BEFORE AND AFTER - Washing an Antique Persian Rug in the Bathtub with Rajiv Surendra

[@RueChristine]

Rajiv, my first job was cleaning an elderly lady's house in Lexington, MA (the year was 1983.....I was 13 years old). OMG----THAT was her rug. I actually hand shampooed it for her, followed by a thorough vacuuming. I recognized yours instantly, since I spent hours on that rug, "back in the day." I would not be surprised if yours is the very same one. And the second rug you showed in your video looks familiar too. I believe they were a pair from the same lady's home. All I can tell you is that it was cleaned at least once before, by me, in 1983. I knelt on it and hand-scrubbed it (with a gentle "rug shampoo."). After the shampoo dried, I vacuumed it. Who knows where the two rugs ended up after that lady passed away in 2003. But I wouldn't be surprised if someone bought them from her estate---and now you and your friend have found them in Rhode Island at a Yard Sale. So glad I saw this. It made my day. And I love all your content. Warm regards :-)

[@moodbeast]

That is remarkable!

[@milsanandu]

❤

[@shermarkham6376]

@@RueChristineWow! What a wonderful full circle!

[@mariawelling4194]

Awesome, thanks for sharing 😊❤🎉

[@colleenwilliams1452]

⁠@@mariawelling4194I have my rug to clean as well. I willsraer tomorrow.

[@eva7673]

I am from an european mediterranean country. So we had rugs in every room of the house when I was little. Also, small villages always had a 'communal laundry house', made of granite stone. I remember every summer we would roll up every rug of the house, take them to the small village where my mother came from and over the course of a few days, wash them in the laundry house and set them to dry afterwards in the stone stairs. I would help my mother and we would brush each section of the rug with a hand brush and natural soap (the one made of cubes). Soap and brush and roll, soap brush, roll... until all done. Then unroll and clear the soap suds with plenty of water.

[@RoboticsJoe]

Your rug washing could heal a divided America, Rajiv. Keep kneading the knots out of us so we can be better.

[@lynnewillette2654]

Oh my gosh. My mother used to sing that Good Morning song to me 60 years ago. What a treat Rajiv.

[@cd2659]

I took three new to me persian rugs to a professional rug cleaner. The first day I went to drop off the rugs, the young man working on a rug was so incredibly fit. Then I went back to pick them up, and his Dad and sister were there working on rugs. They were the fittest family I have ever seen. That's when I realized how hard it is physically to clean these rugs. You did a great job. It's beautiful.

[@hintex487]

It’s true-rug cleaning is much more physical than it seems! Watching professionals work really highlights the effort that goes into restoring these beautiful pieces. The physicality involved is definitely a big part of what makes the transformation so impressive.

[@ranji8084]

Great job Rajeev. So proud of you and you are my nephew. Love you take care. Continue to keep shining 🙏🏼❤

[@hintex487]

The results speak for themselves, and it's clear that his efforts are making a real impact.

[@lisabarr6004]

You are such a sweet young man! If you ever need a second mother, I got you! 😅 All the best to you and your family from Stittsville/Ottawa 🇨🇦

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

I got him first!

[@keenabrumbaugh2135]

I suspect this list will become very long. Rajiv is well loved ❤ 37:48

[@tobyg5073]

Yes

[@lisabarr6004]

@@SusanGeyer-l4k 😄

[@lisabarr6004]

@@keenabrumbaugh2135 this is true! Lol

[@yoyopg123]

I actually like watching rug cleaning videos on KZbin. They are very satisfying. But having Rajiv doing a carpet cleaning video is what you call a twofer!

[@SarahBushnell]

Dear Rajiv ... all I can say is WOW ! what a transformation ... and really it is a very brave thing to do because as you told us ... the washing process may not always have such spectacularly beautiful results. I am a Fair Isle knitter and I was amazed when you said you would use hot water on a wool rug ... but of course the wool for a rug is very different and the dyes in an antique rug are vegetable .. and the previous rug turned out super so I watched you in awe as the darkest dirtiest water ever gradually got lighter and lighter with no trace of the dyes running. Well done ! it is a gorgeous gorgeous rug and you have brought it right back to the beautifully aged and luminous shades. Thank you for yet another 'small wonder' ... your videos are a delight !

