“OMG,” you are thinking, “She’s gone completely over the edge!” But let me explain!
A few years ago a friend told me she coats her pumpkins with Brite liquid floor cleaner, and it preserves them for the whole season. Lo and behold, it works!
In one step you clean, shine and preserve the favorite of October and November decor. I’ve even used it on other goards and acorn squash. They won’t get infested with insects or get mushy, then I discard them in mint condition the week after Thanksgiving.
Just apply a coat of Brite (or any liquid floor cleaner) with a damp cloth (I use an old washcloth). A bottle of cleaner has lasted me for years, so I just store it in the back of my cleaning supply cabinet.
(Disclaimer: does not preserve pierced or carved pumpkins, i.e., jack-o-lantern.)
I'm Amy Hadley. On HNWN! I give ideas and inspiration for organizing, decorating and homemaking. It's your home. You should love it. 
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16 Comments
can we eat them after they are done as decor?
I imagine so — the polish is just on the skin, which you’d cut away.
Just had a couple questions, does the polish keep the squirrels from eating them?and what other floor cleaners work if I can’t find this one? Thnx
I don’t know for sure that polishing keeps the squirrels from feasting on them, but no squirrels in the neighborhood have eaten mine…give it a try! Any liquid floor polish will do, like Once N Done.
[…] Metallic Pumpkins Notes: Sarah share three techniques for creating these seasonal stunners. Blog: Hey Now, Woah Now! Project: Polishing Pumpkins Notes: Genius! Amy gives her tips on how to make a pumpkin last all […]
Would u be able to paint them after doing this or does it leave them slick?
I think they’d be too slick. I suggest after painting spray with matte spray paint.
Will tihs work on cut pumpkins?
Sorry, Mary Jo, once the meat is exposed the bugs and mold will begin to appear.
If you carve them and then use floor cleaner, does it still preserve?
Tera, just like I replied, to Mary Jo, compromising the skin and exposing the meat to air makes it impossible to preserve a Jack-O-Lantern.
Just wanted you to know that I linked you this post because I saw your helpful hint on Pinterest and wrote my own the bit about it.
http://shecookscraftsruns.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-preserver.html
Why, thank you, Sara!
Will the pumpkins last inside the house or just outside? Thanks
Why SURE they’ll last inside!
There are tons of deer where I live that love pumpkins. If they attempt to eat the pumpkins it won’t poison the deer will it?
If the label says it’s not safe for humans, I wouldn’t think it’d be safe for animals.
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[…] Metallic Pumpkins Notes: Sarah share three techniques for creating these seasonal stunners. Blog: Hey Now, Woah Now! Project: Polishing Pumpkins Notes: Genius! Amy gives her tips on how to make a pumpkin last all […]