Is Clorox Bleach a subsidiary of The Clorox Company?

Clorox Bleach is not a separate subsidiary but rather the flagship product line of The Clorox Company. It operates as the company's core bleach and disinfecting brand rather than as an independent company.

Is Clorox Bleach publicly traded?

The Clorox Bleach brand itself is not publicly traded as a separate entity. However, parent company The Clorox Company is publicly traded on NYSE under ticker CLX.

When was Clorox Bleach first introduced?

Clorox Bleach was first introduced in 1913 by the Electro-Alkalite Company, which later became The Clorox Company, making it one of America's oldest household bleach brands.

Who developed Clorox Bleach?

Clorox Bleach was developed by the founders of the Electro-Alkalite Company, who pioneered the production of sodium hypochlorite bleach for household use.

What makes Clorox Bleach effective?

Clorox Bleach is effective due to its sodium hypochlorite content, which provides powerful disinfecting, whitening, and stain removal properties for various household applications.

Household & Consumer Goods

Who Owns Clorox Bleach?

Clorox Bleach is owned by The Clorox Company, a publicly traded American multinational manufacturer. Clorox trades on NYSE under ticker CLX and is headquartered in Oakland, California, USA.

Parent Company

The Clorox Company

Founded

1913

Status

Publicly Traded

Headquarters

Oakland, California, USA

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Who Owns Clorox Bleach?

Parent Company: The Clorox Company
Ownership Type: Product line
Company Type: Publicly Traded
Stock Ticker: NYSE: CLX

Brand	Parent Company	Ownership Type
Clorox Bleach	The Clorox Company	Product line

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Clorox Bleach on Amazon

History of Clorox Bleach

Founded: 1913
Founders: Electro-Alkaline Company founders

Clorox Bleach was first introduced in 1913 by the Electro-Alkalite Company, which was founded by five entrepreneurs: Archibald Taft, Edward Hughes, Charles Husband, William Hussey, and Rufus Myers. The company developed a method to produce sodium hypochlorite bleach through the electrolysis of salt water, creating a stable and effective household cleaning product. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for effective household cleaning solutions while establishing a distinctive cleaning approach that would define the household bleach category for generations.

The original Clorox Bleach was sold in glass bottles and marketed as a safe alternative to harsher cleaning products available at the time. The product quickly gained popularity for its effectiveness in laundry whitening, surface cleaning, and household disinfection. In 1922, the company was renamed The Clorox Company, reflecting the central role that Clorox Bleach played in its business. This strategic rebranding demonstrated exceptional ability to create brand identity while establishing a competitive advantage in the emerging household cleaning market.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Clorox Bleach became a household name across America, known for its distinctive yellow bottle and reliable cleaning performance. The company expanded distribution nationally and introduced improved formulations. During World War II, Clorox Bleach was used for military applications, further establishing its reputation for effectiveness and reliability. This period of growth demonstrated Clorox Bleach's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.

The post-war period saw Clorox Bleach continue to innovate with new product forms including concentrated formulas, scented varieties, and specialized cleaning applications. The brand became particularly important during public health crises, being recommended by health authorities for disinfection purposes. Recent years have seen Clorox Bleach focus on sustainability initiatives, concentrated formulas to reduce packaging waste, and expanded product lines including cleaning sprays and disinfecting wipes. This continued evolution demonstrates Clorox Bleach's exceptional ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to effective, quality cleaning solutions. The brand's continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of household cleaning and disinfection products.

About The Clorox Company

What does The Clorox Company own?
The Clorox Company owns a portfolio of consumer brands including Clorox bleach and cleaning products, Purell hand sanitizer, Glad trash bags, Pine-Sol cleaner, Burt's Bees personal care, Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, Kingsford charcoal, Brita water filtration, Fresh Step cat litter, and Liquid-Plumr drain cleaner. The company also markets professional products under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brands.

Is The Clorox Company publicly traded?
Yes, The Clorox Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CLX. The company has been publicly traded since 1928 and is a component of the S&P 500. Ownership is distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group and BlackRock.

