How does vinegar prevent pumpkins from rotting? Experts reveal all

Does vinegar really stop pumpkins from rotting? Preserving pumpkins is one of the biggest ongoing fall tasks, especially if your family has spent so long working on their carving masterpieces. Knowing how to preserve pumpkins is a key skill, but making sure they are free of toxic solutions is key if you know there will be children or animals about. 

Preserving a pumpkin with vinegar is one of the best ways of protecting your pumpkins, both carved and uncarved, from the unavoidable effects of oxidization for longer, meaning that you can enjoy fall decor ideas and, later, Halloween decorating ideas – for longer.

While knowing when you should put pumpkins out is the first line of defence against premature pumpkin rot, read on to find out how you can bolster these efforts with a common household solution.

How does vinegar prevent pumpkins from rotting?

'A vinegar water solution is an ideal method for preserving pumpkins, both carved and uncarved,' says Rachel Crow, garden editor for Homes & Gardens. 'This method is especially good if you are planning on storing your pumpkins outside as fall porch ideas or Halloween porch decor as it will ward off pests and prevent mold while not harming other curious wildlife such as squirrels and deer, pets, or children like bleach might.'

As you will know if you use vinegar for cleaning, due to its highly acidic properties, vinegar can prevent the growth of mold and bacteria from developing on the pumpkin's skin and inner flesh when carved. 

Preserve carved pumpkins with a vinegar bath

'When you want to preserve your Halloween pumpkins, it is best to add the preservative straight after carving while the pumpkin is still fresh,' says Rachel. 'This will ensure the oxidation process is slowed from the beginning and yield better long-lasting results.' 

Once you have carved your pumpkins for your outdoor Halloween decor ideas, fully submerge your pieces in a bath or large tub or bucket full of 10 parts water and one part white vinegar. Using a heavy object to carefully weigh them down, soak the gourds for 20 to 30 minutes before allowing them to air dry out of direct sunlight. 

'For an uncarved pumpkin, you need to keep the inside of the pumpkin moist to prevent it from collapsing,' Rachel adds. 'Spray the inside of the pumpkin with the vinegar water spray daily to maintain its appearance for longer.'

Preserve uncarved pumpkins with a vinegar spray

Vinegar can also help to preserve your easy no-carve pumpkin ideas too. If you do not want to submerge your whole pumpkins as you do carved pumpkins, combine 10 parts water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle and thoroughly coat the outside of the pumpkin skin and allow to air dry. 

'This will not help the pumpkins to last forever,' says Rachel, 'but it will extend their life span enough to celebrate Halloween without worrying too much about ephemeral decor.' 

How long can a uncut pumpkin last? 

The lifespan of an uncut pumpkin can depend on how it was grown and if it was protected from diseases. The ideal pumpkin can last between eight and 12 weeks if it had the perfect growing conditions. 

How long will pumpkins last on the porch?

Uncarved pumpkins can last for around one month on a chilly porch, a carved pumpkin, on the other hand, may only last a few days or up to one week is the temperatures are low enough. Pumpkins will last longer on the porch is they are protected from the weather and pests, and coated in a protective solution such as vinegar mix. Indeed, a vinegar spray is one way to stop squirrels from eating your pumpkins.