5 Tips for Preserving a Carved Pumpkin

Learn how to preserve a carved pumpkin so your Halloween masterpiece will last all season long.

A solitary Jack O' lantern sitting on a dark wooden floor under soft spotlight illumination.

490683438

A solitary Jack O' lantern sitting on a dark wooden floor under soft spotlight illumination.

Photo by: Photo: Matej Moderc | Graphic: Erica Reitman

Photo: Matej Moderc | Graphic: Erica Reitman

With Halloween just around the corner, pumpkin-carving season is almost here. But we think the biggest challenge every year is exactly how to preserve your carved pumpkin and keep it from rotting into a moldy, mushy mess before Halloween arrives.

How to Keep a Pumpkin from Rotting

While there is no way to completely stop your pumpkin from rotting since the process starts as soon as you cut into it, we’re sharing all the steps you need to take to ensure that your pumpkin is preserved as long as possible this season.

1: Pick a Healthy Pumpkin

First, make sure that you start with a fresh and healthy pumpkin. Choose a firm pumpkin with no soft spots and its stem in tact. Starting off with a firm pumpkin means that your carved pumpkin has a good chance of lasting longer.

2: Get Rid of All the Guts

Once you open up the pumpkin to carve it, it’s important that you rid the cavity of the guts. You want to make sure that the inside of your pumpkin is as clean and dry as possible, and that can only happen if you ditch all the pumpkin guts and seeds.

3: Use Petroleum Jelly

To extend the life of your carved fruits, rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the inside of the pumpkin to reduce mold and slow decay.

4: Refrigerate Your Pumpkin

If you can, refrigerating your pumpkin each night will go a long way in helping to rehydrate your carved pumpkin (and keep it away from any bugs or critters). This is an especially good idea if you live in a warmer climate. If you try the refrigeration method, spray it down with a homemade peppermint spray first, then put the carved pumpkin in a small garbage bag before putting it in the fridge.

5: Soak Your Pumpkin Overnight

Another method for rehydrating your pumpkin and keeping it fresh is to soak it in water overnight. This is a great method to try if you notice that your pumpkin is starting to fade or wilt. You can fill up a bucket or tub, then put your pumpkin inside overnight for a refreshing bath. If you notice an improvement, you can try to do it again in a day or two. Make sure to use cold water, as hot or warm water can speed up the rotting process. Some people also swear by this method; however, instead of water, they use bleach.

Preserving Carved Pumpkins
Loading Video...

Next Up

Our Best Pumpkin-Carving Tips and Tools

Browse our tips for selecting the right tools, carving, preserving and illuminating a Halloween pumpkin.

When to Harvest Pumpkins

Learn the secrets to harvesting pumpkins so they’ll stage a strong holiday display—and last long enough to fill a pie, too.

Growing Pumpkins in Containers

Raise a crop of pumpkins on a deck or patio—with no garden bed in sight. Learn how to grow pumpkins in pots no matter where you live.

3 Pumpkin Projects That Will Outlast the Season

Fall in love with these perfect pumpkins made out of materials from your local hardware store.

How to Shave a Pumpkin Design for Halloween

Take your jack-o’-lantern carving to a new level by learning how to easily carve and scrape off the top layer of a pumpkin to give it layers for a 3D effect.

3 DIY Pumpkin-Themed Yard Games for Fall Fun

Fall is finally here! Time to get outside and enjoy these autumn-approved yard games perfect for small Halloween gatherings, pumpkin patches or everyday family fun.

Cookie-Cutter Pumpkin Carving With Kids

Create a high-end look for your jack-o'-lanterns with kid-friendly themes, from planes to stars, flowers and more.

Test Your Pumpkin Prowess

A traditional symbol of abundance and the harvest, what would fall decorations or desserts be without the versatile pumpkin? Learn more about this great gourd and test your knowledge with our quick quiz.

Mod Gourd: Create a Swirly Pumpkin

Add modern flair to your fall decor with this simple pumpkin decorating project.

Halloween Craft: Mini Pumpkin Lanterns

Decorate your walkway or garden path with these delightful mini carved pumpkin lanterns.

More from:

Halloween Ideas

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.