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How To Make Pumpkins Last Longer

Okay, I must admit, I’ve been a little pumpkin-obsessed this season. Or haven’t you noticed? Whether it’s pumpkins in this natural and neutral fall tablescape, falling in love (again!) with this roundup of 12 modern ways to decorate pumpkins, or sharing on FB how to create botanical pumpkins in this video by Garden Answer – I am just loving pumpkin decor this autumn.  And while I tend to focus my energies on how to craft and decorate with pumpkins, there is also the practical business of making sure they last! That’s why today I thought I’d share these 2 super easy tips on how to make pumpkins last longer.

(This post contains an affiliate link at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy).

Tip #1:  Clean & Disinfect with a Bleach Solution

Whether you are picking the pumpkins yourself or purchasing them from your local grocery store, pumpkins are a dirty business!

Make your pumpkins last longer using 2 simple products you already have at home! VHow-To-Make-Pumpkins-Last-Longerisit aprettyifx.com.When you bring your pumpkins home, give them a bath first. But not just any bath will do. You should prepare a bath with the following mixture:

Bleach + Water + Dish Soap

(measure 1 part bleach, 10 parts water + a couple of squirts of dish soap)

The bleach kills off the bacteria and help the pumpkins last longer by keeping mold at bay.

Soak the pumpkins for at least 20-30 minutes (turning your pumpkins over halfway through).

Preserve pumpkins using a simple bleach solution to help them last longer.

Remove, rinse and dry well.

Tip #2:  Spray an Acrylic Matte Sealer To Make Your Pumpkins Last Even Longer!

Yes! This may come as a surprise, but spraying a light coating of an acrylic sealer is a simple yet effective way to provide another layer of protection, particularly if you plan on placing your pumpkins outdoors.

(This is the Acrylic Sealer I’ve used. It’s one of my fave crafting products, too. Win-win 🙂 )

Pumpkins can last longer using this simple bleach solution and a coating of acrylic spray.

Some folks spritz their pumpkins every few days with a bleach/water solution, but I prefer to spray a sealer on them and then leave them be 🙂

As always, happy decorating!

It's easy to preserve pumpkins and gourds to make them last longer. Using a simple bleach solution and spray sealer, enjoy your pumpkin decor a little longer!

 

October 30, 2017

6 Comments

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 3, 2017 at 12:35 am

    Okay that’s interesting. I actually never even thought about how to keep pumpkins from lasting longer. We always only eat our pumpkins here in South Africa, 😀

  • Reply
    amy
    November 4, 2017 at 9:40 am

    These are such great tips! I actually stopped buying real pumpkins because I felt they rotted too fast. I’ve been using the plastic ones for the past few years. TFS!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 4, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      I often go for faux myself (for the same reason), but every once in a while I like getting the real thing. And if I’m going to do that then these tips will help them last a little longer. So far, mine are still going strong.

      Hope you have a great weekend, Amy 🙂

  • Reply
    Jas @All that's Jas
    November 4, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    I love these white pumpkins, Jelica! And yours truly shine, not a speckle in sight 🙂
    One of these days I’ll go pick my own pumpkins now that I know how to make them last. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Jelica
      November 5, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      Thanks Jas! I do love the white ones, though they do tend to show all the nicks and dents more than the orange ones (any speckles are turned towards the back 😉 )

  • Reply
    Christina Makri
    November 9, 2017 at 11:55 am

    Pumpkins have become famous in our country as decorating items only before a few years. It is normal not to know all these secrets… thank you Jelica for sharing with us

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