FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                         Michael J. Monahan  612-293-2809 (Tel)
                                             612-225-3123 (Fax)


                    ECOLAB INC. COMMENCES TENDER OFFER 
                       FOR UP TO 3 MILLION SHARES
               


          ST. PAUL, Minn., May 17, 1995:  Ecolab Inc. today commenced
     its previously announced Dutch Auction cash tender offer to 
     purchase up to 3 million shares of its common stock at a price to
     be determined by the Company between $21.75 and $25.00 per share,
     net to the seller in cash, upon the terms and subject to the
     conditions set forth in the offer to Purchase, dated May 17,
     1995, and the related Letter of Transmittal, which together
     constitute the offer.

          The offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of
     shares being tendered.  The offer is, however, subject to certain
     customary conditions.  The offer, proration period and withdrawal
     rights are scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight, Eastern time,
     on Wednesday, June 14, 1995, unless the offer is extended.  The
     Company has reserved the right to purchase more than 3 million
     shares in the offer.

          Neither the Company nor its Board of Directors makes any
     recommendation to any stockholder as to whether to tender or
     refrain from tendering shares pursuant to the Offer.

          Ecolab is the leading global developer and marketer of
     premium cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance products and
     services for the hospitality, institutional and industrial
     markets.  Ecolab shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange 
     and the Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol ECL.
             
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