It’s like a miracle, but it’s embarrassing, too: After many years of housekeeping (ish), I finally learn how to clean the bathtub grungy anti-slip bottom — effectively. I recently completed a series of videos about my beige bathroom renovation, and when I did, I was so embarrassed by the state of the slip resistant bottom of my Kohler Dynametric tub. Yes, I am not the world’s most attentive house cleaner. But I swear, I really did (try to) clean this tub with some regularity. I only take showers, so it didn’t really bother me that it looked grungy. But finally, that icky video image sent me onto the internet to find a solution and to wrestle it to the ground. And by golly, I think I did.
Please note:
| Disclaimer: Here on the blog, as homeowners ourselves, we may try new cleaning products aimed at solving our own cleaning problems; if we think we’ve found something promising to consider, we may write about it. But, we are not professional chemists or engineers or home economists. So, please: Do your own research into these products and their suitability for your projects before trying them. More info in Terms of Use. |
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My first logical go-to, since I have a circa 2002 model year Kohler Dynametric cast iron bathtub, was Kohler’s website section, Care and Cleaning for Cast Iron Tubs. Yup, there I found that Kohler recommends three companies with products to clean their SafeGuard Slip Resistant Surface: Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Tilex Bathroom Cleaner and the mysterious-sounding “Express R.O.G.3 Tub and Tile Cleaner (Not sold commercially. Call 1-800-585-2325.)” Of course, I headed to ROG first — guessing they must have a specialized product.
Yup, seemingly so. Here is some of the text from the folks at R.O.G. of St. Cloud, Florida and their website:
I invented the type of dry etch slip guard which is used in the manufacturing of Kohler bathtubs today….
Slip resistant surfaces lose their effectiveness as dirt and oils fill the crevices. It is inevitable. The R.O.G. line of products are the only products able to do the job and clean where nothing else can….
The KOHLER company has approved the safeguard cleaner for all Kohler bathtubs, this safe chemical has been tested in great length to prove the safe guard restorer called ROG works without damaging the tubs surface. This is found on the Kohler website:
“ROG products have gone under sever [sic] testing at our factory and will not damage the Kohler finish, It is highly recommended for all resorts and hotels as well as home end users, as most cleaners will scratch and damage your bathtubs finish to keep the COF at the A.S.T.M. standard – Kohler Quality assurance [sic] Department”
Oh my, they say the slip resistant surface loses effectiveness when it gets grungy. So, by getting it clean, I’m making it safer too. That’s good to know.
Note, the stuff sounds kind of expensive. $40 for the two-bottle combo: One bottle of the ROG1 Slipguard cleaner and one bottle of the ROG3, which seems to be a more general purpose cleaner. UPDATE: See what Kohler says is approved for cleaning their slip resistant bottom — and ROG’s reply. Make your own decisions.
Update on the labeling:
Note, that in my subsequent use of ROG1 I saw that the label said it contained “Sulfonic Acid” — even though the owner of these ROG products says on their website, and has said on this blog in comments, that there is no acid in their products. So, I sent an email to ask about this discrepancy. Here is the exchange, and the company’s response:
I wrote to Vince Vallone, owner of the company:
This is Pam from Retro Renovation. I was just using ROG1 and noticed that an ingredient listed on the label is “Sulfonic Acid”. However, I don’t see this listed on the MSDS <– linked here. And you said this as a comment, “Yes Gina the ROG products are not caustic, no acids, many folks don’t realize the the grocery store and walmart caries many acid contained cleaners and will dull the bathtub over years, magic eraser has acid, 409 scrubbing bubbles and many more.”Can you clarify?Thank you, Pam
Hello PamHope all is well and we appreciate your follow up.The ROG 1 cream contains no acids.After your e-mail….Well we researched this and found the mistake and figured out what went wrong with the labeling.We many years ago manufactured a deck and hull cleaner similar to the ROG 1 but it was called BCD’s deck and hull cleaner product named ROG 9The ROG 9 Deck and Hull cleaner for the yachting, and boating industry this product had the sulfonic acid in the proprietary mixture and our bottle printer who prints the data on the bottle left this acid statement on the ROG 1 label, by mistake we never caught it till you mentioned it. Thank you, your new name should be retro-thour-ough-. LOL.The ROG 9 was an experimental cleaner we tried years ago the formulas was to clean exhaust fumes on the aft side of the boat from inboard engines exhaust marks from the diesel engines and worked great but it never took off as expected so we stopped production on this product. Both were created around the same time, as we also had Glass cleaner and deodorizers, we no longer make.But leave it up to you with your great journalism to find this mistake. Again thank you, we have now taken steps to remove that error from all future ROG1 bottles.Thank you for looking at our mistake and we have now taken steps to remove this on all the ROG 1 bottles
Pricing
Good. Fast. Cheap.
