Ellen
Here is a link to help you. This is still new to me so maybe the experts can help you.
I learned not to soak a nicked seed in water before planting because the sprout will open brown/black rotting. If you use a dome, allow some airflow to enter and as soon as they sprout remove the dome indefinitely.
I try to be as sanitary as possible and sterilize everything I use (tools, razors, trays) with bleach and water before I begin and I use distilled water for the initial wetting. Good luck.
http://trop-hibiscus.com/hibseed.html