[@hintex487]

The process is indeed a bit of a gamble, but it's amazing to see how well it turned out.

[@maryb.222]

This is bizarrely well-timed given I spent part of today researching local rug cleaners! Also, Rajiv couldn’t help but remember your Halloween costume…Aladdin and his new to him flying carpet ❤

[@mustangmama-]

Zote soap ( the tallow helps with the color bleeds) can be used on those rugs and cotton glove liners on your hands before the latex.

[@adrianaiello1608]

A tip from someone who worked on the dirty side of sterile processing at the hospital- tape the top of your gloves to seal them from water getting in! works better if you have sleeves to tape them to. I know it's hot though. A fan into the bathroom and your gloves taped down would be a great system! not that you're planning to do this again for a while.

[@leighalmond4128]

I also thought there's better gloves out there that insulate better with more coverage on the fingertips. But like you said he's probably not going to do this again. 😅

[@mustangmama-]

@@leighalmond4128 There are cotton liners you can place on your hands then put the latex gloves on. I used to work at a lab, this is what we did.....

[@annettemurielle]

And longer gloves. And to save your fingertips for the harp maybe a pair of cotton gloves inside? Huge, long, industrial strength gloves. Every home should have a pair. 😊

[@merryfergie]

I recently washed a small weaved rug from mexico. The cleaning was so satisfying. I washed the rug by soaking it in an outdoor tub. It worked beautifully

[@jangsy33]

Bravo Rajeev! Curiosity is a mark of a humble intelligent being, with zeal for life. I love watching you journey through your curiosity, journey on!

[@Earthy-Artist]

Rajiv, Mr. Rodgers would surely approve of your Good morning song! I suggest you might consider getting yourself a pair of 'pond cleaning gloves' which are used for cleaning coy ponds etc. They are sturdy rubber gloves which go way up past the elbows, up onto the upper arms and have elastic at the top, no water can get in. Perhaps also consider wearing a pair of soft cotton gloves inside of the rubber gloves to act as a buffer for your skin, changing them out if they become damp from perspiration. Perhaps it will help?

[@middleageNYer]

That is an ambitious project, you took on cleaning a rug in a bathtub. I've cleaned rugs using an air compressor, a wet/dry shop vac, and a power washer. Even having those tools it's still a lot of work. I admire your willingness to tackle most projects in the available space that you have. Bravo!

[@gailcooper5646]

Hard work for something so beautiful yet rewarding. That rug is stunning.

[@i123456987654]

it's so satisfying to have a clean rug

[@BelindaM44]

After seeing the water, I changed my mind.✌️❤️

[@Jo-Anne.Clarke]

Rajiv, I love going on KZbin adventures with you❣️

[@rachel.beth99]

Beautifully done! I too feel the therapeutic effects of a good deep clean (I watched this on a break from cleaning my apartment )

[@mnm25479]

Rajiv, I'm so happy for all the success you've achieved so far and all the success you'll continue to achieve. We need beauty and goodness in our lives in this day and age, and your channel brings it in the right doses. Thank you🙏🏼❤!

[@fifteenthfret]

Hard work = Great pleasure. Thank you for all of your hard work, Rajiv.

[@minniemeowmix2934]

I feel like I just got a workout watching you do this!

[@jennifergraham3752]

What a gorgeous rug! I would suspect that it will always be special to you because you worked so hard to restore its beauty. This is a great ad for rug cleaning companies too 😂

[@bonnerdebbie]

Rajiv you did a wonderful job cleaning that rug, it came out beautiful!

[@nostraa6125]

Thanks for another great video! Karabagh is part of Armenia. The Armenians make beautiful rugs, and what you have shown is consistant with that type and style. Technically, Persian rugs are from what we now call Iran. But it's true that a lot of people use the term 'Persian Carpet' to describe all Oriental rugs, even though they actually come from many different countries.

[@matthewsackel8980]

This is literally me with four panels of 1940s barkcloth curtains:) great job Rajiv! Brave man.

[@roshirahmati1603]

You are just the best, your energy is just pure and we love watching you. 🤩

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you ;-)

[@shermarkham6376]

This video was sooo satisfying! Thank you, Rajiv.

