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 :-)
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.
I actually like watching rug cleaning videos on TH-cam. They are very satisfying. But having Rajiv doing a carpet cleaning video is what you call a twofer!
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.
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.
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 !
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 ❤
Shortly after I watched your video, that wkend I washed a 2nd hand small wool rug, in a metal tub outside using rain water, eco soap, soaked it for several hours. Omg it turned out so beautiful and clean. Took 3 days to dry, 1 day near a woodstove. It was so satisfying to watch you do this, but even more satisfying to do it myself.Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Canada.
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!
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
I would have been tempted to stand in the tub and stomp on the rug to help the dirt, and then the sudsy water, move out. It's not clean until the water is clear. You have proven that it's not the agitation or hot water that shrinks wool, but quick temperature changes. Beautiful rug❣️
I have one of those jetted bath tubs . They r highly impractical and are now being replaced with soaking tubs. I have kept mine for one reason and that’s to wash rugs , large blankets, and washable comforters. It works great for those things .. I totally agree it is a very physical job. I try to leave whatever I’m washing in the tub for at least an hour to drain going back and walking on top of it to get the water to drain out before I start to lift it. For the comforters and bedspreads, I will move them to my washer and put it on the spin cycle to spin out as much water as possible. Also, I would not use Murphy’s oil soap, it is for cleaning and conditioning wood. It leaves a residue that moisturizes wood, you don’t want to use anything that leaves a residue.
Yesterday I searched how to clean an area rug and most people used their concrete driveway that I don't have, living in a city home. Thanks Rajiv, i learned a lot
I washed a large Persian rug out on my deck and it turned out beautiful! Hard work. Totally worth it. Cold water. Used soap suds only, not soapy water.
I have watched some professionals clean rugs on YT. Some of them wearing boots at one point will roll up the rug and walk back and forth on them for pressure to remove more dirt. Great job.
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.
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. 😅
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. 😊
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.
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.
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 😂
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!
Rajiv, you can put a pair of white cotton gloves (like the white cotton moisturizing ones or the ones used to handle delicate artefacts) between your hand and the rubber ones (so first cotton gloves and rubber gloves on it), it will protect better your skin and fingertips from rubbing, hand sweat and boiling hot water temperature which is still passing through the rubber layer. If you manage moving your hands properly with it you can also add an extra pair of rubber gloves (one size up) on top on the blue rubber gloves that you have there. I think that with 2 or 3 layers you would be totally protected and blister free next time.
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!
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?
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. ✌🏽
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🙏🏼❤!
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😂
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 🌏
Oh, I’m going to do this and report back! I used to sing that song to my dog except I changed the lyrics to ‘You’re Going, You’re Going! You’re going O-U-T with me …’ he would get excited with just the first note.
I've had all my large rugs professionally cleaned often but for my smaller area rugs, I wash them myself. I use my power washer along with rug shampoo and it works great. Especially good at cleaning the underside. Dry in the sun hanging between 2 chairs.
I put this video on and insulated our windows (in Chicago here dealing with winter!), and it just felt so nice to “body double” and get some necessary but loving chores done in the haus!!! Thanks Rajiv
This video is so satisfying! I bought an antique Persian silk runner at an auction at the Highlands in Pennsylvania. Brought it home and placed in my upstairs hallway. A few days later I dog-sat for my neighbor and guess what….her dog pooped on the rug. I spot cleaned it but have wanted to have it professionally cleaned. Am sure it cant be washed like yours. Well done! What a restoration.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Hi Rajiv, This is Jennifer from The Village. I stumbled across your TH-cam channel just today after watching a Lacey Chabert movie, looking her up on Wikipedia and seeing a link to your channel. The whole time I was watching I was wondering, "Is that cochineal? Is that Indigo?" and also realising I forget which plants make pale pink (madder root?) and pale green. Thank you for the blast from the past. It brought to mind your experiment retting flax in the creek and asking me to fetch it on your days off to rinse it (clambering over a fence in a hoop skirt is one for the books!). If memory serves, that did not have such a happy ending as this!
