I recently received an email reading:

“I have a question for you! You know when you buy a helium balloon it goes down a little after half a day – and then more etc, does that ever happen when it’s in the box?”

As customers often ask how long helium balloons stay inflated, I thought it would be worth publishing my answer. Here’s my reply:

“Hello Paula,

Thanks for your email.

Foil balloons filled with helium gas (like the ones we send) usually only start to go down after 3-4 days. In the right conditions it might last up to 8 days. We prepare the balloons in the afternoon for arrival the very next morning so they arrive fresh and customers can enjoy them for a few days.

Sometimes faulty balloons can deflate quickly after being filled up. To make sure that any faulty balloon is weeded out, we leave all our helium balloons to stand at least an hour before packing them up.

I hope this help! Regards,

Sophie”

For those of you who are like me curious by nature here are a few more facts about balloons and helium:

  • Foil balloons last for 3 to 5 days – sometimes longer as the technology as improved in recent years. They can be refilled by taking them to your nearest helium balloon retailer
  • Latex balloons filled with helium typically float for only 8 to 12 hours. The gas escapes through small pores in the latex. Treated with Hi-Float – a glue like gel that makes the latex less porous and helps lock the helium in, they will last for over a week
  • Helium gas is sensitive to extreme temperature changes. This means that:
    • Helium balloons might appear deflated in cold air – to resolve the problem, simply put your balloon somewhere warm and it will expand again
    • You need to remember to keep your balloon away from extreme heat however, as this could cause the helium to expand and the balloon to burst
    • Always keep the weight attached to the balloon to prevent it from floating away (there’s nothing worse than the scream of a small child who has just lost his/her balloon).

Here are a few facts about helium itself:

  • Helium is an inert, lighter-than-air gas (which is why helium filled balloons float)
  • It is a non-toxic, non-flammable, odourless and colourless gas
  • Helium is an asphyxiant and should never be inhaled

Find out more about the chemical properties of helium here or visit our online shop to buy helium balloons, helium gas canisters or party balloons and accessories!