<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997,
AS PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND IS QUALIFED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           36003
<SECURITIES>                                     14895
<RECEIVABLES>                                   346980
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     219711
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                680111
<PP&E>                                         1071040
<DEPRECIATION>                                  500229
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 2831744
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           800936
<BONDS>                                         702185
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        110845
<OTHER-SE>                                      885553
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   2831744
<SALES>                                        1241079
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1241079
<CGS>                                           537883
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1007636
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (4490)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               34908
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 203025
<INCOME-TAX>                                     79179
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             123846
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    123846
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      1.2
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.17