Tools & TechniquesNo. 2186 · The 2026 edition
We Tried 5 Pumpkin Preservation Hacks To See Which One Keeps Jack-O’-Lanterns Freshest
Discover which pumpkin preservation hack keeps your jack-o’-lanterns looking fresh the longest after our hands-on test of five methods.
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at littlethings.com.
We tested five popular pumpkin preservation hacks to determine which one is most effective at keeping carved jack-o'-lanterns from rotting. Each method was applied to fresh pumpkins and monitored over several days for mold, shrinkage, and overall freshness. The results reveal surprising differences in how long each technique extends the life of your Halloween decorations, along with important safety considerations for handling preserved pumpkins.
About this
We tested five popular pumpkin preservation hacks to determine which one is most effective at keeping carved jack-o'-lanterns from rotting. Each method was applied to fresh pumpkins and monitored over several days for mold, shrinkage, and overall freshness. The results reveal surprising differences in how long each technique extends the life of your Halloween decorations, along with important safety considerations for handling preserved pumpkins.
Tips
- hair spray
- vinegar
- vegetable oil
- Vaseline
- bleach
More photos
Photos hosted by littlethings.com.