At some point, everyone has been at a party or event with helium balloons.
They are a great way to add decor to any occasion.
You might be getting ready to plan a party that needs helium balloons or you may just be curious, but you have probably wondered how long helium balloons stay inflated.
So, let’s talk about helium balloons and how long they will stay inflated.
How Long Do Helium Balloons Stay Inflated?
Helium balloons can stay inflated for anywhere from 8 hours to 5 days.
This will depend on the type of balloon that is being used.
Latex balloons t filled with helium will typically stay inflated for 8 to 12 hours, whereas foil balloons filled with helium can last 2 to 5 days.
Helium will slowly seep out of the latex balloons which is why they do not last as long as the foil balloons.
If you use latex balloons they may not last overnight.
However, foil balloons will easily last overnight when filled with helium.
To help your balloons last as long as possible, it is a good idea to have them filled with Hi-Float and ensure that they are stored at proper temperatures to reduce the risk of them popping or deflating overnight.
When planning a party that requires helium balloons, it is best to wait until as close to the event as possible if you are using latex balloons so that they will be inflated and stay up throughout the event or party.
Can You Store Helium Balloons Overnight?
If you need to store helium balloons overnight, the best way to store them is in a special balloon bag.
This will allow ventilation and keep them contained and protected throughout the night.
It is also important to ensure that they are in a cool, dry location to prevent them from deflating or popping during the night.
Why Do Helium Balloons Float?
Helium balloons float due to the law of buoyancy.
When a balloon is filled with helium it is displacing a certain amount of air.
The weight of the helium and the balloon is lighter than the air itself, which gives it an upward force.
This in turn causes the balloon to float.
Can You Make Balloons Float Without Helium?
The best way to get balloons to float is with helium.
However, balloons will also float if they have hydrogen gas in them.
However, this is not recommended when blowing up a large number of balloons because hydrogen gas is flammable and combustible.
If you do not have access to helium to get balloons to float, it is best to create balloon arches or balloon clusters in shapes where they can attach to something instead of trying to get them to float using other means that may not be safe.
Is Helium Considered Hazardous?
Helium is a colorless and odorless gas.
It is referred to as non-toxic and inert.
However, some lists will put it down as a hazardous material because it can displace oxygen and cause suffocation if it is inhaled in large quantities.
Symptoms of overexposure to helium include headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
If you believe you have been exposed to a high amount of helium, it is important to seek medical attention and get to an area with fresh air immediately.
It is hard to have overexposure to helium unless you are in contact with it regularly.
You will not get sick if you are around several balloons that pop or you are blowing up balloons with helium.
It must be inhaled through your nose or mouth for you to experience illness related to helium.
How Do You Dispose Of Helium Tanks?
Most helium tanks are made of some type of metal, which in most cases is recyclable.
However, if your helium tank is not empty, you may have to dispose of it differently.
It is always a good idea to contact your local recycling center and inquire about how to best recycle a helium tank as there are different rules depending on where you live.
If possible, you do not want the helium tank to end up in a landfill so it is important to do your research and find out the best way to dispose of a helium tank in your area.
Is Helium Considered Flammable?
No, helium is not considered flammable or explosive.
It is a very stable gas and can be heated up to extremely high temperatures without catching fire or combusting.
This adds to the benefit of using helium in balloons because it is safe to have around young children.
How Can You Make Helium Balloons Last Longer?
Although helium balloons typically only last a certain amount of time, there are certain things you can do to ensure they last as long as possible.
1. No Heat Or Sunlight
Heat and sunlight are some of the main reasons why balloons pop or deflate.
It is important to keep them in a cool environment out of the sun.
If you need to transport the balloons to a location in your car, it is a good idea to go straight to your destination and not leave the balloons sitting in the sun or a hot car.
2. Keep Away From Pets
If you have pets in your home, it is important to keep balloons away from the pets, especially if you have cats.
Animals may be drawn to the balloons and think of them as toys.
This is an easy way for them to get popped or damaged which can result in them losing helium faster.
3. Hi-Float
Some places that offer balloons might have the option to add a chemical called Hi-Float to the balloon to make the helium last longer.
This is an option if you need to store the balloons for a period of time before your event or party.
It is non-toxic and harmless, so it is safe to be placed into balloons that will be at a children’s party.
Hi-Float is especially beneficial for latex balloons as the liquid that is placed inside keeps the helium from escaping as quickly as it normally would.
How Long Will Helium Balloons Last With Hi-Float?
Hi-Float is a great option if you are wanting to fill balloons the day before an event.
When Hi-Float is added to balloons, a latex balloon will typically last 2 to 3 days and a foil balloon can last 5 to 7 days.
This is a stark improvement from how long balloons typically last with just helium inside.
