How To Keep Balloons From Deflating

Balloons are a staple decoration for parties, events, and celebrations. However, nothing dampens the festive atmosphere more than drooping, deflated balloons. Understanding how to keep balloons from deflating prematurely can ensure that your decorations stay vibrant and eye-catching throughout your event.

Last Updated: May 8, 2024  |  7 min Read

Balloons deflate when they are put in direct sunlight, exposed to outdoor air or inflated a lot in advance. Smaller balloons tend to deflate quicker than bigger ones and helium escapes from balloons faster than normal air. Balloon treatments make balloons last longer.

Let’s delve in a bit more.

If you need a step-by-step guide for party planning go to Kids Party Planning Pro: Getting Started Step By Step.

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Understanding why Balloons Deflate

It is a matter of fact that balloons will start to deflate as soon as they are blown and tied up, even if you don’t see any visible change in them immediately.

Balloons deflate due to a combination of factors, including the material they are made of, their size, the type of gas used for inflation, whether balloon tretments are applied or not, and the conditions to which the balloon is exposed.

Let’s go over these factors one by one and learn how to lessen their negative effect on balloons.

1. Choose Foil or Plastic over Latex Balloons

Latex balloons begin to break down immediately as soon as they are inflated since they are a natural biodegradable product.

Foil or plastic balloons will last a lot longer.

Below you can see the difference between some latex balloons and a foil balloon, after a couple of days from their first use. They have been inflated at the same time for our youngest pirate-themed party.

So the best take here is to go for foil or plastic balloons for greater longevity.

Be aware however that these are more expensive and that they can be more damaging to the environment once they are discarded. The good thing is that if you’re careful these kind of balloons can be reused.

2. Make Use of Larger Balloons

Larger balloons tend to deflate at a much lesser rate than smaller ones.

For example, air-filled 5″ (12cm) latex balloons stays inflated for 2 days outdoors in moderate temperatures, whilst an 11″ (28cm) one will stay up for 3 to 4 days. You can then expect a 24″ (60cm) balloon to stay in good shape for 5 to 6 days in the same conditions.

For more detailed information on how long do balloons stay inflated, go to this guide.

3. Inflate Balloons with Air rather than Helium

Though helium-filled balloons can create a spectacular overall effect, you can be sure that they won’t last for long. Helium-filled 11″ (28cm) balloons will stay afloat for 12 to 20 hours when kept inside.

No matter what kind balloons you choose, be it rubber or foil, helium will leak out quicker than air. This is because helium molecules are much smaller than air molecules.

Learn in detail how much do 5”, 11” and 24” rubber balloons and 18″ foil balloons last indoors and outdoors, both when filled with air and with helium, in our complete guide to how long do balloons stay inflated.

So if you want to go for air-filled balloons, you can still create impressive balloon arrangements without filling them with helium. There are many ways to hold up air-filled balloons in the form of arches, garlands and columns.

4. Apply Balloon Treatments

Latex balloons are made to last longer by applying one of two treatments or both.

Hi-Float Balloon Treatment

Hi-Float is a patented liquid solution that is applied on the inside to seal off pores in the latex and thus slowing down air leakage. A single squirt inside the balloon keeps it floating up to 25 times longer!

Important: Hi-float does not work on foil (mylar) balloons and it will hamper their floating capability.

Then there is Hi-Shine.

Hi-Shine Balloon Treatment

This silicone spray is applied on the outside of the balloon to protect it from UV rays, thus slowing down oxidation (decomposition).

Applying Hi-Shine to your latex balloons prevents them from becoming matt and velvety as they start to break down as soon as they are inflated. Hi-Shine keeps them looking shiny, fresh and new.

For clear instructions how to use these treatments go to Hi-float.com.

5. Keep Balloons out of Direct Sunlight and Outside Air

As a guiding principle, balloons do best in the same type of environment that people are comfortable with.

The worst you can do to shorten the life of your balloons is to expose them to direct sunlight and outside air. In these conditions balloons will only survive for a few hours. Most of them will pop as well. Thus it is advisable that if you are going to have your balloons outdoors, it is best to do so in the late afternoon or early evening.

Check also more reasons why balloons can pop and what you can do to prevent them from doing so, as much as possible: How To Keep Balloons From Popping.

Foil balloons are more resistant to outdoor environments than latex ones.

On the other hand, air-filled balloons, even latex ones, will remain unaltered to the naked eye for up to 5 days, if you are keeping them inside, out of direct sunlight and in a cool, stable temperature.

Final Thoughts on How to Keep Balloons from Deflating

When it comes to balloons, keeping them intact for as long as possible is a priority. In this article we have revealed the 5 factors that contribute to the longevity of your balloons.

My aim was to help you keep balloons from getting deflated as much as possible and to lay out the best possible conditions to keep them from deflating too soon.

You may wish to visit our party games sections for a myriad of party activities including balloon games:

Toddler Party Games

Kids Party Games

Teen Party Games

FAQs on How to Keep Balloons from Deflating

1. Will balloons deflate overnight?

The short answer is no, especially if you follow the above guidelines regarding the 5 factors that contribute to the deflation of balloons.

Having said that, we highly recommend that balloons are set in place, as close as possible to the start of the event.

However, if it is really necessary to have your balloons ready a day before, make sure that you follow the above guidelines.

2. How do you store balloons overnight?

So let’s say that you need to have balloons blown up the night before your party kicks off.

Store your balloons in large plastic bags overnight. You can also use purposely made balloon bags to preserve your balloons for later use. Large trash bags with holes in them will do the trick as well.

Keep the balloons in a dark place at a fairly constant cool temperature. For instance, it would be ideal if you store them under a staircase, in a cupboard or in a garage. Do not keep them in a warm or brightly illuminated space.

3. Does hairspray make balloons last longer?

Hairspray can be sprayed on the outside of latex balloons after they are inflated. It acts like a sealant that keeps the air or helium in for longer.

Hi-Shine silicone spray (mentioned above) works in the same way.

Furthermore, any silicone lubricant found in stores in the auto departments will do fine as well.

4. Are there eco-friendly alternatives to traditional balloons?

Yes, options like biodegradable balloons, fabric decorations, and paper lanterns offer sustainable alternatives to traditional balloons. Learn more: Reusable Birthday Decorations: Sustainable and Stylish Solutions.