1.) Kinda obvious, but choose a healthy pumpkin.

2.) Give it a bleach bath…while wearing gloves, of course. Recommended one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water
(White Vinegar is a good alternative to bleach and is little better for wildlife)

3.) Spray your carved pumpkin with lemon water

4.) Give it a coat of Vaseline for extra protection.

5.) Dry your pumpkin, and store it outside. Storing pumpkins inside will cause it to collapse faster.

6.) (BONUS) You can keep your pumpkin on display after Halloween by turning the uncarved side out for display. Now it’s not Halloween décor, but instead Fall décor!

—Matt Malone