Pick Any Two.
So I put $51 on the credit card, and my shipment arrived promptly.
This past Saturday afternoon, I put the ROG1 (again — Kohler says that what they approved is ROG3, but the ROG folk said I could use ROG1 and so I did) to the test. And I have to say: I was ecstatic at the results. However, you know I gotta say: Do your own thorough research and make your own decisions… I have not used this product long term — just once, so far.
Here was my process:
Here are the two ROG products that I received by mail. The white bottle on the left is the one formulated to clean the Kohler Safeguard Anti-Slip finish, according to the ROG folks — but see what Kohler says.
I had cleaned my tub with my regular cleaner — Lysol Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner in the liquid spray bottle a week earlier. It was still pretty clean. Except you can see that the Safeguard finish was grungy looking. It has been grungy like this for like 8 years, since a few months after the tub was installed. I had tried both Scrubbing Bubbles and the Lysol, to no avail. For this experiment, I rinsed the tub first and left the bottom damp. Note: Of course, I recommend you follow ROG’s instructions. But they were silent on whether to start wet or not, I believe.
I applied the ROG1, squirting it right out of the bottle. Then, with a rubber glove on, I kind of pushed it around to cover the entire non-skid surface.
I let the stuff sit for a good solid 5 minutes. It was probably even 8 or 9 minutes, I wasn’t paying super close attention, I was running around the house cleaning this and that. I then scrubbed, not tooooooo hard, as I am always concerned about being too abrasive on surfaces like this. I used the scrubbie that ROG provided. See Kohler’s care instructions for what kind of scrubbies they recommend. I am not sure Kohler likes the ROG scrubbie and what it’s made of, or not.
I rinsed with water. This is what the Safeguard bottom looked like after my first application of ROG1. Still some grunge showing, especially around the edges…
… Here is a close up. I will say: I think that in the first appliation, I applied the ROG1 more thickly toward the center of the Slipguard surface than around the edges. SO: I REPEATED THE PROCESS… this time being more cognizant of getting the paste cream evenly applied including on the edges… I let it sit… then scrubbed again, not really any harder, and –>
Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies. This is the first photo I took. It is so clean and the light is shining such, that you can’t even see the slip resistant Safeguard etching or whatever it is. But it’s still there. The bottom of my bathtub is just… Clean Again.
From a slightly different angle, with the overhead light doing some reflecting, and, you can see: The slip resistant etching is same as it ever was — and this bathtub looks like new again! I took a shower later, and the slip resistant surface seemed to still work… and when I got out out, it still was clean looking. Like, you can see here I was working barefoot (hot summer day). Surely the bottom of my feet were dirty when I took a shower. They did not immediately leave marks; that is: The clean surface did not seem to be an immediate dirt magnet used next time around or anything like that.
I will continue This Very Important Reporting as time progresses, and let you know how the new, clean surface holds up. I also will report on my tests of the more general purpose tile etc. cleaner, ROG3.
UPDATE on products NOT to use — as per Kohler:
Update: I did a follow up story asking Kohler about various other products readers were saying they used — read this complete story here.
And I did a test to clean the disgusting fiberglass shower base in our basement bathroom — Success!
Wanna buy some? Here’s where to order ROG1. And, it’s now available on Amazon.
To clarify, I received no payment or anything to write this review; I discovered and paid for the product I tested myself.
Pam, Looks terrific! Great to hear that there is a good product out there! I cringed at the thought of using straight bleach. That is NOT good for you to be breathing those fumes. Is it pretty much fume free or not?
It seemed pretty fume free to me. But I think you should read the data sheet and website closely and ask the seller these questions, if this is a key issue for you. I always forget to pay attention and also do not want to represent material issues.
