Helium Balloons Guide - Everything You Need To Know
Helium Balloons are an inexpensive way to add impact to any celebration. Here we look at everything you need to know to create a show stopping centrepiece at your next party or celebration.
Which balloons to choose
It's important to note that foil (mylar) and latex balloons have very different float times. It's not unusual for poorer quality latex balloons to last just 3-5 hours and they must be inflated to their full size (e.g. 12") in order to maximise their float times. Foil balloons on the other hand will last considerably longer once inflated. Typically, they're at their peak for 12-18 hours, but can stay partially afloat for weeks! This is because it's far harder for the helium to escape from these.
There is a product available called Hi-Float that can be used with latex balloons to increase their float time. This coats the inside of the balloons so it's harder for the helium to escape and the manufacturer claims that with just a single squirt, they can float for 2-4 times longer than without using it.
Amount of helium needed for helium balloons
Below is our general guide to how much helium is required to inflate various sizes of helium balloons:
LATEX BALLOONS | |||
Balloon Size (height) |
Helium Capacity |
Average Float Time* |
Lift Ability |
5 inch solid |
Will Not Float |
Will Not Float |
0 |
11 & 12 inch solid |
0.5 cu ft (.015m3) |
8 - 12 hours |
0.35 oz. (10g) |
12 inch confetti-filled |
0.52 cu ft (.015m3) |
6 hours |
0.24 oz. (6.9g) |
30 inch solid |
8 cu ft (.226m3) |
3-5 days |
6.5 oz. (184g) |
36 inch solid |
15 cu ft (.425m3) |
3-5 days |
12 oz. (339g) |
36 inch confetti-filled |
15 cu ft (.425m3) |
2-3 days |
11.5 oz. (326g) |
FOIL BALLOONS | |||
Balloon Size (height) |
Helium Capacity |
Average Float Time* |
Lift Ability |
18 inch foil |
0.5 cu ft (.015m3) |
3-5 days |
0.07 oz. (2g) |
Giant Numbers |
1.5 cu ft (.042m3)- 2.5 cu ft (.07m3) |
3-5 days |
0.39 oz. (11g) |
18 inch Orbz |
1.1 cu ft (.031m3) |
3-5 days |
1.03 oz. (30g) |
Giant Foil Shapes |
1.8 cu ft (.05m3)- 2.5 cu ft (.07m3) |
3-5 days |
0.53-1.34 oz. (15-38g) |
Please note that these measurements are approximations and actual float times of helium balloons will vary according to a number of factors:
Environmental - Helium balloons being used outside will not float for as long as those used indoors. Similarly, the warmer the room they are being used to decorate, the shorter the float time will be. It is also worth noting that helium balloons don't like damp and wet conditions!
Quality of helium balloons - The higher the quality of the balloons being used, the longer they will float. This is particularly important with latex balloons. We recommend and sell Qualatex and Sempertex plain coloured latex balloons.
Size of helium balloons - The bigger the better! Put simply, the larger the balloon, the more helium it can hold and therefore the longer it will stay afloat.
Ribbon and weights
Once you've filled your helium balloons, you'll need to tether them or else they'll float away before the event! This is normally done with the use of ribbon and helium balloon weights. At Jolie Fête we stock a variety of ribbons and helium ballon weights ideal for tying down your helium balloons. The number of weights you'll need will depend on the number and size of helium balloons you're using
Re-using Foil Helium Balloons
Did you know that most foil helium balloons can be reused? Foil Balloons can be reused if they have a valve that self seals (all the balloons at Jolie Fête have this sort of valve). In order to empty the helium ballon of helium (and air), you'll need a long drinking straw. Insert the drinking straw into the opening of the neck of the balloon. It's likely the drinking straw will need to go a long way inside the valve of the balloon, as some valves are very long (such as in our number balloons). You will be able to tell when you have inserted the straw far enough as the helium (and air) will start to be released. Fold your balloon carefully once it is emptied (the original fold marks may still be visable to help with this) and store in a dry place.
Recycling helium canisters
Helium gas canisters can be disposed of at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. However, there are certain steps you will need to take before your tank can be recycled:
- You must ensure that your canister is empty before recycling. Fully open the valve by turning it left and bend the black nozzle to release any remaining helium. Hold until you do not feel any pressure or hear any sound from the nozzle.
- Remove the black nozzle by unscrewing it counter-clockwise
- Write "EMPTY" in bold text with a permanent marker on the tank near the top, so that it is clearly visible
- Follow the guidance provided by your local recycler and deposit your recyclable helium cylinder at their facility
NOTE: Your recycling service may require additional safety measures, please follow the guidance provided by your local recycling centre.
All of the information, hints and tips contained within this article are based our experience rather than manufacturers' information about helium balloons. It is not an exact science! As the filling and usage of helium balloons is beyond our control, no performance or longevity guarantee can be made.
Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to sell canisters to fill helium balloons, but they are readily available online and from larger supermarkets. If taking your helium balloons to a high street party shop to have inflated, please be aware that they may not be prepared to fill some special types of helium balloons, such as those containing confetti. If you have any questions about helium balloons at all, please get in touch via our contact form or by emailing hello@joliefete.co.uk
Are you creating some beautiful balloon arrangements of your own? Tag us in social media @joliefeteuk, we'd love to see!