Cleaning Instructions
Cleaning a mate gourd is easy. Click here to learn the proper way on how to clean your mate gourd. Although it may seem simple to do, there are things you need to keep in mind when going about it. This way, you can safely use it again without having to miss a day.
You should know how to clean it properly. By cleaning it properly, you’ll almost never have to deal with mold.
Now that we know how often to clean our mate gourd, let’s dive into troubleshooting common cleaning issues and preventing mold. Here are tips to keep your gourd in pristine condition:
- Proper Drying: After each use, thoroughly dry your gourd. Your mate gourd should NEVER be washed in a dishwasher.
Removing Mold
Here’s how you can remove mold from your mate gourd:
- Prepare a cleaning solution – An effective mixture would consist of two parts white vinegar and one part water.
- Rinse and leave to dry or pat with a clean towel.
Caring for Your Gourd
Below are tips to help you care for your mate gourd. After use, over time with use, the inner lining of the calabash will darken – this is natural.
Mold Removal Method
There are several online methods teaching you how to get rid of mold, but I found the below to work the best. It’s extremely simple and only requires water and one other ingredient.
To prepare a cleaning solution – mix two parts white vinegar and one part water. Allow the gourd to fully dry, as mold cannot survive without moisture.
Until the gourd is soaked you can’t see the skin layer, but after soaking, it scrapes off easily. Moldy gourds dried indoors get elaborate stained patterns, which can look great for projects featuring natural decoration. For this process see the article on naturally decorated gourds.
To clean gourds:
- Soak in bleach solution for 20-30 minutes.
- Scrub off skin with a spoon or scrubber.
- Scrape mold.
- Dry outdoors until bone dry.
Clean, fully dried gourds work great for crafts like painting or making musical instruments. Enjoy your gourds for years to come by giving them some simple yet essential care.
Curing Instructions
Cleaning your gourd regularly ensures it lasts longer. To clean, empty leaves, rinse with warm water, and dry. Be careful not to use very hot or cold water. Traditional gourds are made by drying gourds and hollowing them. They come in various shapes and colors. Curing a traditional gourd prevents splitting and improves the flavor. When you get a new gourd, allow it to cure before use. This strengthens structure and taste.
- Fill 2/3 with yerba mate and ash.
- Add hot, not boiling, water to the rim.
- Wait for the level to go down then refill.
- Leave for 48 hours so the gourd walls absorb the mix.
The yerba adds taste and ash adds endurance. After 48 hours, wash out the mix with hot water and enjoy. The more you use the gourd, the better it tastes.
Enjoy your traditional vessel!