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 ❤️🇸🇪
Lifting wet rugs like that is such a workout. I am thinking about using a squeegee in my friend's walk/in shower. it is deep enough to immerse a small rug. When flat, or even 1/2 at a time, I can use the hand attachment on my carpet cleaner to extract the water. I use only lukewarm water.
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 😊😊😊
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.
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
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.
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😊
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
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.
Wonderful video! Thank you. But hot water? I was always told that you wash wool sweaters, etc, with cold water to prevent shrinkage, or that colors bleed in hot water. This video was an eye opener. The rugs didn’t shrink, and the colors are so vibrant. You shook my world. (PS…Rajiv, you’re so charming! Your video was delightful and educational. Again, thank you)
I WONDERED ABOUT THE HOT WATER, TOO. BUT, IN THINKING IT OVER, THE RUGS THREADS ARE TIED TO A SUBSTRATE THAT KEEPS THEM IN PLACE, WHEREAS A WOVEN OR KNITTED ITEM HAS SPACES BETWEEN THE THREADS THAT ALOW SHRINKAGE TO OCCUR.
Maybe I missed this at the beginning, but I am curious about why you didn't vacuum both sides of the rug before washing it? It seems like vacuuming would have removed from the rug some of the gritty dirt that the rug left on the floor.
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.
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 :)
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.
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 $$$.
Another wonderful video by Rajiv! You could make a philosophical case for his endeavours as a model for how to thrive within technologically enabled post-labour economics: Life as an increasingly subtle art project, as a series of self-imposed challenges to mastery in a variety of sometimes arcane fields :-)
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
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.
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 :-)
That is remarkable!
❤
@@RueChristineWow! What a wonderful full circle!
Awesome, thanks for sharing 😊❤🎉
@@mariawelling4194I have my rug to clean as well. I willsraer tomorrow.
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.
Great job Rajeev. So proud of you and you are my nephew. Love you take care. Continue to keep shining 🙏🏼❤
The results speak for themselves, and it's clear that his efforts are making a real impact.
Oh my gosh. My mother used to sing that Good Morning song to me 60 years ago. What a treat Rajiv.
That's from the musical "Singing in the Rain". I sang it to my daughters, too. Now I sing it to my grandson.
I actually like watching rug cleaning videos on TH-cam. They are very satisfying. But having Rajiv doing a carpet cleaning video is what you call a twofer!
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.
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.
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 !
The process is indeed a bit of a gamble, but it's amazing to see how well it turned out.
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 ❤
Shortly after I watched your video, that wkend I washed a 2nd hand small wool rug, in a metal tub outside using rain water, eco soap, soaked it for several hours. Omg it turned out so beautiful and clean. Took 3 days to dry, 1 day near a woodstove. It was so satisfying to watch you do this, but even more satisfying to do it myself.Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Canada.
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!
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!
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.
How do you use the Zote soap to clean the rug? Wet Rug and scrub with the Zote all over? Thank you!
@@gretchenfewell4914use suds. The mor soap you put directly on a rug, the harder to rinse.
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
That sounds boring as heck
I have been contemplating doing this to a Navajo rug but you have convinced me to let the professionals do this😂
So many of us love old treasures the way you do, and you show us how to care for them. Thank you Rajiv! ❤
I would have been tempted to stand in the tub and stomp on the rug to help the dirt, and then the sudsy water, move out.
It's not clean until the water is clear.
You have proven that it's not the agitation or hot water that shrinks wool, but quick temperature changes.
Beautiful rug❣️
My thoughts exactly! It might be easier on the back but also would be harder to turn.
I have one of those jetted bath tubs . They r highly impractical and are now being replaced with soaking tubs. I have kept mine for one reason and that’s to wash rugs , large blankets, and washable comforters. It works great for those things .. I totally agree it is a very physical job. I try to leave whatever I’m washing in the tub for at least an hour to drain going back and walking on top of it to get the water to drain out before I start to lift it. For the comforters and bedspreads, I will move them to my washer and put it on the spin cycle to spin out as much water as possible. Also, I would not use Murphy’s oil soap, it is for cleaning and conditioning wood. It leaves a residue that moisturizes wood, you don’t want to use anything that leaves a residue.