[@hintex487]

It’s fascinating to see the transformation of the rug, especially with the bathtub washing method. The process really brings out the beauty and detail that years of dirt had hidden.

[@SumairaChowdhury]

I cant believe i watched every second of the entire video, pausing while I had to use the restroom LOL. A knee pad would have been a big help, huh? so satisfying to see the cleaning process!

[@nomado3650]

I cleaned my rugs with a hose and soap outside my house, yes, it was in that part of the world where everyone is doing that. I KNOW how hard it is. I was amazed to see that you’ve done it at home, Rajiv, and asked to show how you did it. Not sure if you read my request, but thank you for sharing your experience. The result is beautiful!

[@colleengiese]

Thank you for teaching on water temps. From experience with collecting & washing these artisan pieces, the "dirt" being released also can have to do with the color of the natural loam or sand where it was being used and walked on. Blessings to everyone 🌏

[@catherinehalagan9373]

I haven't watched you Ina while....too absorbed in work and other things...so glad t9 watch something relaxing and truly useful and educational fo= my home..You are Awesome 😊😊😊

[@ewe392]

Reminds me of cleaning the rugs of my 16 year old Honda . November 6th was my 21st birthday. today, the 14th I'm 6 days overdue with my first baby. Little note to myself if I ever find myself back here

[@susanrombak7959]

Great Vlog filmed to show the entire process. Quite a comprehensive feat to do that by yourself in the apartment no less! Great job Rajiv and so informative. ✌🏽

[@cltinturkey]

You did a beautiful job with the rug, and it turned out well. My dad taught me a similar method, which I've used several times with large antique rugs. He always cautioned me to use a very small amount of soap, along with much agitation and many rinses with clean water. I'd be afraid there is a significant amount of soap left in this rug. Still, it is a jewel. Bravo!

[@moda78z]

Rajiv, you should put on thin cotton gloves on first. The really thin ones, usually white. I think they are usually worn to keep the moisture on your hands after putting lotion on them. At least here in Sweden. They will protect your hands inside the rubber gloves by absorbing some of the moisture. We used to get a pair of them when we bought rubber gloves. Not anymore sadly ❤️🇸🇪

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you, I will try that!

[@charlesblack1086]

I loved this video. I just had three rugs professionally cleaned and I really appreciate what they did. It's so good to revive the art of the old rug makers. Bravo Rajiv! Thank you.

[@SusanGeyer-l4k]

This is like 🎩 magic. Well done you.

[@millieolson]

I did this a few times with my rug. I bought a flat bottom plunger the 2nd time i did it, and would put it on the rug to push more water thru. Seemed to work!

[@earlyword2906]

Watching you wash that rug was fascinating. I held my breath as you spread it out on the fire escape. The things fire escapes are used for in NYC! Near where I used to work, on 17th St. btw. 6th and 7th, there was a rug cleaner. In the morning, we would see workers spreading out gorgeous rugs on the side walk and rinsing them with a hose. We used to laugh, wondering if the owners knew their precious rugs were out on the street, but, from your video, it sounds like that was a smart approach.

[@diamondslashranch]

I have been contemplating doing this to a Navajo rug but you have convinced me to let the professionals do this😂

[@jillmcaleese6514]

We have a number of these rugs. I wash them on the drive with watering can,soap,and long handled squeegee. Then I hang it over the gate to dry in the sun. I’ve seen Arabs washing/drying them on top of cars with a hose. But yes, they are HEAVY when wet! Thankyou for this addition to the possibilities.

[@maryannguess7115]

Rajiv😊, You are so darlin😊..loved the song about Louisiana ❤..sweet..but i have no rugs except..a couple walmart rugs..and like you never wear shoes inside..but THAT was alot of work..your rug is bellismo, after being cleaned...kinda like when you go to the hairdresser..then walk out-->>all fluffy &prettiest...❤🎉ty..have a wonderful week.love ur easel..hugs ur way..ty😊

[@angeladanzig8538]

Wow. this Rug is amazing. You were so lucky to find it.

