How to Revive Old Wicker with Rajiv Surendra

There was a time before cardboard boxes and plastic containers, when wicker baskets were used to hold and transport all kinds of goods. A hand-woven wicker basket is both completely utilitarian and beautiful to look at; a plastic storage bin is not.
Rajiv loves using old wicker baskets on a regular basis; he has one for laundry, there's one strapped to the back of his bike, and he totes around a lidded one when shopping at the farmer's market.
You can find old wicker at yard sales, junk shops and thrift stores, and easily make it look fresh and new again. Today Rajiv shows you how!
If you enjoy Rajiv's videos and would like to see more, please contribute to the gofundme campaign that is raising the funds to produce the content on this channel: gofund.me/fbcb3a22

[@KGMT95]

I feel wholeheartedly proud that people like you exist. You are the "influencer" that society needs!

[@gabriellebaalke6704]

Yay! I could not agree more!

[@CJ-tf5yd]

What a lovely thing to say!❤

[@LedgerAndLace]

"Sad wicker" is actually the solution to our plastic woes! I think a cool series might be, "What's on Rajiv's bookshelf?"

[@LedgerAndLace]

P.S. I was totally expecting you to say that you had grown the reeds and made the basket yourself!

[@Earthy-Artist]

@@LedgerAndLace That would not have surprised me in the least.

[@Synchronicitizen]

That would be a must watch series for me! Great suggestion @LedgerAndLace!

[@ColetteNicoll]

There's a beauty in how you show your appreciation for lost arts, & the things which were once a part of everyday life. I never wanted to see my nostalgic love for Old fashioned things as romantic - but the look on your face as you focus on your tasks is a beautiful thread - pulling us as your viewers - into the prettiness you build around yourself. Nothing is lost, all is found with love. Thankyou 🙏💞

[@RoseCottageColleen]

I have a LOT of wicker. Until now I had no idea how to properly care for it. I was just about to give my laundry basket, identical to yours, to my niece to use for a cat bed. The cats will have to wait. Now I can revive all my wicker. Thank you for your channel! 🧺

[@Killian11]

As a little girl I loved the look of wicker! So beautiful, and natural, and it made me think of beautiful countrysides. I'd forgotten all about that...and now I'm inspired to go out there and find some used wicker. Thanks for empowering us to restore and care for all our lovely things, Rajiv!

[@TenderheartPC]

I recently salvaged a nice old wicker basket from a neighbor that had tossed it out on the curb. I was planning on reviving it myself, so this video is quite useful and timely! It never ceases to amaze me how little people value beautiful old items that just need a little TLC.

[@Talentedtadpole]

Same goes for people lol

[@YayaBolender]

Great tip, but you must know that the rag full of solution is flammable if you put it in your laundry basket or even worst: in a plastic bag. You must rinse your rag with water right away or it could set your home in fire. I learned that when I was studying how to make imitations of marbles and woods in an art school in Paris, we were using your solution to create glazes, and we had to put our rags in water at the end of the day to avoid a catastrophe. It is the combination of linseed oil + spirit or turpentine which is flammable. Just to warn the viewers here, wash your rags right away. Great video!

[@lizzies9307]

Wow that's scary but also fascinating, why is the plastic bag worse?

[@YayaBolender]

@@lizzies9307 Because when it is confined in a close and closed environment, it’s when the flammable action may occur. At the school where I was, it happened to them, so then, they were repeating to us every day to wash our rags, they have been traumatized by the fire. And they traumatized us in the process, I am very careful now.

[@Rebeka1589]

I’m glad you shared this, I went to school for my Fire Tec degree and they talked about rags in buckets and how when the flicker of the water heater would come on ( the little fire) the fumes from the rags would ignite a fire in the garage then the home so yes be super careful🤍

[@YayaBolender]

@@Rebeka1589 Thank you for sharing this.

[@lizzies9307]

@@YayaBolender I'm sorry I just saw your reply now but thank you so much for the explanation! This is good information to have!

