Decorating with pumpkins for fall is one of the best things about this season, the only downside is that they don’t last for the whole autumn months.

However:

There are a couple of tricks to make them last longer! Especially after carving out jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween - that’s when they usually go bad within three days, but these trick will make them last for a longer time and keep your days more autumn-like special!

"My favorite color is October." - Unknown

Bleach

Bleach will make your carved pumpkin last longer!
Bleach will make your carved pumpkin last longer! Image source: Wiki How

After carving your pumpkin into a jack o’ lantern, rinse the excess guck with water and then let the pumpkin sit in a solution of three gallons water and three teaspoons bleach for about two minutes.

Tip: Use gloves while you do this since you’ll probably need to hold the pumpkin down for those two minutes.

Pumpkin Spray

Pumpkin Fresh is a spray brand that helps your pumpkin last longer!
Pumpkin Fresh is a spray brand that helps your pumpkin last longer! Image source: Wonder How-To

Though it’s not so popular (yet), this pumpkin fresh spray is so easy to use and actually very effective! You just apply them to the carved pumpkin, both outside and inside, and sit back to enjoy your long-lasting pumpkin!

WD-40

WD-40 is good for both carved and uncarved pumpkins!
WD-40 is good for both carved and uncarved pumpkins! Image source: Go Banking Rates

Have you ever heard about WD-40? It’s a penetrating oil and water-displacing spray that can help you keep your pumpkins fresh for a longer time!

The best part about this is:

It works on both carved and uncarved pumpkins! So, if you ever wondered “how do you keep a pumpkin from rotting?” this is your answer!

Floor Wax

Floor wax will make pumpkins last longer and give them an extra shine!
Floor wax will make pumpkins last longer and give them an extra shine! Image source: Virginia Sweet Pea

Now, if you’re looking for a trick to make the whole pumpkin last longer, it’s floor wax you gotta go with! The important thing to remember here, is that it should be an acrylic liquid type of wax.

This is what you’ll do:

  • Start off by fully washing the pumpkins with water and soap
  • Rinse them and let them dry
  • After they’re dry, brush a coat of floor wax on each pumpkin
  • Let them dry again over a sheet of wax paper (since they’ll be really sticky)

Petroleum Jelly

Both petroleum jelly and olive oil will do the trick to keep your pumpkin fresh!
Both petroleum jelly and olive oil will do the trick to keep your pumpkin fresh! Image source: The Coastie Couple

After making the jack o’ lantern perfect, spread petroleum jelly all over it to keep it for a long time! If you don’t like this option, you could also try using olive oil - it’s quite effective as well.

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In this article: Pumpkin decoration Make pumpkins last Pumpkin fresh How do I make my pumpkins last longer Keep pumpkins fresh
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