Video:How to Dry or Cure Hard-Skinned Gourds

Transcript:How to Dry or Cure Hard-Skinned Gourds

Hi! I'm Debbie Anderson for About.com! Drying hard-skinned gourds is a great way to have fun looking decorations. So today, I'm going to show you how to dry or cure hard-skinned gourds.

To Dry Hard-Skinned Gourds, You'll Need:

• liquid dish soap
• a few small bowls of similar size and shape
• a clean sponge
• rubbing alcohol
• soft clothes
• newspaper
• a window screen
• bleach
• disposable gloves

Wash Hard-Skinned Gourds

First, after putting on your disposable gloves, use a clean sponge and soapy water to thoroughly wash all of the outside surfaces on each of the hard-skinned gourds. Next, use a soft cloth to wipe off any remaining moisture on the gourds.Then, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a soft clean cloth and thoroughly wipe down the outside surfaces of the gourds. Next, place each of the hard-skinned gourds on a dry piece of newspaper in a dry and well ventilated area away from sunlight to allow the skin to dry.

Turn and Dry Gourds Continually

During the first week, repeatedly wipe down the gourds and change the newspaper underneath the gourds until the outside of the gourd is hardened and begins to change in color from green to a somewhat brown or tan color. Then, place each gourd in a single layer on a window screen that is propped up on four small bowls of similar size to allow for extra ventilation and air flow underneath the gourds.

Check Gourds for Moisture and Mold

Repeatedly check the gourds for moisture and mold every day. If you find mold forming on the gourds while they are drying, use a clean soft cloth and a small amount of bleach to remove the mold growing on the outside of the gourd. While the gourds are drying, you may notice other dark splotches forming or the skin peeling a bit on the outside of the drying gourds. These gourds can be kept, as this is a perfectly natural part of the drying process.

However, as you're checking the gourds, remove and discard any gourds that begin to shrivel, show signs of decay, or become too soft during the drying process. Then, turn and rotate each of the gourds on a weekly basis to promote even drying and to prevent the gourds from rotting. Finally, once the gourds feel lighter and you can hear the seeds rattling around inside the gourds when you shake them, this is how you know that they are fully dried and are ready for use.

Thank you for watching! To learn more, please visit us on the web at About.com!