[@gailalbers1430]

Rajiv is a polymath of arts & crafts - it’s so rich and almost overwhelming what he knows and actually can do . He is a potter , calligrapher, taylor , cook , cleaner and much much more. it just shows how humanity is actually so talented and ingenious; Rajiv is a pinnacle example 🙂

[@demijo2227]

The video we needed. Thank you Rajiv for keeping us grounded in tradition.

[@nomado3650]

Is it a record - almost 100000 subscribers in 3 months?! You should be proud of yourself, Rajiv! So very well deserved. And sky is the limit!

[@kkg30]

I was born in Turkey & my mom gave me a huge wicker storage basket and bassinet. Thx for your info!❤

[@pworthyart]

Whenever I watch Rajiv‘s videos I think of “Renaissance man“. Thank you Rajiv for sharing your knowledge and talents!

[@grizeldaxxx4568]

TRULY!!

[@aanchalbaranwal]

I love how you make everyday things seem so romantic

[@dikshasingh_1488]

This guy is so passionate about the things he loves and just life in general.

[@carolynlancaster3273]

I now have my work cut out for me, but grateful for Rajiv's expert advice, as usual. Whar a treasure you are!

[@peyytunia]

Great video! One of my favorite possessions is the antique wicker laundry basket my mom gave me. We used it growing up and I always loved it more than the plastic ones! Makes doing laundry a lot more fun when it’s a bit aesthetically pleasing

[@JoyChun0508]

I got this gigantic wicker basket with a lid from a thrift store! I just washed it. Thank you for sharing how I bring it back to life in just the right time!

[@teresagaudiot7459]

Rajiv is a true Renaissance Man. What does he not know how to do?

[@lifeintheslowlane5602]

I love wicker. Collecting my clean line dried laundry in my wicker basket is one of my lifes pleasures. You need to visit Guardalest in spain. You will see old ladies sitting on the step weaving wicker baskets. There are tiny shops with wicker rattan spilling out onto the street

[@riyatanveer9983]

You romanticise each and everything you do in life.... such a Gem ❤

[@inannamystyrica3762]

'Down by the Salley Gardens' is one of the newest songs I learned on my harp. It was so wonderful to hear you sing it. Thank you for sharing your life and skills with us.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching! i LOOOOVE my harp!

[@tammylevi4391]

Lovely video.I'm a professional brightworker, traveling the world refinishing wood on yachts. It's amazing what can be accomplished with a little cleaning and a proper finish.

[@lizzies9307]

What an amazing job 😮 how did you learn to do that?

[@luslab]

I actually really needed this video. I have a sad looking wicker chair that needs cleaning and I'm sure that it will look wonderful afterwards. I would've put the linseed oil on directly, but now Rajiv has saved me from doing that.

[@rajivsurendra]

Give it a good washing first on a hot summer day when you can be sure it'll dry fully. Then oil it a week later.

[@petra3865]

Great! I have such a wicker chair too! very dirty though

[@ranji8084]

You are amazing young man with an incredible passion for old history and art. So pleasing to see a young man is so interested in sharing beautiful things and how to create and protect them. Very inspiring Rajiv. 👏❤️

[@MichaelaFreeman]

I love you. Thanks for being you. We need more people like you in this world.

[@trishgrove810]

I didn't realise that wicker could be washed with soap and water. Guess I'll make the most of a sunny day tomorrow to freshen up a few baskets that are looking sad. Thanks Rajiv.

[@Foervraengd]

As someone else pointed out - linseed oil is known to be combustible. As great as older methods can be, there also used to be more fires back in the days due to lack of flame-protection in products. If you're going to use half-oil (50/50 linseed oil with thinner) it is extremely important that you wash the cloth thoroughly afterwards and keep it soaked.

