Using helium as a party decoration will become increasingly expensive during a helium shortages and may be impractical. It may also be difficult to locate locations that still fill helium balloons. Aside from helium balloons, here are some helpful solutions to the helium shortage that employ helium substitutes that allow you to make decorations without helium or with less helium, which party planners should seek out for other methods to generate vibrant and dazzling decor.
Helium Shortage
In 2012, the United States generated an estimated 78% of the world’s helium, with the NHR4 accounting for around 30%. A variety of causes have contributed to the helium shortage, including worldwide refinery equipment failures and shutdowns5, with scheduled maintenance at some of the world’s natural gas refineries affecting supplies. When looking for solutions to the helium scarcity, we must be able to accomplish the desired effect with less helium.
Alternative to Helium
During a helium shortages, it will become increasingly costly and may be impractical to use as a party decoration. Argon can be used instead of Helium and is favoured for some metals. Helium is used for many lighter-than-air applications, and Hydrogen is a possible substitute for many where the flammability of Hydrogen is not a concern.
Decorations without Helium
The number one consumer product affected by the helium shortage is decorative balloons. There are various alternatives wayto float a balloon without helium? Here are some non-helium balloon decoration ideas that employ helium substitutes:
Air Filled Balloon
Don’t ignore the option of using basic air-filled balloons. Tape the balloons to the walls or windows to add height, or connect the balloon knot to a pole. Attach numerous balloons to sticks and arrange them in a vase to make a table bouquet. Another approach to use air filled balloons is to insert a marble before blowing it up. Then, upside down, hang them from the party venue’s ceiling.
Misty Daydream balloons have several benefits, like being long-lasting and dependable. Because we offer only the best materials in our high-quality balloons, they will not pop or leak like inferior alternatives. And with our large range of sizes and colours, there’s something for every occasion!
Balloon Arches
Balloon arches are becoming increasingly popular, most likely as a result of the helium scarcity. Balloon arches, as opposed to anchoring balloons to a structure to protect them from drifting away, are structures that hold non-helium balloons, allowing them to “float” without helium.
Balloon Centrepieces
You may make balloons appear to float by putting them close together in a balloon arrangement, making a “balloon bouquet.” All you need to do to make a non-helium balloon centrepiece is tie several balloons together, nestling the top layer of balloons between the lower layers so that the bottom layers keep them aloft.
That’s all there is to it. You can turn any location into an exciting party site with only a few basic ideas and without spending a fortune on helium or other pricey decorations! You’ll be able to ensure that every celebration goes off without a hitch—and without breaking the bank!
FAQs
Instead of filling the balloon with helium, you need to fill it with hot air. You can do this by using a hairdryer, holding the end of the balloon close to the hairdryer and letting the hot air fill it up. Once it is full of hot air, tie off the end of the balloon and watch it float!
What can you use instead of helium in balloons? ›
Helium is used for many lighter-than-air applications, and Hydrogen is a possible substitute for many where the flammability of Hydrogen is not a concern.
Are there non helium balloons? ›
Non-helium balloons contain air instead of helium, and are most often made of a vinyl material. They became more popular during the recent helium shortage, but are also a great choice because they are durable and come in many designs.
What is a safe alternative to helium? ›
Argon can be used instead of Helium and is preferred for certain types of metal. Helium is used for lots of lighter than air applications and Hydrogen is a suitable replacement for many where the flammable nature of Hydrogen is not an issue.
Do we have a replacement for helium? ›
Hence, Argon is a substitute for helium.
Can you get balloons filled at Dollar Tree? ›
Dollar Tree is your go-to for budget-friendly helium balloon services, offering free filling for any balloons purchased there. Specializing in foil/metallic balloons, Dollar Tree's widespread locations make it a practical choice for affordable party preparations.
How long will balloons stay inflated without helium? ›
Air-Filled
Latex and foil balloons can be inflated with air; however, they will not float. If you're inflating balloons yourself, good news is you can save your lungpower by using a handheld balloon pump or an electric balloon bump. In general, most air-filled balloons will last for 6-8 weeks.
What other gas can make balloons float? ›
Answer. In order to get a floating balloon you want a gas which is as light as possible. Helium is quite a lot lighter than air: it's about an eighth of the density of air. Hydrogen is about a sixteenth the density of air, so it'll float in air and will in fact float upwards.
How do you fill foil balloons without helium? ›
You can easily fill the balloons either with a straw and some lung power or a hand air pump. Simply insert a straw or the nozzle into the balloon, and fill it up.
Can you use normal balloons for helium? ›
Most balloons can be filled with helium or air, simply check the instructions provided or on the product page for details. Some balloons can only be filled with air due to their size (like mini latex and foil balloons), and some balloons are not designed for helium (like balloon garlands).
All 9 inch foil balloons are designed exclusively for air inflation as they cannot hold enough helium to float. Small foil balloons are made with a valve inside the tail at the bottom of the balloon.
What to use instead of helium for balloons? ›
Technically any gas that's less dense than air will make a balloon float. In comparison, Hydrogen is half the density of helium and can be better at making a balloon float. Hydrogen gas generates good buoyancy but is not one of the popular nonhelium balloon decoration ideas, since it is explosive.
How do I make my balloons float without helium? ›
Instead of filling the balloon with helium, you need to fill it with hot air. You can do this by using a hairdryer, holding the end of the balloon close to the hairdryer and letting the hot air fill it up. Once it is full of hot air, tie off the end of the balloon and watch it float!
What can I use instead of hi float? ›
STP brand “Son of a Gun” can be used on the outside of a latex balloon (instead of Hi-Float) to prevent the chalky oxidation that results from long exposure to air.
How do you make your own helium for balloons? ›
The helium used in balloons is obtained by deep-freezing natural gas. Unfortunately, since it's impossible to make helium via a chemical reaction, it would require a considerable sum of money to blow up helium balloons yourself.