[@phronsiekeys]

Ha! I'm glad you said that upfront about the amount of physical labor this is. I couldn't do it if I tried, and I have the perfect bathtub for it. I wish I could. It would be fascinating if you could visit a professional shop and show us how they do it.

[@startwiththeheart]

Thank You for sharing this interesting process with us! i have hand washed some thick wool sweaters in the tub and they get so heavy i could only imagine how tedious and heavy this rug was when wet.

[@antiquechase]

amazing! what a gorgeous rug! Thank you for all the time and energy to show us the process!

[@PS-bs8oe]

Rajiv's vision of Big Spring Cleaning is this November Rugged Workout ;-))))

[@JanTaylor-u6u]

I hope you are planning a video about how you celebrate the holidays in new York. I really enjoy your enthusiasm for all things simple and beautiful.

[@PS-bs8oe]

Fascinating from the very first moment in the bathroom; I would have gone for the coldest water ice ever gave: WRONG! ( except it could save any fake rug from colorbleeding ;-) May this be a firm invitation to ALWAYS adopt houseshoes, have a set of pantoufles or whatever ready for your guests. Don't get the dust & dirt of our beloved Big Apple streets get into our homes.

[@PS-bs8oe]

P.s. maybe putting rubberbands around your gloves will keep them from getting wet inside

[@mysteriousu5528]

Rajiv, I would suggest anyone to fill the tub with water and immerse the rug and press and squeeze and drain the wster. Do like this couple of times or more depending on how dirty the rug is. Once the dirt and fine particles are gone, then take out the rug and do dead lift it😉. Fill the tub again with water and detergent and drop the rug and you have less dirt to clean it. That's how I do it. Rajiv's way of doing it is a bit arduous task. On a side note, everybody wants to adopt Rajiv😂

[@mariawelling4194]

WOW! This was very fascinating! It was mesmerizing watching you actually fighting with your cool wool rug. 😊 🎉 ❤

[@celticlass8573]

This would have definitely been something that I would have wanted to learn all about and then try to do myself, because I would have found it so satisfying bringing it back to life, but now that I see how physically taxing it was on someone that fit and strong, my mind has changed. Particularly when you consider that it all must be done in one long session! No doing it over several days in order to rest and stretch. Definitely something to pay the professionals for.

[@catherinedunne1799]

Rajiv, many times I have found your videos and I love your peaceful tone and has put me in a good mood many times. I would like to make a painting for you and send it to you when I’m finished. I’m putting this here so I remember to do it and figure out sending it to you. I’m a fiber artist and this is fantastic information :)

[@jenise2503]

I seem to remember the Brimfield rug dealer also recommending simple green as an alternative.

[@BelindaM44]

I love all of your videos. So much great info. I have a few antique rugs from India and Morocco. I’m going to attempt to do this with a small one. Thanks for the tips.

[@rajivsurendra]

I do not recommend trying to do this yourself. It's very gross.

[@BelindaM44]

@@rajivsurendra I won’t, plus I just fell and crushed both knees. You did a great job, and you are always my favorite. Thank you for replying!🙏

[@christinaeconomou1378]

You have an excellent German accent and work ethic!

[@catherineofsweden24]

Could we BE any more in love with Rajiv? YES. YES WE CAN

[@MudpiesandRainbows]

Beautiful rug, I cleaned a rug before at my local power wash car wash 😅 🤣 it worked like a charm. Maybe next summer take it to your local car wash ...

[@21972012145525]

Great idea

[@Phyllis-uc5ks]

I have washed them on my patio with a garden hose

[@sharona013]

NPR story years ago told of folks in mid-east laid newly made wool rugs on dirt roads, asking folks to drive over them. Reasoning was the older rugs sold better & for more $$$.

[@gwenwade6059]

Lubuskie centrum is the young man I watch carpet cleaning.❤❤❤

[@2aeng]

Would the cleaning be less laborious if you were to use a vacuum cleaner first? Especially the wet vacuum cleaner?

[@heatherknisley4194]

Oh Rajiv, you kill me ! 😂😂. Willing to try anything.

[@heatherknisley4194]

The thumbnail picture really showed the difference. Satisfying.

[@ptgardener3725]

The transformation is profound! I am sorry if I missed your comment about this, but I was wondering about in between washings, does one use a carpet sweeper or vacuum?