[@MydogBella6]

beautiful voice

[@yrn5638]

Awwww you are the business.. Don't stop you are so interesting... 👌

[@TheFutureisSteampunk]

I love finding really old leather at antique shops, bringing it home, washing it, then spending the next few months oiling it and using it to bring it back to life.

[@martajackson3932]

Hi Rajiv👋. I recently found you on KZbin and I’m totally charmed by you and your videos. They are really special and different to everything else out there. They give out a calm and old fashioned, even romantic vibe. You make trivial, ordinary task look so special. True mindfulness, but very different to this commercialise way that others do it to jump on the waggon. Like a proper old school. Your peaceful manner is contagious. I feel relaxed after watching and listening to you. Your creations ( calling it content doesn’t seems to fit somehow) have this intimate yet educational quality. It’s like I’m really there with you and your basket. Shout out if you are ever in Windsor, England. Thank you for sharing with us!

[@peztopher7297]

"Intimate yet educational". Yes, that's it exactly.

[@libbyannstew8775]

Happy Saturday Rajiv (another Canadian here living in the GTA). I’m so happy I found your channel - love your content. I have two wicker baskets that were in my childhood home and I’ve been wondering how to revive them. This is perfect timing. Thanks so much and keep the fabulous content coming. (I’ve ordered ‘bluing” to brighten up my whites - thanks for that tip too).

[@lizzies9307]

Hey fellow Torontonian! I got the bluing too!! It's fantastic! My whites are whiter than ever 😊 what I really want to do now is find a chair I can re-cane like he did 😅

[@essjayem6498]

Why am I attracted to the squeaky sound of Rajiv cleaning the wicker?

[@inescerejo834]

I commented before about similarities in my culture, so here we go: in Portugal (like in so many other cultures), wicker was commonly used for literally everything that needed its place, especially to hold, store, sell and carry any kind of fruit or produce. Especially during the harvest of olives and grapes, sometimes really huge baskets were used. My grandfather, who died before I was born, was actually the last basket/wicker maker in his village. We still have some items left, huge huge baskets which were used during the grape harvest. They are completely covered in dust and spiderwebs and we never found a use for them. But at least now I know how to clean them!! Later in the 60's and 70' street vendors started to sell plastic and aluminium items from door to door, then the markets started selling plastic etc (markets were the only place where you would buy anything that you couldn't produce yourself) so wicker was used less and less, until it became almost redundant. That's why after my grandfather died in 1980 nobody picked up that craft. Thank you Rajiv for your wonderful videos! Lots of kisses

[@flowerboy7810]

I have always loved baskets, but often they start breaking from use and eventually must go. I'm hopeful that keeping them oiled may help prolong their lifespan. I've just started to learn basket weaving and I have so much more appreciation for every basket in my home!

[@holypiper]

just wow. making usual house stuff so beautiful, intellectual, meditative, jazzy, omg that's something really unique. thank you! that's much more than just blueing shirts and repairing wicker stuff, it is art de vivre. I wish you to have a great abundance of all the resources you need to live the life of your dream and share it in such a gentle, slow and charming way

[@pmmac2382]

Wow! Love your handwriting and love the history! Great video!

[@creamsiclecat]

I love these videos!! I love wicker baskets and I absolutely enjoy your content Rajiv! Now I know how to take care of my wicker baskets! I always thought they were a pain to clean and that you couldnt wash them and never bothered getting secondhand ones because of that. Now I'm looking forward to finding them haha

[@rajivsurendra]

Yes! You can easily wash wicker with a hose and let it dry in the sun. I like to give it a scrub when it's wet with some soap.

[@Kate-ny5xy]

Aaaaah, thank you. This is just the information I needed. I have two baskets from my grandmother's house that are filthy and I was unsure how to clean them. And now I know how to clean and oil any future baskets I weave myself (because of course I'm going to be planting willow in the next year or two.)

[@indie825]

Thank you Rajiv. Great advise for maintaining wicker items. Your laundry basket looks exactly like the one I grew up in the 60's. Brings back good memories. I wish I still had it and could give it some love.

