Tips For Keeping Your Carved Pumpkin Looking Fresh

My wife and daughter like to crave pumpkins. Well, my daughter does. My wife probably wouldn't if she didn't have to but you know what parents do for their kids sometimes.

With Halloween coming up on Thursday, maybe you're thinking that this weekend is perfect to carve some pumpkins. My daughter is thinking about it. The problem is, how do you keep looking fresh? Pumpkins can start to look nasty in a short time. Here's some tips from Women's Day to help them last:

• Clean the inside really, really good.. All that gunk is what makes it moldy. And then make it as dry as possible. Maybe use a hair dryer for a little bit.
• Next, put some petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on the carved edges. That will keep them moist so they don't dry out.  But don't use a candle if you do this. That stuff will start on fire. A small light or glow stick is a good replacement.
• If you have the room put it in a plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator before going to bed each night.  No room? Try a dark, cool area of the house like maybe the garage if it's not too cold.
• Make sure you keep it hydrated everyday so it doesn't shrivel up. Spray it with water that's mixed with a couple of drops of bleach. The bleach stops bacteria.

Check out more on Woman's Day website. Good luck and happy craving.