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/
judith hall says
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!
pam kueber says
You can certainly try the ROG1 and ROG3…
Suzanne says
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
Vince says
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
Jennifer says
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.
Carrie @ Busy Nothings says
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! 🙂
pam kueber says
🙂 Please report back!
Debbie says
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!
vince vallone says
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
tabor says
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
Crystal says
I 100% agree, bar keepers friend is magical! I use it in my kitchen sink, bathtub and laundry tub!
pam kueber says
Crystal, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Comet: 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/
pam kueber says
tabor, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Bar Keepers Friend: 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/
vince says
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
__________________________________________________
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
……………………………………………………………………………………
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
pam kueber says
Okay, Vince, I’ll let this in but don’t overtake this thread okay?
david says
THANKS RETRORENOVATION.COM FINALLY A SITE THAT REVIEWS IT LIKE IT IS AWESOME JOB
david says
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 .