[@chanchan5349]

I still have my mother’s laundry basket. She used it everyday to hang clothes on the line. She’s been gone for a few years but every time I use it I remember.

[@laurafetterley]

I had never heard of withy beds and I had no idea you could revive wicker this way. Always a wealth of information. Another great video, mister ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks, Miss Fetts.

[@flaxholmelis5996]

I was so surprised to see your book by John Seymour. My parents were into home produce back in the 1970s and John Seymour's Self-Sufficiency was their bible, along with others by the same author. I still have these books - and use them regularly - and will now be keeping a look out for a copy of the book you have. Thank you so much for another, very informative video, Rajiv x

[@bessycorrales6405]

Congrats on 100K, Rajiv! It’s always a treat to watch you. 👏

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

Making baskets is great fun. Tempted to try making your own Rajiv?

[@rajivsurendra]

It's on my list, I would LOVE to learn how to make split oak baskets.

[@thelasthomelyhouse]

@@rajivsurendra oak swills, I am lucky enough to know a maker and I have two, they are marvellous! xx

[@anitainmo489]

Not surprised to see you here Kate.

[@cindymichaud7111]

Good stuff. Old baskets often need repair, wicker, reed, etc. That would be an informative and useful video. I've made baskets, but so many have no knowledge about their maintenance. Thank You for your thoughtful video ❤🙏👑✝

[@yedafeio257]

What a pleasure, always! I have a loved and used collection ,from tiny boxes made out of broom bristles by my greatgrandfather for his daughters to play to very elaborate old Shangai 70´s animal bamboo boxes, some painted and two 40´s totes for fish and live poultry! my mother bought in San Francisco when she was there. Can I use this method? My best regards from Curitiba, Brasil!

[@Delala]

I have many baskets that will be very happy this summer 😁

[@jennyp4934]

Thank you so much for this. I found an old basket in my garage (it's a very scary place) and it's a lovely shape and very robust and I want to use it for my laundry, but it looks extremely dried out. Everywhere I looked so far, they painted it, and I love baskets as they are. I just wanted to restore it, not fancy it up with paint etc. Baskets can look great with something simple like ribbons and dried flowers.

[@AtHomeWithNissy]

Gosh you make me wanna grab one of my many baskets and just display it somewhere in house with ONLY white linens/towels. This stuff just warms my soul 🤎

[@valerielambert7922]

Coincidentally, just found a great (but neglected) large wicker basket in my parents' loft.

[@elo5193]

Rajiv! When will you show us how you make your flower arrangements? I adore them and know I'm not the only one that's always admiring them in your videos. Also, where in the city do you buy your flowers? There are some that I've been looking for but you can't find at any regular store in the city.

[@girlathebeach]

I have been wondering the same thing about the flower arrangements.

[@sushreeshashwata]

There is one in hgtv handmade i think in the prepare for guests video

[@shmickyshmoe]

Thank you for appreciating handmade baskets. I recently bought three baskets at a yard sale for a song and they are beautiful!!!

[@katrussell6819]

I spray my baskets with the same spray I use on my wood floors:Murphy's Oil soap and lots of water. I put a little white vinegar in there to keep it from being sticky. Love your videos.

[@Hyperlooper]

"when you're washing wicker" is such a delightful and musical sentence.

[@s.s.7348]

I just bought a wicker basket from the thrift store and I need to clean it before using it to store items. The timing of this video is perfect! ❤

[@hai6089]

Wow I saw someone suggest your channel on Reddit. So happy they did. Love your channel and videos ❤

[@blokprintzprintwithpaint972]

Even 'the little container' is beautiful.

[@MsCheesemonster13]

When I wash our wicker baskets I use a strong solution of tea and apply it with a soft paintbrush to get right into the cracks and crevices. I do this outside as it is a messy business. Don’t rinse off the tea solution as it brings out the colour of the wicker, especially if it is dark. You can use a diluted solution of tea if you are worried about it staining light wicker, but I have never had a problem with this happening.