I have the same Kohler cast iron tub. I use a combo of good old-fashioned Scrubbing Bubbles and Comet. Spray bottom liberally with Scrubbing Bubbles, then sprinkle Comet all over. Let it sit for a couple minutes then scrub with a stiff bristle brush. Simple and very effective.
I am always super worried about mixing materials like that. I was always taught that could be very dangerous!
Indeed! nothing like toxic fumes that kill a person to make them stop worrying about the toilet’s lack of shine.
Jeremy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
I wonder if this product would be good for regular old tubs without the slip-resistant surfaces? I can never get the bottom of my tub to be white. It looks greyish. I do not want to resurface my tub.
I need to experiment with both the ROG1 and the ROG3 with my cast iron kitchen sink. Alas, I fear sometimes the finish is warn — and that it’s not really a cleaning issue anymore. Once the finishes are worn, it seems to me that all kinds of wacky discoloration starts to occur….. That is why I am always so concerned about not doing anything or using anything that is excessively abrasive: That could destroy, forever, the very surface you want to keep gleaming.
I think you’re right – that it’s more an issue of worn finish, rather than dirt. I use three different non-abrasive cleaners hoping one will work magic, and they never do. Oh well.
I have a cast iron kitchen sink from the 1950′s and when it starts looking stained I use Bar Keepers Friend (powder) on it. I wet the sink first then sprinkle on the cleanser, wait 10 minutes, then use a plastic brush (or scrubber) to very GENTLY wipe around sink – then rinse with water and my sink looks sparkling clean. Best of all, the cleanser is inexpensive and can also safely clean my stainless steel stove.
I have just recently found out about Bar Keepers Friend and used it to clean a shower much worse off than the tub in the article along with build up on glass walls and door. This was after using CLR and magic erasers.
I used the liquid version of the product and while I may have to apply more than twice, I think the results rival those of the ROG1 – and BKF is less than $3.00/bottle!
I use barkeeps friend on my 1959 sink as well, and it also removes rust stains when I’ve left a skewer in the sink and didn’t realize it had started to rust. Came right off.
BJ, please see my update and what Kohler has to say about Bar Keeper’s Friend: Jeremy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Looks Great!! I have the exact same tub! I have tried most everything to get it clean, even resorted to harsh things like comet, ( I know it’s terrible stuff, but I’m kinda a cure it or kill it gal sometimes.) Oh now I’m going to have to try this stuff, I wish it were more readily available and not so pricey, but I sure would like to have a nice CLEAN tub. Thanks for posting!
Oh and I meant to say that nothing I have tried has actually gotten it nice and clean, yet.
Hey Vanessa, see my update on what Kohler says about Comet: Jeremy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Wow! Don’t you just love solving a problem in the house? I saw the ROG product listed on the Kohler site but thought it was too pricey to try.
Thanks for trying this. That tub looks brand new!
Great job; thanks for the info! It looks brand new.
I am beginning to think I have scrubbed the finish off the bottom of my 50′s Univeral Rundle tub
We have 1″ white/pepper spot unglazed tile in my husbands shower. The water has caused the grout to turn yellow. Now that looks gross!! I have not been able to find anything that helps. Do you think I could use this product on that? You know, even when they are clean they look dirty!
Apparently the ROG3 is supposed to work well on grout. I have not tested it yet. I was going to try it in all three of my bathrooms — floors and walls — and try to pay very close attention to any improvements. My grout is also yellowed in spots. The ROG3 can be used full-strength or diluted. I was going to try it diluted first.
However, I don’t envision doing this test til later this week or the weekend. There is only so much cleaning I can handle.
That said: Story coming tomorrow on my test of ROG3 full strength on a fiberglass shower pan. Hint: I made a video when I looked like a wreck, I was so excited.
I wonder if grout, etc. don’t turn yellow over the years because of the chemicals in the various cleaning products. A little bit at a time so that it’s not noticeably right away, maybe.
It will most definately get the grout clean and looking better. I have used it for years now and on many different color grouts and always an improvement. it really isn’t a chemical based cleaner that is why there aren’t any toxic fumes and it will not yellow your whites.
Steve, can you clarify, since you are a first-time commenter: Do you have any business connection to the ROG1 and 3???
No I do not have any connection with the ROG cleaners, I have been a long time user and stand by their ability to clean and do it well.
Thanks, Steve!
thanks for trying this out…it turned out great! i’ve been having this same problem for awhile now
looks like i’ll have to try this product out!!
