<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1997, AS PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                           48096
<SECURITIES>                                     39275
<RECEIVABLES>                                   335089
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     186612
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                645748
<PP&E>                                         1066303
<DEPRECIATION>                                  492667
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2807176
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           695411
<BONDS>                                         756299
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        110845
<OTHER-SE>                                      964075
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2807176
<SALES>                                         649284
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                649284
<CGS>                                           279694
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   513243
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (1359)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               15494
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 121906
<INCOME-TAX>                                     47543
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              74363
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     74363
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.72
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0