[@megan2176]

So cool, Sally means Willow! Love that Rankins song, but there's a similar one called Down by/in the Willow Gardens, which is also a great song, but sadly about murder! A lot of those old pretty songs are pretty dark. Thanks for connecting those sally/willow dots! 😊❤

[@crazycatmyri]

I was somehow hoping for you showing us how you repair the broken bits. My bad, I guess 😅 but this was nice aswell.

[@donnapecoraro3126]

i’ve owned a lot of wicker but did not know about that solution. i’d love a video about the different types of natural materials used, cane, bamboo, sea grass., and their cleaning method. when i was young my grandpa owned fruit stores and the fruit was in bushel baskets made of thin slats with wire handles. we had stacks of them and used them for gardening waste. very little plastic was in use. nothing like a good basket to hold some magazines or blankets. thank you Rajiv!

[@aschasse]

Can anyone who has done this method tell me if you wash the basket in standing water or use more of a sponging technique? I have been collecting wicker baskets for utilitarian purposes for a few years now and I LOVE them! They make a world of difference. But I’ve not really known how to clean them properly. Thank you Rajiv for what you do. I love learning about how things used to be made and used and old timey everyday practices.

[@georgiakuchinsky]

Rajiv, there's an old Irish session tune called the Sally Gardens, it's a reel in G. I've never known what the name is in reference to and I am delighted to learn it today! Thank you as always for your wonderful videos.

[@marm2371]

Everything you teach is super interesting. Some I already know and some are lessons delivered with a cool vibe. I like the calm and confident feel you bring to your videos. A fellow Torontonian here!

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

I have a basket but it's still like new, I hardly use it. This is good to know for when it does get dirty I'll know how to properly clean it. Thanks Rajiv!

[@rajivsurendra]

Use it!!

[@antoniafoster8264]

I knew Rajiv was going to say that! He made a video about using and enjoying what we have. Don’t save it for someone else to use. 😊

[@anitainmo489]

Yes, please use it. I use baskets to keep potatoes and onions and various other things. Wicker is so much more prettier than plastic.

[@sharonevans6261]

Thankyou for this instruction! Wicker is one of my favorite things. 😊

[@robinbirdj743]

Today, I decided to put my rags in a basket. Then I found this ❤️

[@princesshyrule]

An important note: Odorless mineral spirits may not have a smell but it still has fumes, be careful with it. This was a wonderful video full of great ideas!

[@rajivsurendra]

Yes, thank you! I forgot to mention how to dispose of the rags, so I'm grateful for the comments pointing that out. Y'all keep me in check!

[@inesspanni]

Rajiv! I just love the magic you share! Like someone else said - you draw us in!!! You entice us to find serenity and joy in treasuring the value so many things hold. It can be so hard to see in this "disposable" world we live in!!! But you draw our eyes, ears, hands, feet - especially our hearts - in to lost ways & treasures!!! Thank you, sir!!!💖

[@jgirldo2691]

Okay, am I the only one wondering where I can find my own old laundry trunk with the side handles and the leather straps? That wicker piece is gorgeous!

[@bridgetisadreamer]

I bought a beautiful little basket today and I can't wait to give it this treatment! (When the weather is right :P)

[@ggondaeblues]

이런 성격의 유튜브채널 처음봐요. 매력적이네요~~

[@starsrhi2335]

I never knew this, and threw out many a piece for nothing. Your show is wonderful. You give information not many speak of, or do, anymore. Thank you.

[@seanetle9039]

You are my favorite content creator! I watch or listen to anything you create! Should maybe consider making a podcast! 🌸

[@willothewispl]

Thank you. I have always washed and dried them, but never oiled them.

