When I first began cleaning gourds I sanded the mold off the outside. After getting instructions from another gourd crafter I learned the easy way to clean the outside.
Get the gourd wet and use a copper pot scrubber. It is amazing how easy the mold and fiber skin comes clean. Will even clean those gourds that I had only sanded.

When cleaning the inside of the seeds and membrame I use to sand also. This can be very hazodous to your health, as the dust can be toxic. Always wear a dust mask when cutting or sanding gourds.

Until I bought a gourd saw from the Caning Shop I used every means available to me. A key hole saw for dry wall works good if you are just getting started. Holding the gourd during the cutting process is the difficult part. Always do this away from small children and use caution whenever using a sharp tool. It is also a good idea to work in a well ventulated area, and wear old work clothing. Sanding gourds creates dust just like wood, so be aware of surroundings.

I no longer sand the inside of gourds to clean them. I clean out by hand all that will easily be removed. Then I set outside and fill the gourd bowl with water. Let it set for several days and keep water level to the top. As soon as side membrame will loosen by hand bring inside to sink and using a medal spoon scrape the inside to remove all inside seeds and such. Keep a bag or bucket near to put the insides in, these can be used in the compost pile. Put back outside, upside down to drain and dry. this works very well for those who have no studio to work in, or if the dust is really bad for them.
This process takes a few days so be prepared.

After cleaning and drying the gourd inside and out you are ready for the finish of your choice. I sand around the edges to smooth and gives a now finished appearance.

The top picture is a gourd that has molded and is ready to clean. The bottom is a cleaned gourd.

These show the beginnings of future gourds. If they are too near the larger gourds I will cut them off. There is a male and female blooms on the gourd plant. These tiny gourds are the females.

This is the first wind chime I have made. Of coarse it had to be a "gourd".

When working with gourds some basic tools should be available such as:
Copper Pot Scrubber
Sandpaper (80-200 grit)
Dust Masks
Rubber or Medical Gloves
Razor Knife
Gourd Saw

Some of the tools of my trade working with gourds and leather.

Sue Silvis with the PA Gourd Society sent in a tip for cleaning the inside of a gourd. By using the flat part of a canning lid. It is easy to grip, even for those with arthiritis.
Great tip Sue, Thanks

I like to grow my own gourds too. It was so wet this year at planting time, that I had to make raised beds to get my gourds in the gorund before May 15th the cut off date for gourds in my area. The bed is behind my house and near the barbwire fence which is my trellis.

These gourds are growing nicely and hopeful for large sizes. I am culling smaller gourds to cause these to gain better size.

Male bloom on the left, female on the right. Look closely and you can see the beginning of a gourd on the female bloom.

Close-up of the female bloom.

This is the close up of the male bloom. They open up at dusk.