Easy ways to Deflate and Reuse Party Foil Balloons

Foil balloons are not only more attractive and longer lasting than regular latex balloons, but they are also made of Mylar plastic that can last for a while. This is why you’ll be able to store them away and use again next year! Foil balloons are not recyclable and the next best thing is reusing. If you’re not planning to use them again, there are other things you can do, too.

Here are some of the ways how you can reuse foil balloons:

1. Store them away for reuse:

You can’t simply let the air out of a foil balloon like with a latex balloon. You need a drinking straw to release the air. Insert the drinking straw into the balloon’s inflation tab.

Look out for two layers of plastic at the bottom of the balloon. The straw should go all the way into them. When you gently squeeze the balloon, you’ll be able to feel air slowly releasing out through the straw. If you can’t, then it possibly did not go all the way in. So, push it inside further.

Once all the air has been drained out, start folding the balloon slowly allowing the remaining air to get pressed out. Once it is fully deflated, you can fold and store it in a box.

The next time you need to use them, all you need is a pump to refill it. You can also get them blown up at party stores. Just make sure that the valve inside the balloon is not damaged and remains intact and in one piece.

2. Use foil balloons as unique gift wrappers:

Most gift wrapping that people use are made of paper or flimsy plastic sheets. But a foil balloon can make an attractive and sturdy wrapping option.

If you’re planning to gift things, find out if your foil balloon is the right size. Instead of doing the usual wrapping over box style, you can try unique types of packaging – like a wrapped candy, for instance.

You can also make sturdy gift bags with them to offer party presents or return gifts in.

3. Turn them into streamers, confetti and decorations:

If you have the patience to cut your old foil balloons into tiny strips and bits, then there are a lot of ways to reuse them! Streamers cut out of foil balloons can be used for decorating the walls for different occasions.

Tiny strips can be used for packing onto the base of a gift basket for a colourful touch. If you can cut them into even tinier bits, use them as tinsel for Christmas tree decorations or as confetti at parties!

4. Treasure them as keepsakes:

Do you love collecting memorabilia? Are you emotional about special celebrations and parties and can’t get enough of the memories? It’s not just the photos that remind you of the good times.

Sometimes, keepsakes like foil balloons can also kindle those fond memories of birthdays, anniversaries or any other important day. Folded up and tied with a string, they are easy to store in a medium-sized box or in cupboards.

Since you are not planning to reuse it, you can even cut the base to squeeze out all the air and make it easier to roll up, tie with a string and keep it away safely.

5. Make crafts with foil balloon materials:

Generally, you can make fake flowers like roses or tulips using tissue paper. There are many do-it-yourself steps available online. Find out craft activities that can replace tissue paper or regular materials with the plastic making up foil balloons.

You can also make jewelry or cut them into strips that your kid can use for craft projects.

It’ll be useful to have them around in the craft basket just in case you want to make a fancy raincoat for your kid’s doll.

6. Design a mega plastic blanket:

Did you know that you can cut the foil balloons into squares and iron them together to form one big blanket? This emergency blanket can be packed into a small bag and taken along during hikes or camping.

7. Use as packing material:

Instead of packing a box with Styrofoam peanuts, you can simply use layers of foil balloons cut to size.

They’ll save money on packaging material and provide good protection.

8. Donate:

Last but not the least, the best way to deal with foil balloons you don’t want after a party or which you’re not sure you’d get to use again is to give them away to those who might want them.

Check with schools that might find use for them or kids in the neighbourhood who might like to have them for their next birthday party.