[@mariawalsh335]

Thanks for showing me how I need to take care of the baskets I have and learn to love them ...I have a few , and I definitely will follow your advice

[@deborahdesigner3226]

I Love when you sing!!!❤️

[@bonnerdebbie]

Perfect timing, I have an old wicker chair that needs cleaning. Thanks Rajiv.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I’d love to see you do a revisit to Pioneer Village sometime. I’ve never been, but it’s on my places to see list.

[@sprivate1333]

thanks Rajiv. I knew to wash my wicker but never used the spirits/linseed. I always learn something from you. Hoping for another cooking lesson soon! have a great weekend!

[@billierichardson9885]

Thanks to you I bought John Seymour 's book for my boyfriend

[@suzanalbright8670]

Brilliant. I love any sort of container that is not plastic! Thank you for showing how to care for wicker!

[@mariawalsh335]

Love your singing voice. 😊😊

[@godschild6694]

Who would give you a thumbs down? Love your videos

[@MyDaisy66]

Hello from London Rajiv. Yep I too have a thing for baskets. I have a basement full of them including a F&M one similar to yours. I didn’t know about oiling them. I do use my baskets, but now I know how to take care of them. Thank you so much 💗

[@anitainmo489]

I love wicker baskets and made me so happy to see this video. Thank you Rajiv.

[@katepavelle9465]

Rajiv, you saved a basket from being sprayed with polyurethane! I bought a basket that’s bigger than yours, and well made of heavy wicker. Its quite old and dark. I am curious to see how much lighter it gers after I follow your instructions. I found it at Goodwii clearance for $2.99. It’s been sitting in the garage because I didn’t know what to do with it 😅

[@rafalhelal]

Could you do a video on how you wash your dusting rags and dish washcloths after they've been dirtied? :D

[@katherineradtke773]

I have some of those same wicker baskets i bought for my kids for laundry baskets in their room- now I know how to refresh them. Thank you 😊

[@platoquemado]

Hello Rajiv, I would like to recommend a set of books to you that deal with varied subjects that you might find interesting. Its called Foxfire and documents many traditional methods of production like basket weaving, furniture making, soapmaking, gardening and much more.🧡✌️

[@shirleyprescott1528]

I just purchased an old wicker chair at a yard sale.! Good timing for this video!!! Thank you!

[@rajisunder5794]

Been watching your videos. I think you are incredibly talented. Literally jack of all trades n good at whatever project you take up.

[@trudiemooy9676]

Who knew Rajiv❣️

[@jmcmurrah]

I love wicker… and I love this video!

[@camilaguzman2543]

Hello, I was waiting for you KZbin channel. And here you are 😊❤🎉

[@lizvardon5357]

Thank you Rajiv. Another enjoyable video to learn from. It is so uplifting to see the care you take in repair, restore and maintainig original funtional items that become a part of your life. Have loved the silver cutlery, paper, marbelling, ribbons and soooo much more. Always a treat to see what's on offer next ❤

[@libbyannstew8775]

Public Service Announcement here born out of personal experience; be VERY careful with the linseed/turpentine rag once you’re finished. If not dealt with properly the rag can (and will) ignite. You can find information online about how to properly dispose of the rags or safely store them if you will be using them again in a short space of time.

[@gardeninginthedesert]

Excellent reminder. Bourbon Moth Woodworking did a video on this very subject last week. Scary stuff!

[@libbyannstew8775]

@@gardeninginthedesert I left a linseed oil/turpentine rag out in the sun to dry and it ignited. Fortunately, we were at home and my husband saw it and we quickly extinguished it. He has since taught me how to handle these rags properly. Thank heavens I hadn’t left it in the garage with the combustibles like gas for the lawn mower. The “what could have happened” terrifies me if I think about it.

[@innaa2079]

I see you have topiary’s in the background. Please make a video on how to create these and/or maintain them!! Love your videos. I just purchased John Seymour’s book :))

[@ReddOctober]

Good Morning Rajiv, thank you for your useful talents.

[@paulawilliams7030]

I just now found your videos and I’m really liking your content and I agree with all you’ve said so far. Be assured I will be following you. Thanks!