Wish I’d have known about this stuff before I had the tub refinished!!
I had to unlurk to say how much I liked the overhead Pam-Cam shots, with feet!
hehe, hi Debbie! so happy to finally lure you out of lurking status! and you know how much i like “pam-cam”
xoxo
Anyone with ideas about how to get a fiberglass shower stall clean? I wonder if this product would work on fiberglass? Their website only mentions the Kohler tubs.
Watch for my second story tomorrow!!!!
I used to have a fiberglass shower enclosure, and cleaned the soap scum with dryer sheets. Yep…dryer sheets. I read about it somewhere and it really worked. Get them wet and rub on the fiberglass. Also works on the glass doors. I don’t know why, but I was so happy that it worked that I didn’t care
Does anyone have an opinion on what to use for everyday (ok, every week…month) cleaning of bathroom tile? We just redid our baths and I want to use the right thing. American Olean sold me something but I am freaked that I am going to have to do a huge crazy project. Also, how often do you reseal your grout?
ROG3 works really good to clean the tile and especially good to clean the grout, Sealing your grout will actually have to do with the sealers requirements.
I used Aqua Mix Grout Sealer on my circa 1961 fully tiled and grouted shower stall and they recommend re-sealing every 5 years.
We have the non-skid surface in our re-glazed tub. I wonder if these products are OK for refinished tubs.
We normally use the Scrubbing Bubbles and go over the nonstick twice.
gscience, maybe best you ask the seller directly.
Yes, I will. That is probably best.
Two words: magic eraser.
Josh, unfortunately, magic erasers are mildly abrasive and will damage the finish over time. They’re okay for some surfaces and when used in moderation, but they’re best not to use for every day cleaning.
Josh, see my followup story and what Kohler says about Magic Erasers: Jeremy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Looks like new! I’ll throw in a tip for glass tub enclosures etc; if they’re cloudy from hard water lime; ditto with tile and fixtures,Orange Glo will quickly & easily remove this film. You do need to make sure NONE gets on the floor or bottom of the tub to avoid slipping but no harsh fumes or hard fruitless scrubbing.
I have used and continue to use the ROG products on almost anything. I also researched the products very well before initial use and am very satisfied with everything i discovered. The ROG3 is a calcium reducer so water stains and soap scum have met their match. Also I discovered Kohler approved these cleaners to not void their warrantees after they performed lots of testing, one of which included scrubbing the tub with ROG1 over 100,000 times. That is way more than any of us will be cleaning our tubs. Its really works and everyone should give it a try. I wish it was available at the local store but they ship it to me fairly quick.
Hmm…I have an American Standard tub with the anti-slip coating. I wonder if this would be suitable for my tub…..
Yes it works on all tubs American Standard, briggs, bootz, and all fiberglass tubs, all my friends agree, its a great product
Nice! Had the same problem. Solved it with a rather inexpensive can of Zud.
Beth, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Zud: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
I have used oven cleaner to clean our fiberglass bathtub and it removes the scum just like that. Usually I get the cheapest at the dollar store – it has to be the obnoxious kind with the lye. Be sure to ventilate and use PPE (gloves, goggles) if you do that.
I would be sure to check with the manufacturer of the fiberglass unit. I used ROG3 — and it worked like a DREAM on my fiberglass shower base.
Hey Pam! Love the toe shots in your pictures. The before and after pictures are amazing, reminds me of one of those “as seen on TV” ads. Seriously though, thanks for being a guinie pig; and thanks to Steve for his ringing endorsement. Pam, you certainly provide a great service to your viewers when you try out these products. Most people, myself included, are reluctant to spend that kind of money on an unknown product. keep up the good work!
I use the Magic Eraser Bathroom Scrubber on my fiberglass tub/shower insert. We just moved into a rental condo and I don’t think the showers had been cleaned in 20 years. I tried Comet, Scrubbing Bubbles, and almost everything else I had on hand. Then I pulled out the Magic Eraser. Streams of brown gray funk started running down the shower walls. You could feel a difference on the walls where the funk had been scrubbed off….and I was wearing heavy duty gloves. I used Four Magic Erasers in one tub/shower combo. Then I went back over it with Comet bathroom spray. The shine was so bright I should have worn shades in that bathroom.
