Choose a firm, fresh pumpkin with no soft spots or cracks
Cut the lid at an angle so it does not fall inside
Scoop out all seeds and stringy pulp completely
Scrape the inside walls thin to reduce moisture and decay
Clean the pumpkin with a mild bleach solution or vinegar solution
Dry the pumpkin thoroughly after cleaning
Apply petroleum jelly or vegetable oil to cut edges
Spray the inside and outside with a pumpkin preservative or anti-fungal spray
Keep the pumpkin in a cool, dry place when not on display
Avoid direct sunlight and warm temperatures
Bring the pumpkin indoors at night if possible
Use LED candles instead of real flames to reduce heat
Mist the pumpkin lightly with water only if it starts to dry out
Refrigerate the pumpkin overnight to slow decay
Re-cut and re-clean the edges if they start to soften
Replace the pumpkin if mold, slime, or severe softening appears