Balloon Care Guide

Balloon Performance & Lifespan

We use only the highest-grade balloons available, but even the best balloons are delicate products with a limited lifespan. To ensure the best experience with your Party Geenius balloons:

  • Indoor Use: Expect to enjoy them for 2 days.
  • Outdoor Use: Expect them to last less than a full day.

Under ideal conditions, balloons can float much longer, but our guarantee is limited to 2 days.

1. Float Times

Factors that can reduce float times: Cold air, hot air, high humidity, changing barometric pressure, high altitudes, and moving air (from fans, vents, etc.).

The float times listed below are the maximum to be expected in a balloon-friendly indoor environment. Changing conditions mean float times can vary significantly, sometimes lasting only one day, and other times many days.

FLOAT TIMES FOR FOIL (MYLAR) BALLOONS

In optimal environments, foil balloons will remain full and taut for 2 days. Note: Air conditioning may cause these balloons to temporarily shrivel, but they will return to their normal state when exposed to warmer air.

HI-FLOAT™ TREATMENT (For Latex Balloons)

We use Hi-Float, a non-toxic sealant, inside the balloon to extend float time. It is effective only when used indoors, out of direct sunlight, and away from breezes.

Latex Balloon Size

Extended Float Time (Ideal Conditions)

11-inch Latex

Up to 2 Days

16-inch Latex

Up to 2 Days

 

Important Note: Float time may be significantly reduced in unusually warm, unusually cool, or very humid environments, and at elevations above 2,500 feet.

Third-Party Handling & Transport

There are no float time guarantees for a delivery made to or received by a third party (e.g., front desk, doorman, mailroom) or when balloons are moved from the original delivery location to a secondary location.

  • Once delivered to the designated location, Party Geenius considers the delivery complete. We cannot be responsible for damages (tangling, separating, reduced float time) that occur when balloons are handled, transferred, or rearranged by a third party.

2. Glossy vs. Matte Finish (Latex Balloons)

When latex balloons are first inflated, they have a glossy, sometimes translucent surface. Due to a natural process called oxidation, this glossy finish may turn into a matte finish, and the balloon may become opaque. This change often occurs by the time of delivery or shortly after. This is normal and unavoidable with current technology.

3. Color Variations

Balloon colors may vary slightly under different lighting or between different production batches. We cannot guarantee precise color matches.

4. Environmental Factors & Care

  • Elevation: Float times will be reduced significantly at higher elevations. To ensure maximum float time, balloons should remain close to the elevation at which they were inflated.
  • Sunlight/Heat: In direct sunlight on a hot day, balloons may pop within an hour. The same can occur indoors if exposed to direct sunlight through windows
  • Air Conditioning/Cool Air: Very cool environments cause helium molecules to shrink, which reduces the size and float time of balloons.
  • Wind/Breeze: A constant breeze accelerates the speed at which helium escapes. Keep balloons away from any type of breeze for maximum float time.

5. Ceiling Precautions

To prevent popping, keep your balloons tied to an anchor for at least five hours before attempting to release them to the ceiling. This allows the balloon skin to slightly thicken and toughen as it naturally shrinks.

  • Test: After five hours, take 2-3 balloons and gently raise them to the ceiling.

6. Safety Precautions

  • Never Inhale Helium: Do not breathe helium from a balloon. While non-toxic, inhaling helium can lead to asphyxiation (loss of consciousness due to insufficient oxygen).
  • Outdoor Release: Do not release foil (mylar) balloons outdoors. They can cause power failures if they become entangled in electric lines.
  • Choking Hazard: Popped latex balloons are a choking hazard for small children.  Do not leave small children unaccompanied with latex balloons.

7. Balloon Shapes

Our rubber latex balloons inflate to either a tear-drop shape or a light-bulb shape, which is determined by the balloon's specific composition. Certain finishes, like Metallic, Chrome, and Pearl, are more likely to have the light-bulb shape. Orders may include both shapes.

8. Ribbons

Our helium-filled balloons are tied with an 8ft curling ribbon (approximately 7ft usable length). Ribbon colors are matched as closely as possible to the balloon colors, but we do not guarantee exact matches. Ribbon curl and finish (matte or glossy) may vary based on inventory.

9. Extended Ribbon Lengths

We offer decorative ribbon (3/16in wide) for an additional charge. Please contact Party Geenius for current pricing.

10. Balloon Positions in a Bouquet

We do not guarantee that balloons will arrive or remain in a specific formation, as they naturally twist and turn when moved. They can easily be untied from their anchor and re-arranged as desired. Illustrations of bouquets are a representation and may not perfectly reflect the in-person appearance.