A quick and easy way to inflate foil balloons, if you do not have a hand pump, is to use a straw. Some manufacturers even include a straw in their packaged balloons, but if there is no straw included, then any straight paper or soft plastic straw will do the job. Hard plastic or metal straws are not recommended as they may stretch and damage the self-sealing valve. When inflating a balloon with a straw, keep in mind that your breath is hot. When your hot breath cools, the balloon may start to look deflated. You may need to top up the balloon with a little more air.
How to Inflate a Balloon with a Straw
- Begin by locating the valve on the tail end of the balloon.
- Insert the straw into the seal between the two layers of plastic. Keep in mind that the inner seal will open once the straw is fully inserted into the balloon.
- As you blow into the straw, the balloon will begin to inflate.
- It is important to pinch the sides of the straw so the air does not come out. If you pinch too hard, you may block the airflow. If this happens, then loosen up your grip.
- Do not over-inflate the balloon because it will cause the balloon to burst. Once the balloon is fully inflated, gently remove the straw while pinching the tab.
If the balloon has a self-sealing balloon, no further steps need to be taken. However, if the balloon requires heat sealing, be sure to have the heat sealer ready before inflating so air is not lost.
See the article How to Heat-seal a Balloon for more information.
Tips:
- Choose the correct width straw so air flows quickly into the balloon, but make sure it is not too wide, or else the straw will damage the balloon's self-sealing valve.
- Use a flexible straw rather than a hard plastic, metal, or wood straw to avoid damaging the self-sealing valve or tail of the balloon
- Insert the straw into the balloon only as far as needed to inflate the balloon, or else you risk damaging the balloon.
Please click the image below to watch a video on how to inflate a foil balloon with a straw.
©05.05.25L