ROG3 worked like a charm for me. I’d be careful about acids and abrasives, see my followup story with Kohler regarding what not to use on their porcelain enamel: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Wow, I am glad to see this stuff worked so well. I do wonder, though, if it leaves any white residue since my tub is yellow.
For grout cleaning, I tried everything and finally just used some Sulfamic acid to clean and prep, then I applied a thin layer of new grout over the existing. After cleaning the residue I sealed it with Mop n Glo. While I feel pretty bad about all the damage that process did to the environment, for the first time my grout looked clean instead of yellow-y brown icky. I figure I will be doing the same process every year until I regrout or retile. And it only took me a couple hours.
Pam, I live in northwest PA where there is alot of “red water”. Up until last year when we (finally…) got a water system installed, I struggled to keep my toilets, sinks, and especially the bathtub from getting those pesky “yellow/orange” stains. I could have bought stock over that 20 years in a product called “Barkeeper’s Friend” cleanser that worked well on these stains, but…the price I paid for doing the fiberglass tub was losing the sheen over 20 years. We finally re-did the bathroom last year and replaced the tub/shower unit, and with the new water system did not have need for the cleanser. But, because of dirty feet and body oils, I have used it every so often ONLY on the floor of the tub because it has a textured finish, and it would not matter if that area would be affected by the cleanser. I wet the tub floor, sprinkle it on and rub it around with a sponge and let it set 5 – 10 minutes…and rinse. It bleaches out any stains and cuts oils, and the best part is…it costs about $2 or $3 bucks for a 21 oz. can. You can find it in the grocery store with the other cleansers. And it’s great for stainless steel!
I hear ya. BUT, I think that Kohler must be recommending these products for a reason. Maybe because: They don’t eat at the sheen? I want my bathtub to last… forever!
I have a friend in Hawaii and they have a similar red water issue, I turned them on too the ROG cleaners and they love it. Cleans all and any stains and residues.
Pat in PA: See my followup story asking Kohler about a bunch of these other cleaners : http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Thank you for this post, Pam. When I remodeled my pink 1950s bathroom, I replaced the tub with a Kohler Salient 60″ x 30″ shower base made from cast iron because I could never get my fiberglass shower bases clean. I learned about it from your site and I love it! (We did install it with glass doors and there is plenty of room.) But the non-slip pattern has started looking cruddy just like yours and I won’t use harsh chemicals because of our septic system. Do you know if the Rog products are safe for septic systems?
Hi Susan, congrats on your Kohler cast iron shower base — I am envious! I do not know about the septic issue and don’t want to represent any more than I know personally — email the seller, I am sure he can help!
Just heard back from Vince Vallone, CEO of the company that makes ROG. Here is his answer about septic safety:
“Yes no problems
… as the owner and inventor of this product i have a septic system myself. Safe no problems. Also on another note Disney orders 50 cases every month of my products and is also used on all 4 Disney cruise liners. And they are the only cruise lines that never get the Norwalk virus. Very safe and sanitizing
Thank you for your interest
Vince
BCD Management inc.
Vince Vallone CEO BCD”
I saw a comment on safe for septic tanks, the lady called me and i explained it was ok, as we also have one at our home, as the creator of the ROG company feel free to contact me as well if any more questions come up.
vincebcd@aol.com
vince
Did you ever try Bar Keeper’s Friend? It’s an acidic cleaner (apparently unusual in the world of cleaners) that comes in powder or cream, is available at hardware stores, and is only about $3. It did an awesome job on my bathtub non-skid grunge.
like i said on a comment before… not sure i’d use anything that wasn’t recommended by Kohler. “acidic”?
If you use an acidic cleaner on the tub it will eventually dull the shine Kohler said. They do not approve acidic cleaners.
Did you call Kohler, Debbie? I was wondering where this info came from, exactly. Overall I really agree: Use the recommended cleaners!
Amy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Bar Keepers Friend and other cleaners: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
The Mr. Clean magic eraser will also clean the bottom of the kohler tub in no time. It seems mild enough, but since it’s not recommended by kohler I don’t use it on the rest of the tub, just the non-slip surface. The advantage over ROG is that the magic erasers are available at every grocery store, and they’re cheap.
