How to De-Shrivel a Carved Pumpkin

Almost the instant you have completed your masterpiece in pumpkin carving, it begins to dry and become shriveled. You will be happy to know that you can preserve your pumpkin after carving and even de-shrivel the skin after a few days outside. With a few simple tricks, you can extend the life of your Halloween masterpiece.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Petroleum jelly
• Bathtub or deep watertight container
• Bleach (optional)
• Towel

1. Apply a light layer of petroleum jelly to the carved parts of your pumpkin as soon as you have finished carving. The petroleum jelly helps to hold the moisture inside of the pumpkin, helping to preserve the skin and prevent shriveling. Make sure that you do not try to apply the petroleum jelly to the pumpkin while a candle is lit and do not apply the jelly where it will be exposed to the flame, as petroleum jelly is flammable.

2. Soak your pumpkin to re-firm and de-shrivel the skin. Fill your bathtub or a deep container with cold water and place the pumpkin into the tub. Make sure the pumpkin fills completely with water so that all parts are covered. You can soak the pumpkin for one hour or even overnight to preserve your carving and firm the surface.

3. Add two caps of bleach to the water to help preserve your pumpkin. The mixture of the pumpkins natural moisture, the heat of the candle and the elements outdoors can quickly promote mold growth which is a pumpkin killer. Adding bleach to the water will help fight mold and other bacteria from growing on your masterpiece.

4. Prevent mold growth further by drying your pumpkin completely after it's soak in the tub. Make sure to reapply petroleum jelly to all of the carved parts and enjoy your pumpkin for much longer.