Keep Your Jack-O'-Lantern Fresh: 6 Simple Tips
Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes the tradition of carving pumpkins. To ensure your jack-o'-lantern stays fresh and looking its best, follow these simple tips.
Start by washing your pumpkin with a mixture of water and mild dish soap to remove dirt, bacteria, and mold spores. This helps prevent early rot. Alternatively, use white vinegar as a natural alternative to bleach to slow down mold growth.
For carving, use a sharp, sturdy knife for cleaner, longer-lasting cuts. Consider carving an opening from the back or bottom instead of the top to preserve freshness and make lighting easier.
After carving, spray the inside and outside of your pumpkin with a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach per quart of water to kill bacteria and mold. If your pumpkin starts to look wrinkly or dry, soak it in cold water and ice for a couple of hours to revive it.
To prolong the life of your carved pumpkin, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Choose a firm, blemish-free pumpkin with a sturdy stem and no soft spots for a longer-lasting jack-o'-lantern. Finally, apply petroleum jelly to all carved edges to seal in moisture and slow dehydration.
By following these steps, you can keep your carved pumpkin looking fresh and vibrant throughout the Halloween season. Happy carving!