Yesterday I searched how to clean an area rug and most people used their concrete driveway that I don't have, living in a city home. Thanks Rajiv, i learned a lot
I washed a large Persian rug out on my deck and it turned out beautiful! Hard work. Totally worth it. Cold water. Used soap suds only, not soapy water.
I have watched some professionals clean rugs on YT. Some of them wearing boots at one point will roll up the rug and walk back and forth on them for pressure to remove more dirt. Great job.
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.
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. 😅
@@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.....
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. 😊
may I suggest the gloves used to dress deer when hunting, they go all the way to the shoulder lol
@@beakeeper5243Sounds liked the ones vets use. I saw a guy shoulder deep into a cow's shins during a difficult delivery.
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.
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.
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 🇨🇦
I got him first!
I suspect this list will become very long. Rajiv is well loved ❤ 37:48
Yes
@@SusanGeyer-l4k 😄
@@keenabrumbaugh2135 this is true! Lol
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 😂
You should always end with a before and after, so much more satisfying. Impossible to do by scrolling backwards and forwards due to the ads.
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!
Hard work for something so beautiful yet rewarding. That rug is stunning.
I really like how you explain everything so clearly and patiently, by doing so you make everything interesting. thanks for sharing!
Rajiv, you can put a pair of white cotton gloves (like the white cotton moisturizing ones or the ones used to handle delicate artefacts) between your hand and the rubber ones (so first cotton gloves and rubber gloves on it), it will protect better your skin and fingertips from rubbing, hand sweat and boiling hot water temperature which is still passing through the rubber layer.
If you manage moving your hands properly with it you can also add an extra pair of rubber gloves (one size up) on top on the blue rubber gloves that you have there.
I think that with 2 or 3 layers you would be totally protected and blister free next time.
This is literally me with four panels of 1940s barkcloth curtains:) great job Rajiv! Brave man.
Hard work = Great pleasure.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Rajiv.
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!
You are just the best, your energy is just pure and we love watching you. 🤩
Thank you ;-)
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?
Rajiv you did a wonderful job cleaning that rug, it came out beautiful!
I feel like I just got a workout watching you do this!
it's so satisfying to have a clean rug
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. ✌🏽
This video was sooo satisfying! Thank you, Rajiv.
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🙏🏼❤!
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😂
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 🌏
Oh, I’m going to do this and report back! I used to sing that song to my dog except I changed the lyrics to ‘You’re Going, You’re Going! You’re going O-U-T with me …’ he would get excited with just the first note.
I've had all my large rugs professionally cleaned often but for my smaller area rugs, I wash them myself. I use my power washer along with rug shampoo and it works great. Especially good at cleaning the underside. Dry in the sun hanging between 2 chairs.
I put this video on and insulated our windows (in Chicago here dealing with winter!), and it just felt so nice to “body double” and get some necessary but loving chores done in the haus!!! Thanks Rajiv
This video is so satisfying!
I bought an antique Persian silk runner at an auction at the Highlands in Pennsylvania. Brought it home and placed in my upstairs hallway. A few days later I dog-sat for my neighbor and guess what….her dog pooped on the rug. I spot cleaned it but have wanted to have it professionally cleaned. Am sure it cant be washed like yours. Well done! What a restoration.
Beautifully done! I too feel the therapeutic effects of a good deep clean (I watched this on a break from cleaning my apartment )
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.
This is like 🎩 magic. Well done you.
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!
Rajiv, I love going on TH-cam adventures with you❣️
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.
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!
amazing! what a gorgeous rug! Thank you for all the time and energy to show us the process!
The colors of this rug are fantastic & truly pop now!
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.
After seeing the water, I changed my mind.✌️❤️
Hi Rajiv, This is Jennifer from The Village. I stumbled across your TH-cam channel just today after watching a Lacey Chabert movie, looking her up on Wikipedia and seeing a link to your channel. The whole time I was watching I was wondering, "Is that cochineal? Is that Indigo?" and also realising I forget which plants make pale pink (madder root?) and pale green. Thank you for the blast from the past. It brought to mind your experiment retting flax in the creek and asking me to fetch it on your days off to rinse it (clambering over a fence in a hoop skirt is one for the books!). If memory serves, that did not have such a happy ending as this!
