Short answer: latex helium balloons treated with Hi-Float float for 1–3 days indoors. Foil balloons, including giant numbers and character shapes, float for 3–5 days. Untreated latex balloons usually start to droop within a day, which is why every latex balloon we deliver is treated with Hi-Float before it's filled.
Latex vs. foil: what's the difference?
- Latex balloons are made from natural rubber, which is biodegradable and slightly porous, so helium slowly escapes. Hi-Float coats the inside of the balloon to slow that down. With Hi-Float: 1–3 days.
- Foil balloons (sometimes called mylar) are made from a metallic film that holds helium much longer. Expect 3–5 days, and some customers tell us theirs look great well past that.
- Air-filled balloons don't float at all. Items like our traffic cone balloon are labeled air-filled on the product page.
What is Hi-Float?
Hi-Float is a liquid treatment that balloon shops put inside latex balloons before filling them with helium. We add a small amount to each balloon and spread it around the inside, where it dries into a thin seal. That seal slows helium from escaping through the latex, so a balloon that would start to droop within a day floats for 1–3 days instead.
You can't see it from the outside, and it doesn't change how the balloon looks. Foil balloons don't need it, since the foil already holds helium well.
How to make helium balloons last longer
- Keep them indoors. Sun, wind and heat shorten float time quickly.
- Stay away from heat and vents. Radiators, sunny windows and AC vents all make balloons deflate or pop sooner.
- Don't panic if they droop in the cold. Helium contracts in cold air. Balloons that sag after a chilly walk usually perk back up once they're inside.
- Keep them weighted. A balloon weight keeps your bouquet from drifting into a ceiling fan or a hot light fixture.
When should balloons be delivered?
Because latex lasts 1–3 days, we recommend delivery on the day of your party or the afternoon before. Foil-heavy bouquets give you more flexibility. You can pick a 2-hour delivery window anytime from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. when you order a bouquet.
Frequently asked questions
Do helium balloons last longer in the cold?
Cold air makes helium contract, so balloons can look deflated outside in winter. They usually recover once they warm up indoors.
Can I order balloons a few days before my party?
For latex, order for delivery the day of or the day before. For foil numbers and shapes, a couple of days ahead is fine.
Do your balloons arrive inflated?
Always. Every Dumbo Balloons order arrives fully inflated with helium, and ready-made bouquets come with a balloon weight.
Are your balloons biodegradable?
Our latex balloons are made from natural rubber latex, which is biodegradable. Foil balloons aren't, so when the party's over, please pop and throw away all balloons rather than releasing them outside.
Planning a party in Dumbo or anywhere in Brooklyn? Design your own bouquet or text us at (917) 914-8251.