16 Pumpkin-Carving Hacks That Will Be a Serious Game Changer This Halloween
It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult; when it comes to pumpkin carving, the process can be messy, difficult, and beyond frustrating when your work of art rots within a few days. In order to save yourself and your little one some major jack-o'-lantern frustration, there are a bunch of simple tricks that will make carving much more enjoyable for the whole family. From ways to make the process itself easier to tips on how to make your carved masterpiece last longer, these are the 16 pumpkin-carving hacks that everyone needs to know about this Halloween.
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Spray the Inside With a Vinegar Solution
For those who like to carve their pumpkins on the earlier side, this will help give the jack-o'-lantern a longer life and work to keep it from rotting as quickly.
Apply Vaseline to the Intricate Edges
Smearing on some Vaseline to the edges of your final creation will keep them from drying out as quickly and curling when they do.
Connect the Dots
If you poke holes from a stencil, draw the shape after with a marker to give a clearer idea of exactly where to cut.
Ditch the Permanent Markers
Use dry erase marker instead of anything permanent in case your little one makes a mistake or changes their mind.
Break Out the Bleach
If you don't have pets, try spraying your carved pumpkin with bleach. This will help to keep bugs and mold away from your child's creation.
Go For the Cookie Cutter
Skip the knife and consider using a cookie cutter. With the help of a hammer, you can get festive shapes fast!
Use Your Drill to Your Advantage
There are endless designs you can make with different-size drill bits.
Consider Plastic Teeth
Don't have your kids struggle with trying to carve individual teeth — go with plastic ones instead.
Don't Cut the Top — Go From the Bottom
Instead of cutting off the top to get the insides out, try making a hole in the bottom. This will make things easier for removing the insides and adding the light or candle and help to prevent the pumpkin from collapsing into itself.
Repurpose Your Floor Cleaner
Coat your pumpkin with a layer of floor cleaner before you carve to help keep that perfect orange shine.
Pop In a Silica Gel Packet
These little packs — which oftentimes can be found in pockets — can be put inside a carved pumpkin to help prevent mold from forming.
Take Advantage of Their Toys
Some of their extra toys, like Mr. Potato Head and Lite-Brite lights, can be incorporated into the Halloween fun.
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Reconsider How You Cut the Top
When you start cutting off the top, take off part of the back too. This unique top will make it so much easier for scooping out the inside.
Get Some Glow Sticks
If you are worried about candles or want to add some color, glow sticks are an easy and fun option.
Use an Ice Cream Scoop
Whether you use an ice cream scoop (we recommend the flat kind to make it easier to scrape the edges) or a big ladle, it will be easier for little hands to hollow out the pumpkin.