Clorox was established in 1913 as the Electro-Alkaline Company in Oakland, California. The company originally manufactured industrial-grade liquid bleach using an electrolytic process that converted salt water into sodium hypochlorite.

The company struggled financially during its early years until William Murray and Annie Murray took control. Annie Murray, who owned a grocery store, recognized that bleach could be marketed directly to households rather than only to industrial customers. She introduced smaller bottles and educated consumers about bleach’s household uses, helping transform Clorox into a successful consumer brand.

The company officially adopted the name Clorox in the 1920s, reflecting the popularity of its flagship bleach product. It later became publicly traded and expanded across the United States.

The name Clorox combines:

• Chlorine (“Clor”)

• Sodium Hydroxide (“Ox”)

These are two key components involved in the production of sodium hypochlorite bleach, the company’s original product.

For several decades, Clorox sold primarily liquid bleach. Beginning in the 1970s, the company diversified through acquisitions and new product development.

Its portfolio expanded to include products for:

• Surface cleaning

• Laundry care

• Kitchen cleaning

• Bathroom cleaning

• Air care

• Cat litter

• Food products

• Water filtration

• Charcoal

• Natural personal care

Today, The Clorox Company owns numerous well-known brands in addition to Clorox bleach.

Bleach

Clorox’s flagship product is liquid chlorine bleach, widely used for:

• Whitening laundry

• Removing stains

• Disinfecting surfaces

• Sanitizing bathrooms

• Mold and mildew removal

Disinfecting Wipes

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are among the company’s most recognized products, designed to kill many common bacteria and viruses on hard, nonporous surfaces when used according to label directions.

Spray Cleaners

The company offers multipurpose cleaners for:

• Kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Glass

• Floors

• Household surfaces

Laundry Products

Laundry products include:

• Color-safe bleach

• Stain removers

• Laundry sanitizers

• Whitening products

Professional Cleaning

Clorox also manufactures products for:

• Hospitals

• Schools

• Restaurants

• Offices

• Healthcare facilities

These products are formulated for institutional cleaning and infection control.

The Clorox Company owns or markets several major brands, including:

• Clorox

• Glad

• Hidden Valley

• Kingsford

• Burt’s Bees

• Pine-Sol

• Fresh Step

• Brita

• Formula 409

• Liquid-Plumr

• Tilex

• S.O.S

The exact portfolio varies over time as the company acquires or divests brands.

Clorox products are sold in:

• North America

• South America

• Europe

• Asia

• Australia

• Middle East

• Africa

The company operates manufacturing and business facilities in about 25 countries and territories, with products available in more than 100 countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Clorox disinfecting products surged dramatically as consumers and institutions increased cleaning and sanitation efforts. The company experienced periods of product shortages due to unprecedented demand and expanded production to meet global needs.

The Clorox Company has established sustainability initiatives focused on:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Using recyclable packaging

• Increasing renewable electricity usage

• Reducing manufacturing waste

• Responsible sourcing of raw materials

The company has also received recognition for environmental and corporate responsibility efforts.

Clorox invests in research and development across areas such as:

• Surface disinfection

• Cleaning chemistry

• Packaging

• Digital technologies

• Consumer insights

In recent years, the company has also incorporated artificial intelligence into product development and marketing workflows while maintaining human oversight.

According to The Clorox Company, its purpose is:

“We champion people to be well and thrive every single day.”

• Founded over 110 years ago in 1913.

• Began as a company producing only liquid bleach.

• Annie Murray played a pivotal role in turning bleach into a household product by promoting it directly to consumers.

• The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CLX.

• Clorox products are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Clorox is one of the world’s most established household cleaning brands, known for its long history in bleach and disinfecting products. From its beginnings as a small bleach manufacturer in California, it has evolved into a global consumer goods company with a broad portfolio spanning home cleaning, laundry care, food, water filtration, charcoal, personal care, and professional sanitation. Its reputation is built on reliability, hygiene, and continuous innovation in cleaning and health-related products.