Rudy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Magic Erasers: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
For fiberglass showers/tubs I tried equal parts regular Dawn and hot white vinegar. Poured them into a spray bottle and sprayed the shower. Let it sit for 5/10 minutes depending on the dirty factor and wipe with a sponge. Bingobango- beautiful. That was my daughter’s shower. Then I tried it on my white tiled bathtub and it took all the water spots out and the bath was as shiny as new- but it’s 23 years old.
I’m going to try Magic Eraser or BK friend before the ROG just for the expense factor. And I have the first two. Thanks for the info!
Lisa, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Vinegar: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
I didn’t believe it so I ordered a kit for myself I just got it yesterday and wow I had tried every single product available And nothing would even touch my dirty tub until this Thank you so much for your recommendation I’m now I’m trying it on everything else in my house It cleaned my patio furniture my driveway anId my pool deck and oddly enough my daughter used it on her sneakers she has about 20 pairs of Nikes and she likes to keep them looking brand new and needless to say it this has done that job so again thank you thank you thank you that ROG 3 IS AN ABSOLUTE MIRACLE
I’ve been using Rog 1 & 3 for several years now…makes my tub & shower sparkle like new! You don’t have to wait long for the results either. And most of all, safer than other caustic products on the grocery shelves!
Yes Gina the ROG products are not caustic, no acids, many folks don’t realize the the grocery store and walmart caries many acid contained cleaners and will dull the bathtub over years, magic eraser has acid, 409 scrubbing bubbles and many more
Why would you say ROG isn’t caustic? ROG3, according to the MSDS on their website, is a combination of sodium hydroxide (lye) and butoxyethanol (a common cleaning solvent found in 409 and a ton of other cleaners). Lye is caustic inherently. Great for eating oils, but just as necessary to use caution as an acidic cleaner.
Looks like ROG1 is mainly diethanolamine and some scrubby components like silicon and and oxalate. I know that diethanolamine is found in oven cleaners and some drain openers, but not sure if it’s readily available in single form (maybe the big hardware stores carry it). I don’t doubt it’s effectiveness (photographic evidence!), though I do think there are other finish-safe cleaners that would be as effective.
So it seems a dilute caustic cleaner a safe choice for the Kohler finish, many that are readily available for mere dollars. I like products that work, but it’s not magical ingredients we’re dealing with here worth a 10x markup.
Oh my, I just now saw that you are the inventor/owner of ROG. So I can understand you promoting your product as a great cleaner.
On the other hand I’m now even more perplexed by your misuse of the word ‘caustic’.
THE ROG 3 Has a special foamer spray head that comes with the kit and the chemical comes out in a special adjustable foaming tip, and you can regulate the amount of foam, the foam is critical in the use of the product as when you spray in on, just let it sit for about 5 min, and it will do the work for you with our any caustic effect, Hope this helped
Vince CEO BCD for the ROG Hope this answered your question
Vince, all I can think of is the fortune you must have made, twice over- once for the dry etch slip guard process and once again for the only cleaner that works on them! Cheers!!!
Odia, I think you are a new reader. I run this blog. I have been thinking about your comments since you posted them yesterday. I cannot weigh in on the “caustic” issue, as I am not a chemist or industrial hygienist or federal regulator. Readers: You will have to do your own research on this issue, as I always say, consult with a properly licensed professional. Note, I found this product because Kohler recommended it on their website.
However, Odia, I do want to challenge your assertion about price markups. I think it’s the rare retail product in which the ingredients drive the majority of the sales price. The big costs come in formulation, testing, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, distribution, payroll — and all the up-front and ongoing expenses to create a business. A can of Coca Cola, for example, surely has a “10x markup” given the cost of the ingredients, don’t you think? Heck, I’d guess a can of Comet, does too. Given all these factors, that’s how prices get set. If the product doesn’t sell — prices get dropped… or the company drops the product altogether.
Just wanted to give an update on this product, omg I’ve now used it to clean our boat and the results r spectacular, nothing has ever worked like this before, even on the cushions! Also our R.v.,and my jewelry, I know this isn’t bathroom talk, however you turned me on to this product that seems to CLEAN ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING … I just wanted to share and THANK you FOR THE RESEARCH U DID
wow I ORDER THE ROG KIT LAST WEEK AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS BECAUSE I HAVE AN OLDER HOME, AND WAS CONSIDERING REMODLING THE ENTIRE BATHROOM BECAUSE NOTHING OR NO ONE COULD GET MY OLD CAST IRON TUB CLEAN. AND MY FRIENDS REFINSHED TUB HASNT LASTED 6 MONTH . THEN I SAW THIS BLOG ON YOUR SITE THANKS, YOUVE SAVED MY BATHROOM AND WALLET AFTER RECIEVEING THE ROG I FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS AND WOW MY TUB LOOKS NEW. I ALSO TRIED IT ON MY WHITE VINLY FENCE AND THE GREEN AND DIRT CAME RIGHT OFF AFTER 10 MIN SOAK USING THE FOAMING TIP AND ROG 3 .
