- 1). Pull strands of Irish moss into your boat, using the rake. Look for bushy, healthy strands at least 2 feet long, with a bright color. Clip off any diseased or spindly portions and throw them back into the ocean.
- 2). Check the seaweed strands for crabs and other crustaceans, barnacles or shells. Remove any creatures the seaweed might have been hosting, and toss them back into the water.
- 3). Cut the Irish moss into sections about 1 foot in length. Wash the segments thoroughly in buckets of plain water several times until the water stays clear.
- 4). Spread newspapers several layers thick in a warm, dry location that will not be disturbed. Lay the seaweed on the newspapers in thin layers to dry.
- 5). Dry the Irish moss for at least two weeks, turning at least once. When dry, the seaweed will be grayish or yellowish-white and will be dusty and dry to the touch. It can now be processed for use or stored in paper bags until ready for use.