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/
jay says
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!
Bob Connor says
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.
pam kueber says
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.
Beth says
Nice! Had the same problem. Solved it with a rather inexpensive can of Zud.
pam kueber says
Beth, I did a follow up story, see what Kohler says about Zud: 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/
Pamela H. says
Hmm…I have an American Standard tub with the anti-slip coating. I wonder if this would be suitable for my tub…..
steve says
Yes it works on all tubs American Standard, briggs, bootz, and all fiberglass tubs, all my friends agree, its a great product
Steve says
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.
Rick says
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.
Josh says
Two words: magic eraser.
Leah says
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.
pam kueber says
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: 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/
gsciencechick says
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.
pam kueber says
gscience, maybe best you ask the seller directly.
gsciencechick says
Yes, I will. That is probably best.
Paula Webb says
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?
Steve says
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.
Donna says
I used Aqua Mix Grout Sealer on my circa 1961 fully tiled and grouted shower stall and they recommend re-sealing every 5 years.
lisa says
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.
pam kueber says
Watch for my second story tomorrow!!!!
wendy says
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 🙂