- 1). Select gourds that have a 1- to 2-inch stem remaining. The gourds should have no soft spots or signs of rot. Place the gourds 3 to 4 inches apart on fresh newspaper in a warm, low-light, dry location such as a gardening shed or garage. Turn the gourds daily and replace the newspaper daily. Do not allow the gourds to touch each other. Repeat for one week.
- 2). Remove the gourds (after the color sets and skin hardens or about 1 week) and place them in a dark and dry location like an attic. Turn your gourds daily. Mold and crust build up are normal. Remove any gourds that develop soft and rotten spots. After 3 to 4 weeks your gourds should be light and the seeds inside should rattle when you shake them. They are now ready for cleaning.
- 3). Cut the top off the gourd with an X-Acto knife. Do this carefully if your project will use the top as a lid. Sand the edges of the opening with a rasp and sandpaper to allow you to clean the gourd without cutting your hands on the opening.
- 4). Scrape away the thick, cork-like inside surface of the gourd and the seeds using a curved scraping knife. Do not leave any deep gouges as these will be difficult to remove later. Clean the inside of the lid at the same time.
- 5). Fill a large bucket with enough hot water for you to immerse your gourd. Add 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach and 1/2 cup of powdered laundry detergent per 1 gallon of hot water. Mix. Immerse your gourd completely in the bucket and place old towels on top of the gourd to hold it under water. Allow the gourd to soak for 2 to 4 hours or overnight.
- 6). Clean the outside of the gourd and lid using brass wool, steel wool and plastic scrubbers. Be careful not to leave gouges that will need sanding later but clean the outside thoroughly, too.
- 7). Gently scrape the inside of your gourd and lid to remove most of the white skin. The softened gourd will scrape easily so work carefully. Use a wire brush as a scraping tool to produce a uniform interior finish. Allow your gourd to dry overnight.
- 8). Coat your gourd with mildew check to protect the gourd from growing new mildew or rotting. Use a 1-inch disposable paint brush and allow your gourd to dry overnight before using decorative techniques and before applying leather dyes.
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