Things You'll Need:
- Sink full of clean water
- household bleach (optional)
- large container
- small container
- mesh bag or basket
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Step 1
As the gourds reach maturity they will turn brown and lose moisture. This will make them more lightweight. Usually seeds can be heard inside with just a gently shake. Remove them from the vine before the blossom-end pops off.
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Step 2
Remove from the vine and allow to dry inside for a few more days. It is best to allow them to dry on their sides in case the blossom-end gets bumped and falls off.
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Step 3
Hold the gourds with the blossom-end up and gently shake them to loosen the seeds. Tapping them on your other hand is usually enough. Then gently apply pressure to the side of the blossom-end using your thumb. This should cause the blossom-end to "pop" off.
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Step 4
Hold the gourd with the blossom-end down over the small container. The seeds will fall out. Keep shaking the gourd until you no longer hear a rattling sound and all the seeds are removed.
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Step 5
Use your fingers to apply pressure to the shell of the gourd causing it to crack in multiple places. This can be done in a manner similar to cracking the shell of a boiled egg. The luffa sponge can then be removed by pealing off the shell. Place the shell pieces in the large container for easy disposal.
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Step 6
Place in clean water shaking back and forth to remove any debris still lodged inside the open spaces of the sponge. If the fiber is a little stained then soak in a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water until desired bleaching occurs.
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Step 7
Place luffa sponges in a mesh bag or basket. Then place in the sun or near another source of low heat until the sponges are dry.
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Step 8
Now they are ready to use for bathing, household cleaning, pet toys, etc. You may also attach a piece of twine or hemp string to hang in the shower but this is optional. ENJOY!
