How To Make Air-Filled Balloons Last Longer: 8 Ways (2023)

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

You put in all the effort to decorate your party with colorful air-filled balloons, only to see them go flat too soon.

But don’t worry, I’ve been there too, and I’ve found some easy tips that will keep your balloons flying high and looking bright for a while.

Whether you’re getting ready for a fun party or want to enjoy the magic of these colorful orbs, I’m here to show you how to make air-filled balloons last longer.

Table of Contents

8 Easy Ways To Make The Air-Filled Balloons Last Longer

1. Fill the Balloons With A Mixture Of Helium & Air

The helium helps to give the balloons a lift, while the air [1] helps to make them heavier and less likely to float away.

This combination will allow the balloons to float for a longer time, especially if the balloons are being used outdoors.

Unlike helium alone, the mixture of helium and air will also help to keep the balloons from popping as quickly due to the added weight.

The mixture of helium and air can also make the balloons appear larger and more vibrant in color than just helium alone.

But how long do balloons that are full of air last outside?

2. Use A Higher-Quality Balloon

High-quality balloons are typically made of thicker rubber or plastic, which makes them more durable and less prone to popping or deflating.

When using these balloons, it’s important to fill them with the right amount of air, as too much air can cause them to stretch and tear.

Additionally, these balloons are less prone to being punctured by sharp objects, which can help them last longer and keep their shape for longer period.

Read: Why Do Balloons Deflate In Cold Weather?

3. Tie A Knot In The Balloon Before Inflating

This simple tip helps to trap the air inside, prevents it from leaking out, creates a thicker wall of the balloon and an extra layer of protection against a burst.

“When you fly a balloon you don’t file a flight plan; you go where the wind goes. You feel like part of the air.”
Jeannette Piccard, American Balloonist

It’s especially helpful if the balloon is filled with helium, as helium is much lighter than air and is more likely to escape the balloon.

Tying a knot in a balloon also helps to make it easier to inflate. Many people find the balloon easier to control when the knot is tied, as the air is more evenly distributed.

But can you take a seat while wearing an inflatable costume?

4. Make Sure The Balloons Are Properly Inflated

Inflating balloons with the right air is an important step in ensuring your balloons last as long as possible.

Properly inflated balloons are less likely to pop and can help your decorations last for the duration of your event.

A good tip is to fill the balloon until it is slightly larger than the shape it is meant to be.

Additionally, use a pump or regulator to ensure the balloons are not over or under-inflated.

But if you notice any over-inflated balloons, deflate them slightly and check for any weak spots that the over-inflation might have caused.

If any weak spots are found, replace the balloon with a new one to ensure the longest life possible for your decorations.

Find out how long balloons survive when blown up by mouth here.

5. Use A Sealant Spray Or Hairspray

Spraying a small amount of either product onto the outside of the balloon will form a protective barrier that will help prevent the air from leaking out.

It keeps the balloons inflated for much longer than if you filled them with air and let them be.

Hairspray [2] has the added benefit of adding a bit of extra shine to the balloons, making them look even more vibrant and colorful.

“Help air-filled balloons stay afloat and bring smiles for longer by keeping them in a place where they won’t get damaged.”
Howkapow Gift Site

Meanwhile, using a sealant spray or hairspray to make the air-filled balloons last longer, use a light mist, as too much of either product can cause the balloons to become sticky and gummy.

Additionally, ensure that the balloons are completely dry before applying the sealant or hairspray, as it will be much more effective if applied to a clean, dry surface.

6. Use A Balloon Preserver Or Sealer

The preserver or sealer helps keep the helium and air inside the balloons for longer and prevents them from popping or deflating prematurely.

And it protects the balloons from UV light, dust, dirt, and other environmental factors that can cause them to lose their shape, color, and size.

The preserver or sealer is applied to the outside of the balloons and creates an extra layer of protection. Hence, it keeps the balloons looking fresh and colorful for a longer period.

Read: Can Heat Cause Air-filled Balloons To Burst?

7. Re-Inflate Balloons With A Hand Or Electric Pump

Re-inflating balloons periodically is an effective way to make them last longer.

Using a hand pump or electric pump, you can easily and quickly re-inflate the balloons to their original size. It keeps the balloons from losing their shape, color, and vibrancy.

Re-inflating the balloons also helps to ensure that the balloons are not completely deflated, which can be a safety concern.

Check out some creative ways to decorate your place using streamers and balloons here.

8. Use A Smaller Nozzle Tip

One way to make air-filled balloons last longer is to use a smaller nozzle tip when filling them. It avoids over-inflating the balloons, which can cause them to burst quickly.

The smaller nozzle tip will ensure that the balloons are not overfilled with air and that they can hold their shape and size for longer.

Additionally, using a smaller nozzle tip will create less pressure, so the balloons will not be as likely to burst due to the air pressure being too high.

Related Posts:

Will A Balloon Fill With Air Last For 3 Days?

Yes, air-filled balloons can last for three days.

But when it comes to how long a balloon will stay inflated, the material utilized in its construction is the most important consideration.

Latex balloons are the most commonly used, and they can last for three days if they are filled with air and not helium. They are quite durable, but over time they will slowly deflate.

On the other hand, if a balloon is filled with helium, it will last for about 10 hours since it is lighter than air and will slowly escape from the balloon.

Read:

FAQs

Is HI-FLOAT compatible with air-filled balloons?

HI-FLOAT is compatible with air-filled balloons, allowing them to stay inflated for up to several days.

Find out the average lifespan of foil balloons here.

How to protect air balloons against oxidation?

Store the air balloon in a dry, cool place and keep it away from direct sunlight to reduce the risk of oxidation.

Or apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other sealants to the balloon’s surface to create a barrier against oxidation.

Can you clean your balloons with tire shine?

No, cleaning balloons with tire shine is not recommended, as the chemicals in the tire shine may damage the balloons.

In Summary

And voila! By following these easy steps, you can make air-filled balloons last much longer than they normally would.

Your balloons will surely last for days, not just hours, with proper care and handling. And if you make an extra effort, the results will be worth it.

References:

https://community.thriveglobal.com/5-advantages-of-getting-fresh-air/

https://www.essence.com/hair/hair-products-tools/how-to-use-hairspray-natural-hair/

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].