Here's a very clever trick to inflate balloons that float in the air... without using helium!

Whatever the occasion to be celebrated or the reason for a party, you really cannot have one without ... balloons! Especially, if the party is for children! The more balloons, the merrier the party, particularly for smaller parties where decorations like ribbons and balloons create a very festive atmosphere! Normally, balloons are inflated with helium to make them stay suspended in air though not everyone has the possibility to do this!

But do not despair: There is another way to have floating balloons, using an old housewife trick, that is shown here in this video! In addition, this little trick can also be an easy and interesting science experiment to do with kids! Have fun! :)

The same effect of balloons inflated with helium is obtained with the following ingredients:

500 gr  sodium bicarbonate
500 ml  white vinegar

One 1- or 2-liter bottle 

Two funnels

Balloons

With these quantities you can inflate up to 20 balloons!

First, pour the white vinegar into the bottle with the help of one of the two funnels, then add the baking soda with the second funnel -- Be careful: it must be completely dry! Now, cover the neck of the bottle with the opening of the balloon: watch the chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda release carbon dioxide that will inflate the balloon. When it is inflated enough, carefully peel the balloon off the bottle opening and tie the balloon securely.

Et voila, the first balloon has been inflated. Now you can go ahead and continue until you have finished...

This video shows the exact moment of the chemical reaction between the white vinegar and the sodium bicarbonate -- when the carbon dioxide is released!