<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS OF THE CLOROX COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998,
AS PRESENTED IN THE CLOROX COMPANY'S FORM 10-Q FILED FOR SUCH PERIOD, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JUN-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           49395
<SECURITIES>                                     52847
<RECEIVABLES>                                   366989
<ALLOWANCES>                                      1521
<INVENTORY>                                     228742
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                760240
<PP&E>                                         1165944
<DEPRECIATION>                                  561919
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 3046425
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           999939
<BONDS>                                         508454
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        110844
<OTHER-SE>                                     1028349
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   3046425
<SALES>                                        1334055
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               1334055
<CGS>                                           572478
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1072436
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   379
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               35463
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 225777
<INCOME-TAX>                                     82409
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             143368
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    143368
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.38
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.36