The aftermath of a party or soirée can be overwhelming, especially if you are the one cleaning up. Leftover party favours, streamers and banners can be either recycled or neatly dumped in the trash, but balloons need to be deflated, given their bulk and number. Popping balloons with your fingernails is an alternative if you have no other sharp tools for the job.

Secure the balloon either between your knees if you are wearing trousers or in the bend of your elbow if you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt. If you are wearing neither, then place a towel between the balloon and your exposed skin. The pop of the balloon can cause pain and irritation from the breaking of the rubber or latex.

Squeeze the balloon tightly with either your arm or your legs, given the respective positioning, so that the air pressure inside pushes toward the exposed side, making the surface taut.

  • The aftermath of a party or soirée can be overwhelming, especially if you are the one cleaning up.
  • Squeeze the balloon tightly with either your arm or your legs, given the respective positioning, so that the air pressure inside pushes toward the exposed side, making the surface taut.

Jab your fingernail swiftly into the centre of the exposed part of the balloon if you have long fingernails, pulling your finger back quickly to avoid the balloon breaking on your hand.

Grab a part of the exposed area of the balloon between two fingernails and begin rubbing the nails together if you have short fingernails. This is a more delicate way to pop the balloon, for the balloon will suffer a small cut and the air inside has a greater chance of seeping out.

WARNING

Always secure the balloon before trying to pop it. Your jab could miss and you could injure your finger.