How To Add Hi-Float To A Balloon
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Adding Hi-Float to a balloon is a simple process and is worth the time to extend the life of your balloons.
Hi-Float is a liquid and will come in a bottle with a pump lid.
This makes it easy to add to your balloons.
You will want to insert the pump nozzle into your balloon and then pump the proper amount into your balloon.
For smaller balloons that are 9 inches in size, it will be approximately a half-pump of Hi-Float, 11-inch balloons will require 1 full pump, 14-inch balloons will need 2 full pumps, and balloons larger than that will need 3 full pumps of Hi-Float liquid.
Once you have placed the proper amount of Hi-Float into the balloon then you will want to move the balloon around to spread the liquid evenly around the inside of the balloon.
If possible, try to prevent Hi-Float from getting into the neck of the balloon.
After the Hi-Float is spread throughout the balloon then it can be filled, whether that is with helium or regular air.
It can take a few hours for the Hi-Float to dry inside the balloon.
Although Hi-Float is not toxic, it can potentially ruin furniture and surfaces if the balloon pops before the Hi-Float is dry.
Therefore, it can be a good idea to keep the balloons in a location where nothing will be damaged if the balloons pop or place coverings on the floor and any surrounding furniture.
Can You Put Hi-Float In Balloons Filled With Regular Air?
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Hi-Float does not have to be used solely in balloons that are filled with helium.
You can also put Hi-Float in balloons that you plan to fill with regular air.
Adding Hi-Float to balloons that are going to be filled with regular air will also extend the life of those balloons and can help them last for several weeks.
This can be beneficial for balloons that may be used for balloon arches or arrangements which do not require the balloons to float but where you still want the balloons to last as long as possible.
How Far In Advance Can You Make A Balloon Arch?
Balloon arches can be made in advance of a party.
Due to the fact that the balloons do not have to be filled with helium, they can be filled with regular air and will therefore last longer.
Due to this, a balloon arch can be made several days in advance if needed instead of worrying about getting it completed the morning of a party or event.
Balloons that are being used for balloon arches can be filled using an air pump, which will be less work.
If you fill the balloons days ahead of time, it is a good idea to wait to assemble the arch, so you can properly store the balloons in a bag that is in a temperature-controlled environment.
Once they are assembled on the arch, it will be harder to keep them in a space that will not get any sunlight or heat throughout the day.
Where Can You Get Helium Balloons Blown Up?
There are quite a few places where you can purchase helium balloons and have them blown up for you.
These include:
- Party City
- Albertsons
- Kroger
- Publix
- Select Walmart stores
- Select CVS stores
If you are unsure if your local grocery or convenience store has helium services, you can always call ahead and find out because certain locations may not offer this service.
Can You Take Your Own Balloons To Be Filled With Helium?
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Many places will give you the option to fill up helium balloons that have been purchased elsewhere.
Therefore, you can buy balloons at Walmart and take them to Party City if you want to.
Many times there will be fees for balloons to be filled at these stores, and they can range from a few dollars to upwards of $15.00.
Party City will fill foil balloons for free if they were purchased in their store.
There is a small fee for latex balloons.
Most stores follow the same procedure and will give a better price for balloons purchased through them versus purchasing from another retailer and having them fill the balloon.
Can You Buy Your Own Helium Tank?
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Yes, you can purchase your own helium tank.
This can be beneficial if you throw a lot of parties and are constantly needing to fill balloons with helium.
Helium tanks come in a wide variety of sizes, so you are bound to find something that suits your needs.
The cost of a helium tank can be anywhere from $50.00 to $500.00 or more.
This will greatly depend on the size of a tank.
If you are just wanting to purchase a helium tank to have for an occasional party, a smaller tank will work fine for you, but if you are a regular party planner who is going to be filling hundreds of balloons, a larger helium tank may be a better option.
Can You Refill A Helium Tank?
Helium tanks can be refilled. It is important to find someone with experience in refilling helium tanks to ensure it is done properly and safely.
Some party stores will refill helium tanks, and you can also contact welding or gas companies as they may be able to refill the tank as well.
How Long Will Balloons Stay Inflated With Air?
Balloons that are filled with air and not helium will not float.
However, they will stay inflated much longer than if they were filled with helium.
Balloons inflated with air can potentially stay inflated for 6 to 8 weeks.
The amount of time they will stay inflated with air also depends on the environment they are in and whether they are exposed to heat or sunlight.
As with helium balloons, balloons that are filled with air can deflate when exposed to excessive heat or sunlight.
Conclusion
Balloons make excellent additions to any party or event and are an easy way to make a statement with decorations.
If you plan to fill balloons with helium, it is important to know that without the help of Hi-Float they will only stay inflated for 8 to 12 hours if they are latex and 2 to 3 days if they are foil.
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