Who founded The Clorox Company?
The Clorox Company was founded in 1913 in Oakland, California by five entrepreneurs: Archibald Taft, Edward Hughes, Charles Husband, William Hussey, and Rufus Myers. They established the Electro-Alkaline Company to produce bleach using electrolysis of brine from San Francisco Bay.

Where is The Clorox Company headquartered?
The Clorox Company is headquartered in Oakland, California, USA. The company has maintained its headquarters in Oakland since its founding in 1913, making it one of the oldest companies still based in the city.

How many brands does The Clorox Company own?
The Clorox Company owns approximately 15 primary brands across cleaning, household, lifestyle, and personal care categories. The company's portfolio expanded in April 2026 with the acquisition of GOJO Industries, adding the Purell brand.

Who owns The Clorox Company?
The Clorox Company is an independent publicly traded corporation with no controlling shareholder or parent organization. Shares are widely held by institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. Major institutional holders include Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street.

What is The Clorox Company's annual revenue?
For fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30, 2026, The Clorox Company reported net sales of $6.72 billion, a 5% decrease from FY2025 net sales of $7.1 billion. The decline was primarily driven by ERP transition-related inventory drawdowns. The company projects FY2027 net sales growth of 13% to 14%.

Has The Clorox Company made major acquisitions recently?
In January 2026, Clorox announced the acquisition of GOJO Industries, maker of Purell hand sanitizer, for $2.25 billion in cash. The deal closed on April 1, 2026. GOJO has approximately $800 million in annual sales and expands Clorox's health and hygiene portfolio to more than half of total net sales.

Founded: 1913
Headquarters: Oakland, California, USA
Company Type: Publicly Traded
Stock: NYSE: CLX
Revenue: approximately $6.72 billion (FY2026)
Employees: Approximately 7,600

Visit The Clorox Company website

View full company profile for The Clorox Company

Where Is Clorox Bleach Made / Based?

Headquarters: Oakland, California, USA
Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China

Clorox Bleach Categories & Tags

Bleach Cleaning Disinfecting Household Whitening

Clorox Bleach Sustainability & Ethics

Clorox Bleach operates under The Clorox Company's comprehensive sustainability framework, which addresses environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and social impact across the household cleaning industry.

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: The Clorox Company has implemented significant environmental initiatives, including a commitment to reduce virgin plastic and fiber packaging 50% by 2030. The company has achieved its goal of sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable energy for U.S. and Canadian operations. Clorox maintains zero-waste-to-landfill status in over half of its facilities and has reached 88% of its goal to have 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025.

Climate Action: The Clorox Company published a Climate Action Plan outlining its approach to achieving 2030 science-based targets and 2050 net-zero commitment. The company has implemented comprehensive climate action strategies across its manufacturing and distribution operations, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Sustainable Product Development: Clorox has developed more environmentally friendly cleaning formulations, including concentrated formulas that reduce packaging waste. The company has introduced naturally-derived products through its Clorox EcoClean line, which features EPA Design for the Environment and Safer Choice-certified ingredients. Clorox Bleach products are formulated to balance effectiveness with environmental considerations.

Responsible Manufacturing: The Clorox Company maintains strict environmental compliance across all manufacturing facilities. The company has implemented water conservation measures, waste reduction programs, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. Clorox operates with a commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining product quality and effectiveness.

Community Engagement: The Clorox Company Foundation invests in communities where the company operates, focusing on education, health, and environmental initiatives. Clorox supports programs that promote clean living, healthy homes, and environmental education in communities across its operational regions.

Awards & Recognition

Clorox has received extensive recognition for its sustainability leadership, product innovation, and corporate responsibility, establishing the company as an industry leader in environmental and social governance.

Barron's Most Sustainable Company: The Clorox Company earned the top ranking on Barron's 2024 100 Most Sustainable Companies list for the second consecutive year. The company was selected for its continued efforts around sustainability, employee experience, inclusive representation, and corporate governance structure. This recognition highlights Clorox's leadership in environmental, social, and governance performance among the 1,000 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year: Clorox was named an Environmental Protection Agency Safer Choice partner of the Year for the sixth time, recognizing the company's manufacturing of products that contain ingredients the EPA has determined are safer for human health and the environment. This award reflects Clorox's commitment to developing safer cleaning products and its leadership in green chemistry.

