Clorox reported first-quarter earnings jumped by 23 per cent on strong sales of disinfectant products. (Associated Press)Consumer demand for disinfectant products sent first-quarter profit up by 23 per cent at Clorox Co.
The maker of Brita water filters and Glad bags reported that profit rose to $157 million US, compared with $128 million a year ago.
Chairman and chief executive Don Knauss cited H1N1 fears for driving sales of disinfectants, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Sales of disinfecting wipes have risen both in the U.S. and internationally.
The Oakland, Calif.-based company makes several types of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, which the firm described on its website as effective against several common bacteria and some viruses that cause cold and flu.
While sales in its cleaning segment rose 3.3 per cent, sales in its household segment fell 11 per cent.
Clorox blamed the decline on unfavourable exchange rates and weak demand for Glad garbage bags.
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
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