Extend the Freshness of Your Jack-o’-Lanterns with This Easy DIY Pumpkin Preserver
Carving pumpkins has long been a cherished tradition in my family during the Halloween season. Here’s a glimpse into how our typical pumpkin-carving night unfolds:
- Each family member selects their own pumpkin, and sometimes we can’t resist grabbing a couple more if we find particularly charming or uniquely shaped ones.
- We coordinate a night when everyone can gather – a rarity these days, but we always make it happen.
- We kick off the evening with a delightful dinner, enjoy some refreshing apple cider from a local orchard, and indulge in a festive fall dessert.
- With our Sharpies and carving tools at the ready, we dive into the creative process of transforming our pumpkins into spooky or silly jack-o’-lanterns.
- Once completed, we proudly display them on the front porch, lighting them up to share our creations with passersby.
- Sadly, as joyous as this tradition is, our carved pumpkins often succumb to the elements far too quickly. Within just a few days, they typically become withered and rotten.
However, that was before I discovered a simple and effective solution. A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a homemade pumpkin preserver made from essential oils, and it completely changed the game for us. Now, our carved pumpkins can remain fresh for at least a week, if not longer. The essential oils in this preservative possess remarkable properties that:
- Are antifungal, effectively slowing down the growth of mold and mildew.
- Are antibacterial, which helps keep the pumpkin from decaying.
- Repel bugs and rodents, ensuring our pumpkins remain safe from unwanted pests.
Creating Your Own Essential Oil Pumpkin Preserver Spray
Step 1: Combine Essential Oils
Add 20 drops of essential oil to a 2-ounce spray bottle.
Tip: Choose a spray bottle made from materials that are safe for use with diluted essential oils. Glass, stainless steel, and specific types of plastic (like plastic #1 HDPE or plastic #2 PET) work well. Tip: Below, I’ve shared a few essential oil blends you can use for the 20 drops. If you have an immune support blend like Young Living’s Thieves, doTERRA’s On Guard, or Plant Therapy’s Germ Fighter, feel free to substitute those instead:
- Blend #1: 15 drops tea tree essential oil, 10 drops sweet orange essential oil, 3 drops cinnamon essential oil, 2 drops clove essential oil.
- Blend #2: 10 drops lemon essential oil, 5 drops tea tree essential oil, 5 drops peppermint essential oil.
- Blend #3: 10 drops sweet orange essential oil, 5 drops cinnamon essential oil, 3 drops eucalyptus essential oil, 2 drops rosemary essential oil.
Step 2: Add Vodka
Fill the bottle most of the way with vodka.
Tip: Make sure to leave some space in the bottle for the sprayer. Overfilling can cause it to overflow when you insert the sprayer top. Tip: A high-proof alcohol like vodka is ideal as it helps disinfect the pumpkin, contributing to its longevity. If you prefer not to use vodka, distilled water can be used as an alternative.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Shake the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
How to Apply Your Pumpkin Preserver
- Shake well before each use.
- Generously cover the inside, outside, and any cut surfaces of the jack-o’-lantern with the spray.
- Allow the spray to penetrate the pumpkin and let it dry completely.
- (Optional) For added moisture retention, you can apply a light coating of olive oil to the inside and cut areas.
- For safety, if you plan to light your jack-o’-lanterns, use battery-powered candles instead of real flames.
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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your medical professional concerning your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on something you have read on this website.
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