The use of balloons in celebrations makes any event’s atmosphere more joyful. We all like looking at big, voluminous, colorful balloons swaying in the wind and enhancing the place’s décor. However, the sight of them being deflated and lying droopily in a corner isn’t pleasant. Helium balloons are common in almost every gathering. Party or event planners often wonder how long they will last.
Typically, smaller helium balloons (measuring around 9 to 12 inches) can last anywhere between 9 to 14 hours. Larger balloons can stay afloat for almost 3 weeks.
Let’s find out more about this below.
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How Long Do Latex Balloons Last?
Latex is a common type of helium balloon. It is made of natural rubber and is quite porous. These balloons usually last from one night to a few days. So, if you’ve got smaller latex balloons, expect them to stay afloat anywhere from 9 to 13/14 hours. On the other hand, if you have big balloons, they will easily last for 3 to 4 days.
To get the most out of your latex helium balloons, inflate them a few hours before the event. If you use smaller-sized inflatables, inflate them just before the party. This will ensure their longevity.
You can also add Hi-Float to your latex balloons. It is a liquid sealant used to coat the balloon’s interior. It minimizes the speed through which the helium gas escapes through the latex skin. Hi-Float increases the lasting period of these balloons.
How Long Do Foil (Mylar) Balloons Last?
Foil balloons are more durable. This is because mylar is less porous than latex. So, helium does not escape easily from the balloons. If the environment isn’t too hot or cold, these balloons can last up to 3 to 5 days.
However, it is observed that these balloons can easily remain full for as long as two weeks. So, you can assume that smaller foil balloons will last for a maximum of five days and bigger ones for two weeks.
Foil balloons have a standard size of 18 inches. This is pretty large. They are also available in bigger sizes. Due to their relatively large size, it’s best to fill them up a day before the event.
Impact of the Cold Weather on Helium Balloons
When a balloon is filled with helium, it is essentially being filled with gas molecules. These molecules are vulnerable to temperature changes. If the weather is cold, they will get smaller. So, it will change the volume they occupy inside the balloon.
Cold weather also causes the gas molecules to lose energy. This causes them to clump together in one place instead of moving around. This is why you see a foil helium balloon shrivel around its edges.
Impact of Hot Weather on Helium Balloons
Hot weather can reduce the longevity of your balloons. When the temperature is high, helium molecules in the balloon gain energy, which intensifies their activity. This causes more pressure, which leads the balloon to pop.
In simple words, when the weather is hot, helium molecules expand past their limits. This, in turn, causes them to burst. It is especially seen in overinflated balloons.
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How to Make Your Balloons Last Longer?
Balloons are a staple of any celebration. Naturally, everyone desires to keep them afloat for as long as possible. At a certain point, helium balloons will deflate. Still, there are many things you can do to increase their longevity.
Avoid Heat
Heat or direct sunlight causes balloons to become brittle quickly. So, if your event is in a hot climate, position the balloons in a shaded spot. Use outdoor tents, umbrellas, or canopies to shade the balloons. Alternatively, use UV-resistant balloon coatings to reduce sun exposure. Another tip is to choose lighter-colored balloons. These tend to absorb less heat, allowing the balloons to stay intact.
Avoid Very Cold Weather
As mentioned earlier, helium molecules lose energy in very cold temperatures. It causes them to shrivel up. To prevent this from happening, ensure to choose a venue that’s not too cold. However, if you cannot do anything about that, choose the right kind of balloon. Foil balloons are not a good option for such weather. If you are transporting balloons in a vehicle, warm up the vehicle so the balloons do not come into contact with cold temperatures.
Choose Bigger and High-Quality Balloons
Bigger balloons have more volume. This means that they can hold more helium molecules. More molecules mean that it will take longer for the gas to escape. So, choosing larger balloons is a wise step if you want your balloons to stay afloat for the entirety of the event.
It is also important to choose professional-quality helium balloons. Pick balloons made out of durable natural latex that can be used both indoors and outdoors. High-quality balloons have a slow oxidation rate. Reputable sellers also don’t use any type of plasticizers, extenders, or fillers, and the balloons are ISO-certified.
Use a Balloon Treatment
Treatments like Hi-Float can easily increase the life of latex balloons. It is applied internally to seal latex pores, reducing air leakage. Another treatment is the Balloon Shine silicone spray, applied to the balloon’s external surface. It safeguards it from harsh UV rays and slows down oxidation.
Don’t Let the Balloons Get Touched Unnecessarily
Balloons are attractive. Many people touch them, spill their drink on them, or get their jewelry snagged on them, among other things. This reduces the balloon’s lifespan. Children may poke it or move it vigorously. You can avoid all this by making people aware of the consequences of their actions. Also, it’s best to install balloons in an area that is relatively free from sharp objects and pets.
Final Thoughts
Helium balloons can be the life of a party, but they are also very sensitive to the environment. Luckily, these balloons can last for quite a long time if kept in ideal surroundings. Using the best practices here will further increase the life of your balloons. It will ensure that helium balloons continue adding charm to your party from the start to the very end.
