<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996,
AS PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FILED FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           80911
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                      303
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     189853
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                622238
<PP&E>                                         1017559
<DEPRECIATION>                                  448373
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2711088
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           648861
<BONDS>                                         793350
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         55422
<OTHER-SE>                                      943427
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2711088
<SALES>                                        1120988
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1120988
<CGS>                                           492987
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   921934
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (4959)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               22242
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 181771
<INCOME-TAX>                                     72346
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             109425
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    109425
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.12
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0