If you notice some parts of the pumpkin have rotted after bringing it home, cut these parts off with a knife before cooking the pumpkin.

Pumpkins can be very big, so this takes some patience. Make sure to scrub down the entire surface of the pumpkin. Make sure not to scrub too hard. You don’t want to end up scraping off the skin of the pumpkin.

If you see any dirt or debris sticking onto the pumpkin, gently rub it off using your fingers or a clean cloth.

Once you have removed the seeds, your pumpkin is ready to cook. When carving a pumpkin, you need to make sure the inside walls are very smooth. This is not necessary when cleaning out a pumpkin to cook. Do not worry too much if the sides are uneven or a little mushy. Just make sure to get out all the seeds.

Remove any mushy or moldy spots on the pumpkin with a knife. Rub the pumpkin down with a vegetable brush or a clean, rough cloth. Then, run the pumpkin under water to remove any dirt.

Turn the pumpkin sideways and use a knife to trace a large hole at the bottom of the pumpkin. Your opening should be big enough that you can easily reach inside the pumpkin. Take a small knife and gently cut around the hole, and then use your knife to pry out the bottom. Take your knife and use it to level out the bottom of the pumpkin. Cut off the excess seeds and strings from the bottom of the pumpkin, striving to cut a neat line. You’re trying to create a level surface on which you will place a candle.

Dig out all the seeds using your hands or a spoon. Make sure there are no seeds left in the pumpkin when you’re done. If you’re saving the seeds to roast later, make sure to set them in a safe place.

After the walls are smoothed out, there will be a lot of strings and goo stuck on the side of the pumpkin. Remove these with a spoon.

Work in a well lit area. You need good lighting to see what you’re doing and avoid accidentally cutting yourself. The surface you’re working on should be dry. You should also make sure all your carving tools are dry.

Use a clean cloth or rag to apply pressure to the injured area. Usually, a cut will stop bleeding in 5 to 10 minutes. If your cut does not stop bleeding, or if you notice signs like numbness, see a doctor right away. You may need stitches or other medical treatments.