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Untreated carved pumpkins have a short life span and may last only for a day to a week. To preserve your carved pumpkin for longer periods of time, we need to slow down the dehydration process and make sure that mold does not grow on them. When pumpkins lose moisture, they shrivel up and sometimes can be restored back by soaking them in water overnight. Cover all the cut surfaces of the pumpkins with petroleum jelly for preserving them including the light coating on the entire inner surface of the pumpkin. Petroleum jelly locks the moisture inside the pumpkin. It can be applied using the finger on fine areas but you may use a paper towel to coat the inside.
This method is especially important when are carving a number of pumpkins for Halloween and are preserving carved pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns for the main day. Move the pumpkins to a dry and shaded area during the day to increase their life span and keep them in the refrigerator overnight to slow down their decomposition. There are some preserver sprays available in the market too that are inexpensive and environment-friendly and deter mold, rot and bugs from damaging our Jack O’ Lanterns. They can be easily sprayed on the inside and cut parts of the pumpkin to keep them fresh for a long time.