[@HeatherSC1972]

I love deep cleaning things these days… feels so good.❤ Thank you for real applicable content 🧹🧤

[@dodgethis_]

Well done, Rajiv! Rug cleaning companies could use your video as a presentation on why the cleaning costs as much as it does 😆

[@donnapecoraro3126]

Amazing! We had some crazy weather those days.

[@sherirae]

Yes, I agree. Rugs need to be cleaned thoroughly! That will be a 2025 task for me, but I will be sending mine out for lots of TLC.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Amazing work! Thank you for the video!

[@shangrila73eldorado]

The music gives a real Woody Allen vibe. Love it. What would happen if you took a break from the harp for 3 weeks? Think of the great hunger, and then the joy you'll feel when you finally eat. Something interesting might happen. 28:50

[@pianomanjarkell]

So satisfying to watch this process

[@sharona013]

Oh dear... I’m confused. I thought hot water & agitation shrinks wool. Guess I missed something? Oh and your rug is beautiful.

[@borge2014]

Bravissimo! Love the rug!

[@michellepereira2328]

I was holding my breath when you hung the rug on the fire escape wondering if one wrong tilt of the wood would send it over the edge.

[@rajivsurendra]

I had thoughts of that happening...

[@DanSmith-v4l]

Thank you for showing us how to do this.

[@ChristianVaerum]

Great video! How often would you recommend to have a rug like this washed?

[@rajivsurendra]

It depends on how it's used. If you walk on your rugs with the shoes you wear outside, it's going to need to be cleaned more frequently. I don't wear shoes in my apt., I don't have pets, and I vacuum and wash the floors once a week, so these rugs stay pretty clean. I probably will never wash these rugs again.

[@claudiamann7111]

Wow that rug was dirty. It looks fantastic. That is a workout. Especially if the rugs are large it would have to be done professionally. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@lisar3944]

I am so surprised that you're supposed to use the hottest water possible on wool! A hand held shower head would have allowed you to give it a much better final rinse, but even without it - wow! what an amazing result

[@RunningWater-ew2mv]

New slogan…. Make it beautiful again.

[@sandispady9058]

This was so much fun….to watch. 😂

[@kimworkman2425]

It looks so beautiful

[@julietierney2516]

It came out great!

[@carolineramage7480]

Great job! Maybe cotton gloves under the rubber gloves might help protect your fingers?

[@logical1291]

You are an inspiration. 😊 So what will you do with that rug?

[@moda78z]

This was so satisfying! 👏😍

[@lynnewillette2654]

Don’t you have to rinse the soap out in clear water? A rug cleaner once told me that any soap left in a carpet attracts new dirt more quickly.? Or maybe the Murphy’s keeps the soap from adhering? Just wondering here.

[@AnneWiley-vp5rj]

So satisfying!

[@greg75002]

never was rug cleaning more sexier

[@brightgreenleaves]

This is awesome thank you! I have a smelly Persian rug I need to clean! Do you have any recommendations for spot cleaning? Regarding avoiding shrinking the wool?

[@nostraa6125]

Rajiv, isn't it 100%wool? Doesn't it shrink with hot water? Why not use cold?

[@gwenwade6059]

I watch a young man clean carpets on yt to relax and satisfy my love of persian carpets and cleaning. Dubovsky something or other.😂

[@kates2718]

I dye fabric in boiling hot water. You need to layer 2-3 pairs of rubber gloves to protect your hands from the heat.

[@jdee2482]

If you have a chance, Rajiv, watch Gabbeh (1996) about an old couple who wash their rug in a stream. There are two different Gabbeh titled films that come up on a search.

[@maryannhartzell2958]

Did you try using both rugs in the room? It seems like you have plenty of floor space. After all that work, it’s a shame not to use the carpet. I have all Persian carpets in my home. I love them. I’ve been collecting for years.

[@Sanity_Faire]

I want to invoke the goddess of creativity

[@tabea258]

Vielen Dank, du hast mir Mut gemacht, ich werde es versuchen.

[@karenoconnell]

Incredible how black the water is! 😬 I was thinking of trying this on some hall runners, but now I will take to cleaners. My back couldn’t take it!