After harvesting, wash gourds in soapy water, kitchen detergent. Rinse in Hi- lex or Lysol solution - an ounce or two to gallon of water. Wipe dry. Put on several thicknesses of newspaper and leave for a week. Rotate once a day - turning, etc. Have in warm, dry place.

Then again rinse and wipe dry and keep in warm, dry place, rotating for 3-4 weeks. Preserve with coat of wax, varnish, or shellac.