A close up of a sink

How to Clean a Bathtub Anti-Slip Bottom

If you have a bathtub with a slip-resistant bottom that no matter what you use to clean it, still looks dingy, grungy, and downright disgusting, today I have really good news. This one sure-fire solution will bring even an older tub with anti-slip bottom back to clean, like new!

A close up of a sink

The Anti-Slip Story

Since the Americans with Disabilities Act became law in 1990, all bathtubs must be manufactured with some version of an anti-slip bottom. Kohler porcelain tubs come with the patented Safeguard Slip-Resistant Surface, which has a very distinctive look and seems to be the most prone to this ugly problem.

The Problem

The problem is not only with Kohler tubs but with any manufacturer who etches the tub’s bottom to provide the non-slip feature. That encourages the oil from your feet to start staining the tub’s bottom. Then it’s like these stains get embedded and locked in forever.

I’ve heard from many readers who have tried everything they can think of to remove these stains, without success. In fact, all of those efforts seem to do just the opposite, eventually making the problem even worse.

Skip These

Some readers have reported using Magic Eraser, Bar Keepers Friend, Zud, and Comet, all with varying levels of success. But you need to know that the manufacturer of the Safeguard Slip-Resistant Surfaces warns against all of them because they can harm the anti-slip and porcelain finishes, possibly creating an even worse problem over time.

Consider These

Kohler recommends only three products to clean its non-skid and porcelain finishes:  R.O.G.3 Bathtub and Shower Cleaner, Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, and Tilex Bathroom Cleaner.

R.O.G.3 Bathtub and Shower Cleaner is the sure-fire product I have used and witnessed first-hand that it works (see before and after images above). It works on even the worst problem, and despite the manufacturer’s recommendations, I cannot say that for Clorox or Tilex. R.O.G.3 is the reliable product to clean those venerable, stubborn Safeguard Slip-Resistant Surfaces.

Sure-Fire Solution

R.O.G.3 is miraculous and will bring your tub back to its shiny new self including the slip-resistant etching, without damaging the porcelain or the anti-slip surface. You must get this product (actually it comes in a kit) from the manufacturer’s website. ROG3 is not available in stores or through Amazon. This video confirms what I know to be true.

In the kit you will receive two bottles—ROG3 Blue Liquid and ROG1 White Cream plus a scrubbing pad and sprayer head, for about $55 plus shipping, which is quite a bargain as compared to having a tub refinished or replaced. Look for a discount and or free shipping option at the ROG3 site. Often the company will offer that at least for a first-time purchase.

While ROG3 Bathtub and Shower Cleaner is a Kohler recommended product to clean the slip-resistant bottom of its bathtubs, it is not limited to that. This product will clean all tubs and showers—porcelain, fiberglass, cultured (manmade) marble—tile, Formica, Corian, stainless steel, toilets, sinks, and grout of dirt, grime and build up—those challenging situations that require more than this miracle!

 


 

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24 replies
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  1. Mark Kolecke says:

    As a licensed plumber with hundreds of tubs under my resume I can only reccomend an electric pressure washer. You can soak a tub overnight with whatever you have, paper towels and cover with a trash bag. But nothing like a sun joe for satisfying results.

    Reply
  2. NicaG says:

    Hello,

    I checked Kohler’s website, but couldn’t find their reference to ROG3. Can you please provide a link please? Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Shower Journal says:

    Hey Mary, another good read from you. Well, we have tested Magic Eraser at Shower Journal, but it was not much satisfactory. Rather cleaning with vinegar and apple cider vinegar was worthy enough. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Kathy Sommer says:

    Judy Maranger, How many dishwashing soap pods did you place in the tub? Did you break them up before placing them in the tub or did you let them melt? Any particular brand? 3-4 inches of water okay? And leave in for 30 or so minutes? Just bought this place and have worn myself out scrubbing…not putting a dent in it. I’m very excited if this works!!!

    Reply
  5. Suzanne Mulloy says:

    Instead of buying one more product, I used the spinning brush upholstery attachment to my carpet cleaning machine (with a bit of Dawn) and it worked beautifully. Using the daily shower spray recipe I found on this website has kept it clean.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      And that daily shower cleaner recipe is HERE: https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/dear-mary/make-tub-tile-shower-cleaners-cheaper-better-faster/

      Reply
  6. Sherry Rogers says:

    At one point on this site I thought I saw oven cleaner as an option. I used that many years ago on fiberglass tub/shower floor with remarkable results for a less expensive cost. Is that no longer recommended?

    Reply
      • Cheryl Moyer says:

        Yes, ma’am, it does. (Fume-Free in the blue can.) But gotta be the blue can; the stuff in the yellow doesn’t work!)

  7. Judy Maranger says:

    My cleaning gal has a solution I never would have thought of myself. She puts a few dishwashing pods in the bottom of the tub, closes the stopper and runs a few inches of hot water and lets it soak while she cleans the rest of the bathroom, and Voila!… clean as a whistle!

    Reply
  8. Dawn Souders says:

    Mary, I thought your site is to provide inexpensive ways to clean. Not steer us toward products to buy. I have a spot that is in front of where a recliner sat on the carpet. It’s the result of people putting their feet or shoes in this spot. I tried baking soda and a soft brush and vacuumed. Didn’t help. This is Berber carpet with a pattern. Color white, tan with a little brown. I’ve browsed through your site and haven’t found anything about carpet.

    Reply
  9. Tracy Martin says:

    I have a month old tub Kohler tub that I clean everyday but it hasn’t avoided the dirty looking slip resistant grid in the bottom. the link to the video does not work

    Reply
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