To clean a gourd that is already dried and stained you will need a
plastic or copper pot scrubber (stainless steel scrubbers are more effective but can leave scratches
if you are not careful), a small smooth bladed knife, (kitchen
paring knife), a wet towel, and a tooth brush. Dish detergent is optional
since some will leave a residue on the
gourd. Whether you
clean your gourds indoors or out of doors, hot water tends to loosen the
gourd skin more quickly.
Put the gourd in the hot
water, covering it with a towel that has been soaked in the hot water and let it
soak for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub the
gourd with the scrubber.
If the skin on the gourd
is very tight and does not come off easily, soak the
gourd again and try
scrubbing again. If stubborn skin will not come off, use the small knife
to scrape off.
To clean the stem, use the tooth brush. Beginning at the base of the stem, gently scrub the stem toward the clipped end. If the stem is stained, mix a mild bleach solution and turn the gourd upside down and dip the stem into the bleach until the stains disappear, then rinse thoroughly. Use the small knife to scrape away any small fragments of skin that might be left around the base of the stem. Be sure to turn the gourd upside down and check the blossom end and use both toothbrush and knife, if necessary, to clean thoroughly.
Rinse the gourd well and set out to dry. Set the gourd in a shaded area since the heat from the sun can cause drying too fast and can crack the shell. Recheck for any dirt or skin you may have missed, and touch up as needed.
IMPORTANT: When cleaning the inside and especially when sanding the gourd, it is recommended you use a dust mask to avoid long term lung damage. If you are extremely sensitive and commonly have allergic reactions to things like dust and pollen, a professional mask or respirator would be adviseable.