Can a concrete pumpkin lantern withstand frost?
Concrete itself copes with cold; water is the danger. Water in the pores and inside the lantern expands as it freezes. Repeated freezing and thawing can cause cracks and chips. A lantern that won’t rot is not necessarily safe to leave wet outdoors all winter.
Move the lantern somewhere dry and under cover before lasting night frosts, such as a shed, garage or indoors. Keep rain and snow out. Empty any water and let the lantern dry before putting it away.
How well a lantern lasts depends on moisture, repeated freezing and thawing, and storage conditions. We do not guarantee frost resistance.
Water inside the lantern
The lantern is hollow and open at the top, so rain and snow can collect inside. Check it after rain and carefully tip out any water. Before lifting it, extinguish the candle, let the lantern cool and remove the light. Don’t leave it on a tray that holds standing water.
Tealight candle or battery LED?
The light goes in from above. An ordinary tealight candle or a battery LED tealight is suitable. An LED is handy in a breezy spot because it won’t blow out. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep the lantern away from flammable objects and out of reach of children and pets. With a candle inside, use a stable, heat-resistant, non-flammable base.
Where to put your lantern
Choose a level, stable spot where the lantern cannot tip over or get in anyone’s way. Outdoors, choose a sheltered place that keeps rain and snow out. Indoors, protect furniture from scratches and moisture with a suitable base; with a candle, it must be heat-resistant and non-flammable. Support the lantern underneath when lifting it. Don’t carry it by the ruffled rim or the openings in its face.
Cleaning
- Extinguish the candle and let the lantern cool. Remove any LED light before cleaning.
- Wipe off dust with a dry or slightly damp cloth. For dirt, use a soft brush and lukewarm water.
- Don’t use a pressure washer, vinegar or acidic cleaners: they can damage the surface.
- Empty any water from inside and let the lantern dry before storing it.
If you spot damage or need advice, get in touch.