With Halloween creeping closer, it’s time to break out the tools and carve up a Jack-O-Lantern. Here’s how to prevent it from becoming a rotted mess outside your home.

After slicing up the pumpkin, take care to remove all of the “guts” and seeds from the inside. Clean the interior with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water to kill off mold. Or go all-natural with one tablespoon of peppermint Castile soap in a quart of water.

Rub petroleum jelly or olive oil on the cut surfaces to prevent drying out, while the Farmers’ Almanac suggests hairspray will also work. Lastly, cut a hole out of the bottom for the candle rather than go in from the top. This will allow moisture to escape, plus make it easier to light.

Make sure to be safe this Halloween. Also, make sure to join us at the 4th annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by the Topeka Police Department and the Shawnee County Sheriffs Office.