ISSA Environment & Sustainability Innovation Award: Clorox EcoClean Disinfecting Wipes won the 2024 ISSA Environment & Sustainability Innovation of the Year Award at the International Sanitary Supply Association Show. This award recognizes innovation in sustainable cleaning products and demonstrates Clorox's ability to develop effective disinfecting products with environmental considerations.

Diversity and Inclusion Recognition: Clorox has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, achieving pay equity across gender globally and races/ethnicities in the U.S. The company maintains 50% female representation and 25% representation of people of color on its board of directors, demonstrating leadership in corporate diversity.

America's Safest Companies: The Clorox Company was named among America's Safest Companies in 2024, recognizing the company's strong commitments to environmental, social, and governance through its IGNITE strategy. This award reflects Clorox's comprehensive approach to safety, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Clorox Bleach Recalls & Controversies

Clorox Bleach has maintained a strong safety record but has faced some product recalls and controversies, primarily related to other products in the Clorox portfolio rather than the core Clorox Bleach line.

Pine-Sol Recall (2023): In October 2023, Clorox recalled approximately 37 million Pine-Sol cleaning products due to potential bacterial contamination. The recalled products included Pine-Sol scented multisurface cleaners in lavender clean, sparkling wave, and lemon fresh scents, along with CloroxPro and Clorox Professional Pine-Sol products. The recall was initiated after testing identified the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in certain products produced between January 2021 and September 2022. While this recall affected the Pine-Sol brand rather than Clorox Bleach specifically, it impacted consumer confidence in the broader Clorox cleaning product portfolio.

Environmental Impact Concerns: Like all bleach products, Clorox Bleach has faced scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, particularly concerns about chemical runoff into water systems and the effects of sodium hypochlorite on aquatic ecosystems. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the widespread use of bleach products and their potential impact on water quality and marine life.

Safety and Usage Concerns: Clorox Bleach has faced ongoing discussions about proper usage and safety, particularly regarding ventilation requirements, potential damage to fabrics and surfaces, and safety concerns around storage in households with children and pets. While not controversies in the traditional sense, these concerns represent ongoing challenges in consumer education and product safety communication.

Competition from Natural Products: Clorox has faced market challenges from the growing consumer preference for natural and eco-friendly cleaning products. Some consumers have questioned the use of chemical-based cleaning products, leading to increased competition from brands marketed as natural or environmentally friendly alternatives.

Regulatory Compliance: Clorox operates in a highly regulated industry and must maintain compliance with various environmental and safety regulations. The company has faced ongoing regulatory requirements related to product formulation, labeling, and environmental impact reporting.

Clorox Bleach Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Leading brand recognition and trusted reputation for disinfection and cleaning
+Effective whitening and stain removal capabilities for laundry and household surfaces
+Strong disinfectant properties proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and germs
+Wide availability and extensive distribution in retail channels worldwide
+Versatile applications for laundry cleaning, surface disinfection, and household sanitation
+Strong backing from public health recommendations during disease outbreaks
+Parent company resources for research, development, and global distribution

Considerations

-Harsh chemicals can damage fabrics and surfaces with improper use or overexposure
-Strong fumes require proper ventilation during use, which may be inconvenient
-Environmental concerns about chemical runoff and impact on water systems
-Safety concerns around storage and handling, especially in households with children and pets
-Limited appeal to consumers seeking natural, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives
-Regulatory requirements and restrictions on certain uses and concentrations
-Competition from natural cleaning brands and alternative disinfection methods

Frequently Asked Questions About Clorox Bleach

Sources & Further Reading

Competitors to Clorox Bleach

These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.

Brand	Parent Company	Country	Founded	Market Position	Primary Market	Gender Target
Domestos	Unilever	United Kingdom	1929	Mass market	Europe	All-ages
Ajax	Colgate Palmolive	USA	1947	Mass market	Global	All-ages
Bounty	Procter Gamble	USA	1965	Mass market	United states	All Genders
Fabuloso	Colgate Palmolive	USA	1980	Mass market	United states	All-ages
Windex	Sc Johnson	USA	1933	Mass market	Global	All-ages