Elbow Grease and the Environment

By DAVID MARTIN

Bon Ami, the Kansas City-based polishing cleanser, did not fare well in a recent Consumer Reports test. But company officials say the substance is up to most jobs, while putting less stress on the environment.

The September issue of Consumer Reports graded the tub-scrubbing ability of powders, pump sprays and aerosol foams. Comet and Ajax were graded best buys for their ability to remove mildew for just pennies. Bon Ami, which is more expensive than the big-selling brands, received only fair marks for its mildew removing and preventing skills.