Sound Advice on How to Preserve a Carved Pumpkin

With Fall comes the festive celebration known as Halloween and what is this day without the iconic pumpkin? Pumpkin carving creates the jack-o-lanterns that you can find adorning many porches during the Fall season. Your Halloween pumpkin looks great for about a week and then you are left with a drooping, shriveled up mess. There are a number of reasons for why a pumpkin disintegrates mainly the exposure of the insides of the pumpkin to air and other elements like sunlight which adds in the drying of the insides of the pumpkin. There are ways to preserve your carved pumpkin for the ultimate preservation time for Halloween decoration and display.

A very effective way to preserve a carved pumpkin is to give it an oil rub. This is quite easy to do and only requires that you purchase a large jar of petroleum jelly or use oil from your kitchen such as canola or vegetable. Oil is a natural moisturizer and once applied to your carved pumpkin will help stave off shrinkage and decay. Using a thick cloth or your hands if you don't mind the mess, apply a generous amount of the oil of your choice to the insides and outside of your Halloween pumpkin. Make sure to get into all the carved crevices using a brush if necessary and make sure to coat the "lid" of the pumpkin thoroughly. Wipe off extra oil with your cloth and occasionally place your pumpkin in the refrigerator to keep it cool and maintain its form.

In addition to oil rubs, you can also ensure the longevity of your pumpkin by repeatedly sitting it in cool water daily. At the end of the day take your pumpkin inside and place it in a container of water. Some people place additives such as bleach in the water to prevent the formation of mold which can cause decay. During the Halloween season many retailers sell preserving sprays or powders that be used to extend the life of your pumpkin.

It truly is necessary to keep you pumpkin from exposure to the elements. Sun and rain can cause premature wilting of your carved pumpkin. The sun will dry out your pumpkin and cause it to rot. The rain will settle into the inside of the pumpkin making it overly damp and a haven for bacteria and mildew. Likewise, place your pumpkin in a place that will not attract insects. Insects can eat away at the insides of the pumpkin causing more deterioration.

By following the suggested tips, you should be able to enjoy your carved pumpkin well into Halloween.