How to Preserve Your Pumpkin So It Lasts *Much* Longer

Most Brooklyn neighborhoods take fall decor seriously, but mine really gets in the spirit. Think: pumpkins, gourds, ghouls, and cobwebs—times 100.

Last fall, one stoop in particular grabbed my attention. Other than the fact that its owners had pulled out all the stops, its pumpkins just refused to wither and die. Several days in, even the jack-o'-lanterns looked fresh from the patch.

So, what kept these pumpkins from turning into puddles of mold/shriveled gargoyles/zombies? Now that fall is around the corner again, I’m ready to find out.

Cue the internet. Naturally, there are plenty of ideas: spraying pumpkins with hairspray; a discriminating researcher who says he tried 14 different ways and decided the best method was to hit it with “some nasty chemicals”; and a trusty meteorologist who threw everything but the kitchen sink at it.

After way too many hours of trawling through YouTube videos, here's a list of all the least controversial, most compelling steps you can take to preserve a pumpkin, whether whole or carved.

1. Pick a healthy pumpkin

It all begins with the pumpkin you pick—the fewer the spots and bruises, the better. Imperfections give pumpkins their character, but they also invite rotting. Also, look for firm skin that isn’t spongy to your prodding.

2. Avoid carving until you need to

Once you expose the skin, the clock on that pumpkin officially starts ticking. When you do carve, remember to gut the insides completely before you carve it up; if you leave any strings or seeds, you're providing fodder for microbial growth.

3. Give it a soak

Turns out, a bleach soak is the internet's most popular way to preserve both whole and carved pumpkins. Before you do anything, make sure you have a pair of gloves on. Then prepare a soak of one teaspoon of bleach (you can't go wrong with up to two teaspoons, either) in a gallon of water. Leave your pumpkin (carved or uncarved) soaking in this wash for anywhere from an hour to overnight. Bleach is an antifungal agent and an oxidizer, and will slow the natural decomposition process. In this test, it was found to be the most effective versus both hairspray (there it is again) and diluted lemon juice.

4. ... without the bleach

Because not everybody is a fan of bleach (less safe for children, pets, and outdoor animals), a milder alternative is to dilute one tablespoon of peppermint dish soap, such as this castile soap, in a quart of water. Pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle and lightly spritz the inside and outside of your pumpkin, then allow to dry.

5. Use a garage staple

OK, this one is slightly controversial. Some "experts" suggest coating uncarved pumpkins in WD-40. To do this, simply spray WD-40 all over the surface of the pumpkin and wipe off the excess with a rag or paper towel. We'd exercise some caution here: Don't go wild with this unless you want a pumpkin that breathes fire when you put a candle in it.

6. Moisturize it

A solid moisturizing regimen is always a good idea. If it's a carved pumpkin you're treating, you can use petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to rub into all the exposed parts (do this after a bleach soak for twice the benefits). Petroleum jelly, according to these carving experts, helps it to not dry out and shrivel up.

7. Keep it cool

If possible, refrigerate your jack-o'-lantern when it's not in use. When you do put it out, place it in a spot that doesn't get direct sunlight or rain. Also, hot tip: Every time your pumpkin looks like it needs hydration, bring it in and soak it in a tub of cold water overnight. A cool dip will do wonders to revive its flagging spirit.

Pumpkin Cream Pie

This isn't your average pumpkin pie—this fluffy, super-luscious version features a layer of silky pumpkin pastry cream, topped with a tangy whipped cream, all held together by a gingery graham cracker crust.

Sheet-Pan Mac & Cheese With Pumpkin & Brown Butter

Is there anything cozier than a warm bowlful of cheesy-crispy mac and cheese? Yep, there is, actually: mac and cheese mixed with pumpkin purée and nutty brown butter.

Pumpkin Galette

This fuss-free alternative to traditional pumpkin pie calls for just a handful of ingredients and zero fancy-schmancy techniques. But just one thing: whipped cream is not optional.

Paul Virant's Pumpkin Butter

Spread this Genius-approved pumpkin butter—gently spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove—on everything from toasty bread to cake all fall long.

Short Rib & Pumpkin Chili

This recipe contest winner (for "Your Best One-Pot Meal") has many things we love on the ingredients list, like beer, coffee, and chocolate. The end result is ultra-comforting, full of complex flavor and hearty enough to get you through the crisp autumn months.

Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

These perfectly sweet, cinnamon-spiced pumpkin pancakes just so happen to be vegan, thanks to a few easy-peasy swaps (almond milk for dairy milk, melted coconut oil for butter).

Soft Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

No, it is not possible to have just one of these soft and chewy pumpkin cookies—especially when they're fresh out of the oven.

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What do you do to keep your pumpkins perky? Tell us in the comments below!

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