Exhibit (32)

Section 1350 Certifications

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, each of the undersigned officers of Ecolab Inc. does hereby certify that:

(a) the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ecolab Inc. for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(b) information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Ecolab Inc.

Dated: May 8, 2009		/s/ Douglas M. Baker, Jr.
		Douglas M. Baker, Jr.
		Chairman of the Board,
		President and Chief Executive Officer


Dated: May 8, 2009		/s/ Steven L. Fritze
		Steven L. Fritze
		Chief Financial Officer