- 1). Find a well-ventilated area to bleach your gourds, such as an open area outside. Open the windows before bleaching gourds indoors to minimize harsh fumes.
- 2). Put on rubber gloves and a particle mask to protect your skin and lungs from bleach fumes.
- 3). Fill a bucket with mixture of one part bleach to 10 parts water. The bleach will sterilize and lighten the color of the gourds.
- 4). Lower the gourds into the bleach mixture, and cover them with a wet towel to prepare them for washing. The towel will apply enough pressure to keep the gourds completely immersed and will keep any exposed surface damp.
- 5). Allow the gourds to soak for 15 minutes. Lift the towel, and check the color.
- 6). Remove any flaky skin and mold from the gourds carefully using a copper scrubbing pad. Remove stubborn, thick skin or mold with a dull butter knife. Take care not to puncture, bruise or damage the skin. Return the gourds to the bleach solution, and cover them again with the wet towel.
- 7). Check the gourds every 15 minutes. Remove them from the bleach solution when they reach the desired color.
- 8). Set the gourds in a warm, dry place for one or two days, allowing them to dry. The gourd will be lighter in both color and weight once it dries completely, and the surface will feel like wood.