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 ❤️🇸🇪
Thank you, I will try that!
@@rajivsurendraI got a pack of a dozen or so thin cotton gloves on Amazon.
Next time, vacuum front and back. I have done that for 2 hours on big rugs.
Lifting wet rugs like that is such a workout. I am thinking about using a squeegee in my friend's walk/in shower. it is deep enough to immerse a small rug. When flat, or even 1/2 at a time, I can use the hand attachment on my carpet cleaner to extract the water. I use only lukewarm water.
What a transformation... so satisfying to watch this video!
Wow! The rug looks beautiful now
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 😊😊😊
Thank you for confirming that a rug cleaning service is the way to go. : )
You’ve helped me to collect all my oushak rugs and get them cleaned! 🎉 amazing video
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.
Well done!! Fabulous video!
I’m watching this while drinking my morning coffee…. and I can hardly tell the difference between my cup and your bathtub 😂☕️
What a labor of love! It's a beautiful rug.....
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
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.
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😊
Wow. this Rug is amazing. You were so lucky to find it.
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
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.
I had thoughts of that happening...
This is where all your gym training will pay off, the strength in your arms is obviously a bonus in a job like this.
What a transformation - how satisfying that must have been for you! Thanks so much for sharing.
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.
Wonderful video! Thank you. But hot water? I was always told that you wash wool sweaters, etc, with cold water to prevent shrinkage, or that colors bleed in hot water. This video was an eye opener. The rugs didn’t shrink, and the colors are so vibrant. You shook my world. (PS…Rajiv, you’re so charming! Your video was delightful and educational. Again, thank you)
I WONDERED ABOUT THE HOT WATER, TOO. BUT, IN THINKING IT OVER, THE RUGS THREADS ARE TIED TO A SUBSTRATE THAT KEEPS THEM IN PLACE, WHEREAS A WOVEN OR KNITTED ITEM HAS SPACES BETWEEN THE THREADS THAT ALOW SHRINKAGE TO OCCUR.
@@sherrillsturm7240that makes sense!
I took warm water, would never use very hot water.
You and I are so much alike. “When I’m curious, I will try something”. I will add … I can hardly resist trying something. #gemini
29:17 had to pause my watch of your video so that I could go watch that dance sequence. Could hear the tapping in my head when you were singing lol.
WOW! This was very fascinating! It was mesmerizing watching you actually fighting with your cool wool rug. 😊 🎉 ❤
Maybe I missed this at the beginning, but I am curious about why you didn't vacuum both sides of the rug before washing it? It seems like vacuuming would have removed from the rug some of the gritty dirt that the rug left on the floor.
I flip it and vacuum each side until almost no dirt falls out.
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.
I do not recommend trying to do this yourself. It's very gross.
@@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!🙏
Oh Rajiv, you kill me ! 😂😂. Willing to try anything.
The thumbnail picture really showed the difference. Satisfying.
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 :)
I seem to remember the Brimfield rug dealer also recommending simple green as an alternative.
Amazing! We had some crazy weather those days.
Rajiv's vision of Big Spring Cleaning is this November Rugged Workout ;-))))
The rug looks wonderful!
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.
You have an excellent German accent and work ethic!
Could we BE any more in love with Rajiv? YES. YES WE CAN
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 $$$.
Another wonderful video by Rajiv! You could make a philosophical case for his endeavours as a model for how to thrive within technologically enabled post-labour economics: Life as an increasingly subtle art project, as a series of self-imposed challenges to mastery in a variety of sometimes arcane fields :-)
I'll apply for a Canada Council grant tomorrow for this.
Let us know how your grant proposal is faring, please! Your friends all around the world need to know! 🫵🏽🙏🏽🦁🐺
This was so much fun….to watch. 😂
Well done, Rajiv! Rug cleaning companies could use your video as a presentation on why the cleaning costs as much as it does 😆
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
Actually it was satisfying to watch lol. Man you worked hard too. I LOVE ALL OF YOUR VIDEOS . KEEP EM COMMING
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.