My coconut husks ended up soaking for three days until I could get back to the project. I took the bucket outside and used my hands to tear open the clumps to free the husk particles from the fibers.

After pouring the soak water over garden plants, I put the shredded fiber back in the bucket and rinsed it several times. There is still some particulate matter, but the majority rinsed away. I spread the fiber out on a drying rack hanging inside.

I have to note that the coconut fiber and husk has no discernible smell to me, even after soaking for three days.