Soap with policemen
Image: Advertisement for Hudson's Soap with policemen (front). Wellcome L0069078 Restoration