Things You'll Need:
- Pumpkin
- Newspaper
- Mild soap and water
- Washcloth
- Carving tools
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Step 1
Find a pumpkin that's well-rounded and mold-free. Choose one with a nice-sized stem and as few blemishes as possible.
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Step 2
Clear the area where you plan on cleaning and carving the Halloween pumpkin. The kitchen is often the best place as the floors are easy to clean and your table puts everything within reach.
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Step 3
Spread newspapers out over the table and floor for easy cleanup.
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Step 4
Wash off any dirt from the pumpkin with mild soap and water and a soft washcloth. Dry the pumpkin completely before carving to prevent it from slipping as you cut.
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Step 5
Gather the pumpkin carving supplies. There are a variety of tools you can use to carve a pumpkin, so choose the ones you're most comfortable with. This is a good time to discuss safety tips with any children that may be assisting with the pumpkin carving.
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Step 6
Cut a hole around the pumpkin stem in an octagonal shape. Remove the piece you cut and set it aside to replace when you're finished carving the Halloween pumpkin.
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Step 7
Remove the pumpkin's seeds and pulp. Pull out as much as you can with your hands, and use and ice cream scoop, metal spoon or pumpkin scraping tool to remove anything that's left in the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin is clean inside and out, you're ready to design and carve.
