I have found a new way to clean the gourds and/or martin bird houses. My husband bought me a 2" wire brush and a drill bit extension. This is used by hand to clean the inside of the gourds, I do not attach it to the drill.  I like the quick way it cleans the gourds. There may be some places that you can get to with the brush but can reach it with a spoon. You do nothave to soak them to get them clean.  Depending on the exact shape of the gourd, you may have to still use a spoon to get all of the pulp out in the very back. Still all in all this is very quick and saves time.

Also I have been using Stone Craft, this gives a great new look for the gourds.  First you must clean the out side out the gourd, then cut the holes. Clean the gourd pulp out well. The cover the hole, stuff the hole with newspaper, so not to get the paint inside the gourd. Spray a coat and let dry well, give a second coat and let dry. Now that it is dry, remove the newspaper. The gourd is now ready to paint flowers, windows or what ever suits your fancy.