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 Service.
My first logical go-to, since I have a circa-2004 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.
Oh my, they say the slip resistant surface loses effectiveness when it gets grungy. So, by getting it clean, it seems like I making it safer too. That’s good to know. {Do your own research.}
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 [link no longer available] <– 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
This past Saturday afternoon, I began putting the products (again — see Kohler’s recommendations) 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.
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 — and how they do not specifically recommend ROG1 to clean the slip guard surface; they recommend the ROG3 — read this complete story here.s
To clarify, I received no payment or anything to write this review; I discovered and paid for the product I tested myself.
Feb. 2015 update:
I am closing comments on this story because they are getting very repetitive.
Readers, do your own research and to cross-reference Kohler recommendations, which we profile here — https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Vanessa feldman says
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
Gina says
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!
vince says
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
Odia says
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.
Odia says
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’.
vince vallone says
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
Marina says
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!!!
pam kueber says
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.
Vanessa feldman says
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
Lisa says
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!
pam kueber says
Lisa, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Vinegar: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Rudi says
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.
pam kueber says
Rudy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Magic Erasers: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Amy K. says
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.
pam kueber says
like i said on a comment before… not sure i’d use anything that wasn’t recommended by Kohler. “acidic”?
Debbie says
If you use an acidic cleaner on the tub it will eventually dull the shine Kohler said. They do not approve acidic cleaners.
pam kueber says
Did you call Kohler, Debbie? I was wondering where this info came from, exactly. Overall I really agree: Use the recommended cleaners!
pam kueber says
Amy, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Bar Keepers Friend and other cleaners: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Susan says
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?
pam kueber says
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!
Susan says
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”
vince says
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
Pat in PA says
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!
pam kueber says
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!
steve says
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.
pam kueber says
Pat in PA: See my followup story asking Kohler about a bunch of these other cleaners : https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/
Christa says
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.
Kate says
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.
pam kueber says
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: https://retrorenovation.com/2012/11/19/kohler-says-no-to-magic-eraser-comet-bar-keepers-friend-zud-vinegar-for-cleaning-its-porcelain-enamel-cast-iron/