How to Clean a Pumpkin and Make It Last Longer

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

Carving pumpkins has long been a Halloween tradition, and it seems like the holiday spirit is hitting folks earlier and earlier in the year. If you want to carve your pumpkins early and make sure they don't rot or mold too quickly, you are going to love this tutorial on how to clean a pumpkin and make it last longer.

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Things You'll Need

  • Pumpkin

  • Hand mixer

  • Cloth or antibacterial wipes

  • Towel or paper towels

  • Knife or pumpkin-carving saw

  • Large spoon

  • WD-40 spray can

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1. Clean the pumpkin

Use a clean, damp cloth or antibacterial wipe to remove any dirt and debris that may be on your pumpkin. Dry it off using a clean towel or paper towel.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

2. Cut off the top

Draw a line around the top of your pumpkin. Carefully use a sharp knife or serrated pumpkin carving saw to remove the top, or lid, of the pumpkin.

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Tip

The larger the hole in the top, the easier it will be to clean the inside.

Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

3. Remove the guts from the lid

Use a serrated pumpkin saw or large spoon to remove the pumpkin guts from the lid. Discard the guts in a bowl or in the trash.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

4. Loosen the rest of the guts

Use a hand mixer on low to medium speed to loosen the guts in your pumpkin. Simply move the mixer around the inside of the pumpkin in a circular motion until all of the pumpkin guts are loose from the sides. If there are any pieces that are stuck to the pumpkin, use a spoon to scrape them out.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

5. Remove all guts and seeds

Use your hands or a large spoon to remove the pumpkin guts and seeds. Place the seeds in a bowl if you'd like to save them for roasting.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

6. Carve the pumpkin

It's time for the fun part! Draw a design on your pumpkin and carefully use a sharp knife or serrated pumpkin carving saw to cut out your pumpkin's face or a cool silhouette.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

7. Seal the pumpkin

Take your pumpkin outside or to a well-ventilated area and spray the inside and outside (including the lid) with WD-40. This will help to seal your pumpkin and keep mold and bacteria from forming, making your pumpkin last much longer. Allow the WD-40 to dry for at least 24 hours before bringing your pumpkin inside.

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Image Credit: Jessica Kielman

Tip

WD-40 spray is flammable due to the propellant used in the spray can. WD-40 is not flammable after it is applied. The smell of the product largely dissipates when it dries.

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