Polishing Pumpkins

Oct 19, 2009 · written by Mom · DecorateMondays with MomOutdoor

Polished Pumpkins“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! Fall Porch DecorIn 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.)

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16 Comments

  • lau Sep 27, 2012
    can we eat them after they are done as decor?
    • Amy Sep 28, 2012
      I imagine so -- the polish is just on the skin, which you'd cut away.
  • Melissa Oct 1, 2012
    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
    • Marcia Oct 1, 2012
      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.
  • Trina Oct 3, 2012
    Would u be able to paint them after doing this or does it leave them slick?
    • Marcia Oct 3, 2012
      I think they'd be too slick. I suggest after painting spray with matte spray paint.
      • MaryJo Oct 13, 2012
        Will tihs work on cut pumpkins?
        • Marcia Oct 14, 2012
          Sorry, Mary Jo, once the meat is exposed the bugs and mold will begin to appear.
  • tera Oct 10, 2012
    If you carve them and then use floor cleaner, does it still preserve?
    • Marcia Oct 14, 2012
      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.
  • Sara Oct 13, 2012
    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
    • Marcia Oct 14, 2012
      Why, thank you, Sara!
  • Vicky Nov 3, 2012
    Will the pumpkins last inside the house or just outside? Thanks
    • Marcia Bowlin Nov 5, 2012
      Why SURE they'll last inside!
  • Jill Jul 11, 2013
    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?
    • Amy Jul 16, 2013
      If the label says it's not safe for humans, I wouldn't think it'd be safe for animals.