<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997, 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>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1997
<CASH>                                           67804
<SECURITIES>                                     45928
<RECEIVABLES>                                   400825
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     201220
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                758640
<PP&E>                                         1048322
<DEPRECIATION>                                  473900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2882473
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           682494
<BONDS>                                         907570
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                         55422
<OTHER-SE>                                      969444
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2882473
<SALES>                                        1770197
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1770197
<CGS>                                           780849
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1441729
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (2356)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               39247
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 291577
<INCOME-TAX>                                    116532
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             175045
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    175045
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     3.39
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0