Tips for Preserving Your Pumpkins
This is my favorite time of year: Fall is in full swing, and all the pumpkins are out! Are you as excited as I am? I am so ready to decorate, and—of course—a key element in fall decor is pumpkins! They make the perfect addition to any front porch and are so much fun to carve with your children. I have some great tips to share that will help you preserve your pumpkins and keep them looking good long past Halloween!
My first tip is to make the right selection. Be sure to pick out the best pumpkin possible by looking for one that’s firm and free of bruises and other blemishes.
Next, decide if you are going to carve your pumpkin or leave it whole for a fabulous fall accent. If you choose to carve your pumpkin, make sure you remove all the insides and clean it throughout, getting out every strand. Whether you carve your pumpkin or not, you will want to soak it in a bleach/water mixture (1-2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water). Leave your pumpkin to soak overnight, then rinse.
Another great soaking mixture to try is bleach, water, dish soap, and petroleum jelly or matte sealer:
1. Prepare 10 parts water, 1 part bleach, and one squirt of dish soap in a bathtub, large bucket, or the kitchen sink.
2. Roll pumpkins around in the mixture to coat all sides. Then, arrange pumpkins with stems facing down into the mixture. Make sure you wear gloves!
3. Let the pumpkins soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Remove the pumpkins and dry them with a cloth.
5. Dip another cloth into the petroleum jelly, and wipe on all areas of each pumpkin. As an alternative to petroleum jelly, you can spray pumpkins with a coat of matte sealer!
*To maintain fresh pumpkins, prepare a spray bottle with 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. Spray pumpkins all over every 2-3 days.
Hydration is key. Make sure your pumpkins do not dry out by keeping them moisturized. You can use vegetable oil, petroleum jelly, or even WD-40. If you choose to use WD-40, do not illuminate your pumpkin with a real candle or open flame; use a battery-operated light instead. Be sure to coat carved pumpkins throughout and very thoroughly. Do not display them on concrete, as this pulls extra moisture out of your pumpkins. If your pumpkin starts to look dry, give it a dunk in cool water overnight!
Temperature matters, so keep your pumpkins cool. Do not set them in a spot that gets full, intense sunlight all day long. For the longest lifespan, choose a cool, shady, covered spot!
My last tip is to use Wet and Forget: Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover.
1. Prepare 5 parts water to 1 part Wet and Forget in a bathtub, large bucket, or the kitchen sink.
2. Roll the pumpkins around to coat all sides. Then, arrange pumpkins with stems facing down into the mixture. Make sure you wear gloves!
3. Let the pumpkins soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Remove the pumpkins and dry them with a cloth.
*Spray pumpkins all over with Wet and Forget every 2-3 days. (You can purchase Wet and Forget here.)
I hope these tips help to preserve your pumpkins and keep them looking fabulous all season long! Keep me posted and let me know which ones work best for you.
Happy Fall and Happy Decorating!