THANKS RETRORENOVATION.COM FINALLY A SITE THAT REVIEWS IT LIKE IT IS AWESOME JOB
just received a few comments i thought I would share
Dear Vince,
I have been trying for 9 years to clean my non-slip tub, to no avail. I have used Mr. Clean, Clorox bleach, scrubbing bubbles, comet, Lysol disinfectant cleaner, magic eraser, anything I could get my hands on, and the bottom was completely gray and dirty-looking. No matter how much I scrubbed, or what I scrubbed with.
Today I used the Rog 1 and 3 for the first time. Being a bit skeptical, I only ordered the single kit. In only a few minutes, my tub was sparkling. It doesn’t even look like a non-slip because both the tub and the non-slip are both gleaming white. I also diluted some of the Rog 3 and washed the tile floor with it, and it lightened up the dingy grout. My bathroom looks like new!
I am not one to write reviews of products, but this is a wonderful product, and I want to thank you for it and hope you will get the word out. I wish I had known about it a lot sooner. It would be great if it were available in stores.
Thank you so much!
Maura Gilbertson CA
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Hi, MR. ROG
I love my ROG 3 Cleaner. Besides using it in my bathroom, I use it on my kitchen stainless sink and it comes out looking brand new, even though it is 18 years old!
Thank you for such a great product!
Peggy Florida
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Hi Vince,
Feel free to use the following testimonial. However, do not
use my last name. Thanks.
Your R.O.G.1 Cream Stain Eraser for Bathtubs and Tile is fabulous!!!
The ROG 3 is a great follow up maintenance cleaner. It is by far the best cleaners I have ever had for a bathtub. My tub that is now 2 years old looks brand new after I clean it with R.O.G.1.
I am so glad it was one of the products that Kohler recommended we
use on all our new bathtub’s
Lisa
White Plains, NY
It is great to share good reports
thank you all for your support
Vince
Okay, Vince, I’ll let this in but don’t overtake this thread okay?
the tub does look fabulous! but like others, I also have great success with the Bar Keepers Friend – it’s much more cost effective and you can buy it almost anywhere (home depot, grocery stores, etc). It’s $1.79 (powder/Comet-like container). I have the same exact tub…I make a paste with the BKF and water and let it sit for 5 minutes and then simply wipe off with a nylon sponge – there might be a couple trouble spots that need scrubbing, but for the most part, very little effort.
just my 2 cents
I 100% agree, bar keepers friend is magical! I use it in my kitchen sink, bathtub and laundry tub!
Crystal, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
tabor, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Bar Keepers Friend: http://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
I have had many customers who have used the barkeepers friend and comet, and they have come back to using the ROG
PLEASE REMEMBER however over time you will scratch the finish, as the inventor of the ROG line of products, and as the inventor of the safe guard, Kohler had asked me to come up with this product that would clean the safe guard back to new and not hurt, scratch, or erase the safety of the tubs bottom the bathtub,
KOHLER tested this product with 100,000 scrub test at the factory in Wisconsin and it still did not hurt the finish, so its up to you.
Good Luck, by the way the ROG 3 can be diluted 10 to 20 parts water to 1 part chemical which makes it reasonable. Please don’t take my work just call the KOHLER CO.and ask them
again good luck if i can assist you further just let me know
Vince Vallone CEO BCD
I JUST FOUND A NEW WAY TO USE THE ROG 3, MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC, HE JUSTCLEANED OUR CAR ENGINE WITH THE ROG 3 AND LOVES IT, THE CAR LOOKS BRAND NEW UNDER THE HOOD!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I have the same tub and, as everyone else has said, I have tried everything!!! I just ordered the $50 ROG1 kit and am hoping to surprise my husband with a clean tub!
