Use a mild soapy water solution and gentle scrubbing to clean of dirt and garden debris.
To kill all fungus and mold use one of the following solutions:
One part bleach to ten parts water.
A weak solution of water and household disinfectant.
Carefully dry the gourds with a soft cloth or towel.
Place gourds in a dry location with plenty of air circulation.
Be sure that gourds don't touch. They can, however be placed on newspaper.
Inspect and turn gourds frequently. Surface molds can be removed with a second washing of diluted bleach. Discarding any gourds that shrivel, have soft spots, or other signs of rot.
Surface drying takes about 1 week. During this time the surface color will brighten.
The gourd is completely dry when it is light weight, hard to the touch, and you can hear seeds rattling inside. This can take 1 to 6 months depending on the size of the gourd.
Your gourds can now be polished, waxed, shellacked, carved or painted. You will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
For more information you can consult our sources:
“Harvesting & Curing Gourds,” Clemsen University Cooperative Extension available at www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/hot_topics/2008/09gourds.html
“Preserving Ornamental Gourds,” University of Illinois Extension available at web.extension.illinois.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=7924
“Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky,” ID-128 Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Kentucky State University, University of Kentucky, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Kentucky Counties, Cooperating. 2017