How to Cut a Pumpkin From the Bottom for the Easiest Clean Out (2024)

How to Carve a Pumpkin That Looks Professional This Halloween

How to Clean Out a Pumpkin for Carving

With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you'll have a pumpkin ready to carve in no time. Customize your Halloween pumpkin with one of our free printable stencils.

1. 

   Cut the Pumpkin From the Bottom

   If you've carved a pumpkin before, chances are you cut a circle around the pumpkin stem and reached in through the top to scoop out the pumpkin insides. We think the secret to carving the perfect pumpkin is to cut the pumpkin from the bottom rather than the top. This will also help make your pumpkin last longer.

   Cut a medium-sized hole in the bottom of your pumpkin (make the hole larger than your fist but small enough that the cut portion won't be visible once you stand the pumpkin up). Use a long, thin, serrated knife for this step.

   Once you've carved a complete circle, make two cuts (starting at the circle's perimeter, facing toward the center of the pumpkin) to form a small triangle-shaped notch. Poke the triangle shape out and use the notch to pull the rest of the circle away from the pumpkin.
   

2. 

   Remove the Pumpkin Guts

   Once you've cut the pumpkin from the bottom, it's time for the fun part—removing the pumpkin guts! While reaching in with your bare hands would certainly get the job done, we have a few tips for anyone who doesn't like the feel of squishing pumpkin guts between their fingers.

   • Use a large scoop. You can find scoops with serrated edges in some pumpkin carving kits, or look for a large, semi-curved utensil—like an ice cream scoop—from the kitchen.
   • Use a scoop made of metal. Plastic spoons or scoops may snap if used too forcefully.
   • Use a small knife such as a paring knife to scrape the sides of the pumpkin, separating the rest of the guts from the inner rind—this will make the rest of the removal process quick and painless.

   Editor's Tip

   Don't throw out all the pumpkin insides! Save the seeds for a delicious roasted snack.

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3. Scrape the Inside of the Pumpkin Clean

   Once you've scooped out all the stringy pumpkin insides, go back over the inner rind and scrape it completely clean. You can use the same scoop you used before. Scrape the pumpkin sides until it is completely clear of all strings and extra loose material—this allows for a smooth, clean cut when you start carving a design into the pumpkin.

   After you've cleaned out the pumpkin, wipe the interior walls with a mixture of water and bleach. The bleach mixture will prevent rotting, enabling you to enjoy your carved designs longer. The smell of the bleach can also keep away squirrels and other animals who might want to munch on your pumpkin art.