I have 4 children who spend a lot of time in my tub. I’ve decided that I would rather have a tub that looks less than perfect but that I know is totally safe for them. Amazingly, one of my natural cleaning methods works wonders. I have the same non-slip surface and have had great results using just vinegar, baking soda, and half a lemon. I sprinkle on baking soda, spray on white vinegar, and let it foam for a few minutes. Then I use the half a lemon as my scrubber – rubbing it all over the surface of the tub floor. It rinses clean, and I feel totally safe about putting my kids in immediately after cleaning.
I read all the posts, but didn’t see if the product would work on a reporcelained tub, like the one in my 1941 house. Anybody out there tried it? Thanks! –Suzanne
On a ‘re finished bathtub,, this actually means the bathtub has been ‘re coated poss. Painted with a bathtub paint, you could try the ROG3 diluted
20 parts water to 1 part blue ROG3 and use a cloth rag only,
I have been working with all types of bathtub finishes, and so called porcelain coatings are nothing more than auto body paint ” do not use ROG 1 or 3 full strength it just might peel the coating off.
This product is great on factory finishes porcelain or fiberglass bathtubs, grout, tile, cement, walk ways, and all types of boats and cushions that mildew.
Have a great holiday season
Hope this helps answer your question
Vince CEO BCD the ROG Company
I used Barkeeper’s Friend on my American Standard porcelain tub (does not have non-skid feature) and it didn’t do a darn thing. My tub has got a yellow ring about a quarter of the way around, on the first 1/3 of the bottom, particularly under the faucet and the drain. I’m afraid the only thing that will help is re-glazing, but friends have told me that method is not long lasting.
Am I gonna have to wait until I can afford to pay someone to chop that thing and haul it outta there and then buy another tub and pay someone to put it in ? If that be the case, I’m going to be hiding that skanky tub for the rest of my life!
You can certainly try the ROG1 and ROG3…
The ROG kit will bring your tub factory new
Note: Vince is the owner of ROG…
I dont have a web site as it was asking for one. but wanted to thank you for your reasearch in cleaning my village Kohler bathtub.
I have been on many web sites where they say to use, vinager, magic eraser, household cleaners and other chemicales. nothing worked.
well thanks to you I finally got thr rog cleaner last week and the bottom looks brand new and so do the sides they now shine again.
I only wish I got it sooner when the inlaws were here for the holidays.
Whooo. the rog1 and the rog3 worked fast its great stuff. I wonder why this cleaner works and nothing else did ?
thank you again your site is great, Love all the neat things you come up with your so creative
Ts this rog cleaner you are speaking of, is it for porcelain tubs without the skid resistant bottom? I have yellow stains at the front end and on the sides of me tub. The side stains go about 1/3 down each side. I presume it is from hard water.
I clean a lot of bathrooms and ROG 1 and 3 cleaners are the only ones I would use. Safe and quick. Saves me a lot of time and ENERGY!
I have a kohler bathtub that has turned blue where the non skid surface is. Wondering if anyone has had that experience and are there any recommendations regarding a remedy.
I would try the product recommended in this story…
The turning blue of the bathtub for the shower floor could be some residue of a pre-existing cleaner. But the ROG 1 cream cleaner will get rid of any stains from any other chemicals and get it back to new.
Products can now be purchased on Amazon.com.
Also we’ve had so many request for the ROG scrubby pad that are now available also on Amazon.com
Pam,
I had to write to say Thank-you for posting the information about ROG. After reading the information on this site, I decided to buy ROG. I was amazed at the before and after pictures you provided. We’re remodeling our bath and was considering refinishing the tub & surround or replacing it. I have lived in this house for 3 years and tried numerous products and NOTHING worked, no matter how much I scrubbed. It never looked clean. I purchased the ROG starter kit through Amazon and received it within a few days. I just spent 6 hours using the products and after a lot of scrubbing the 25 year old tub and surround look BRAND NEW! It’s an almond color so it will go with my new decor perfectly. I’m going to ROG’s site to post a comment there as well. I will also tell all my friends and neighbors about this fantastic product. I noticed that some people on your site hesitated to try this product due to the price, but I think it is worth every penny. It works.
Thank-you again for sharing information about this product.
After many requests that are shipping for the ROG product was too expensive Amazon.com now has free shipping for the ROG K-1 kit thank you for all your recommendations