My Gourds have what appears to be mildew on them.

Are they getting soft? If it is still on the surface only, try washing them off and spray them with vinegar to kill the spores and see if it stays away. If the mold or mildew comes back or they get soft, get rid of them right away, you don't need the health hazard laying around. If it goes away, spritz it with vinegar to keep it away occasionally.

Hello — Both mildew and mold can be cleaned off gourds using the same method. Please click on the link below for specifics:

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/black-spots-off-dried-gourds-59910.html

Clean them with a cloth slightly damp with bleach water. Then polish them with olive oil. Make sure it is not damp in the bowl. Put a folded paper towel in the bottom to be sure. If a gourd is mushy, throw it out. Dried gourds are great for year round decorating. They should last a long time. 😇

I agree with Nancy. If they are soft, it's time to pitch them. If they are not soft, you could probably clean them and put some type of sealant on them to preserve them.

You can paint over them and it won't affect them. I have apple gourds too that had some on them, as long as it is cosmetic and not extensive. I painted over it and still have my apple gourd

Thanks to all for responding! I will give it a try.