As Halloween draws closer dots of bright orange have begun to fill our neighborhood. Pumpkins gathered from their patches or the local grocery stores are just waiting to be given some personality. Soon spooky and friendly jack-o-lantern faces will begin to make their appearances. Each to decorate and light the night know as Halloween. Before gracing them with their faces read on for a few tips to make the most of this year’s pumpkin carving tradition.

Where to Start
In order to make your pumpkin last a little longer always start with a clean pumpkin. Clean the surface by taking a few paper towels and giving them a quick wipe down with a mild cleaner like Windex Multi Surface Cleaner or vinegar. Taking the time to clean your pumpkin will help remove dirt and germs from it’s surface. Eliminating as many germs as possible will prevent them from spreading during in the carving process. Preventing germs from spreading will help your pumpkin to live a little longer.

Top or Bottom
If your looking for a traditional pumpkin lid, it is best to start at the top. Make sure to use a knife or cutting utensil with a serrated edge. Cut at a forty five degree angle in a circular direction. When the circle is complete the top should pop of easily.

For a not so traditional approach try cutting a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin. Follow the same tips above, making sure to cut a larger enough hole to gut the pumpkin from. This will give your jack-o-lantern a seamless look and keep the top from caving in.

Mold and Dehydration
All carved pumpkins are subject to mold and dehydration. These are two reasons jack-o-lanterns lose their grins so quickly. To help keep a freshly carved pumpkin moist, cover all cut edges with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly will also help keep mold growth to a minimum. If your pumpkin is looking particularly sad on Halloween try submerging it in water for up to 8 hours. This may help revive it but is only a temporary fix. Remember most jack-o-lanterns only last a few days and at most up to a week. So don’t carve them too soon.

Lighting
There are many options to choose from when it comes to lighting the jack-o-lantern. Flame free lights have become a popular choice. These led lights provide a flameless light source that helps reduce fire hazards.These popular lights come in a few different varieties including tea lights and rainbow lights. No matter what you choose each provides the jack-o-lantern with it own special glow.

Traditional votive candles give the jack-o-lantern a vintage feeling. The flicker of the candle flame can breath life into a pumpkin. To keep the heat from building up in your pumpkin consider drilling a hole in the top to function like a chimney. This will help the heat escape and preserve your pumpkin a little while longer.
Carving a jack-o-lantern takes times and creativity. To make the most of all the energy you put into creating a one of a kind jack-o-lantern this Halloween , take time to make sure it lasts. Follow these tips and keep your pumpkin smiling for as long as possible.