Quick Answer: How to Care for Your Inflatable Balls
Inflate with any standard electric pump (avoid high-pressure compressors). Close the locking valve firmly. Clean with mild soap and water — no solvents or abrasives. Store deflated and flat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With proper care, Big Shiny Balls® products last for years and dozens of uses. Minor punctures can be repaired with a standard PVC patch kit.
How to Inflate Your Big Shiny Balls®
What You Need
Any standard electric air pump works. Big Shiny Balls® sells a purpose-built pump designed for their products, but any electric inflator with a standard nozzle will do. For smaller balls (20 inches–3 feet), even a hand pump works — it just takes longer.
Do not use: High-pressure air compressors, tire inflators, or any pump that doesn't allow you to control airflow. These can over-pressurize and damage the seams.
Step-by-Step Inflation
- Unpack and unfold. Lay the ball flat on a clean surface. If it's been stored folded, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the material.
- Locate the valve. Every Big Shiny Balls® product has a locking valve — a two-part system with an inner plug and outer cap.
- Insert the pump nozzle. Push the nozzle into the inner valve opening. It should fit snugly.
- Inflate slowly. Turn on the pump and inflate until the ball is firm but not rock-hard. You should be able to press the surface slightly with your hand. Over-inflation puts unnecessary stress on seams.
- Seal the valve. Remove the pump nozzle and immediately push the inner plug in, then screw or press the outer cap closed. A properly sealed valve holds air for weeks to months.
Inflation Time by Size
- 20 inches: 1–2 minutes
- 2–3 feet: 2–4 minutes
- 4–6 feet: 5–8 minutes
- 8–10 feet: 8–15 minutes
How to Deflate Your Big Shiny Balls®
- Open the valve. Remove the outer cap and pull out the inner plug.
- Press gently. Apply light pressure to help air escape. Don't stand or sit on the ball — controlled deflation preserves the seams.
- Roll from the opposite end. Once most air is out, roll the ball from the end opposite the valve toward the valve opening. This pushes remaining air out efficiently.
- Fold flat. Once fully deflated, fold the ball flat for storage. Avoid sharp creases — gentle folds preserve the chrome finish.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Routine Cleaning
After each use (especially outdoor events), wipe down with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water. This removes dust, fingerprints, and any debris that could scratch the metallic finish over time.
For chrome/metallic finishes: Use a microfiber cloth to avoid micro-scratches. The chrome surface shows marks more than matte finishes, so gentle handling during cleaning matters.
For matte finishes: Any soft cloth works. Matte surfaces are more forgiving with cleaning.
What NOT to Use
- No solvents or chemicals: Acetone, rubbing alcohol, bleach, and strong cleaning chemicals can damage the PVC and strip the metallic finish.
- No abrasive pads or brushes: These scratch the chrome surface permanently.
- No pressure washers: The high-pressure water can damage seams and valve seals.
Removing Stubborn Marks
For scuffs or marks that don't come off with soap and water, try a small amount of baby oil on a microfiber cloth. Test on an inconspicuous area first. For chrome finishes, this often restores the reflective surface.
Storage
Short-Term (Between Events)
If you're using the balls again within a few weeks, you can leave them inflated. Store in a room-temperature space away from direct sunlight and sharp objects. UV exposure over time can fade metallic finishes, so indoor storage is preferred.
Long-Term Storage
- Clean and dry completely before storing (moisture trapped in folds can cause mildew).
- Deflate fully following the steps above.
- Fold gently — avoid sharp creases that could crack the metallic finish.
- Store flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and sharp objects.
- A storage bag or bin protects against dust and accidental punctures.
Space needed: Even a 10-foot ball folds down to roughly the size of a large bedsheet. An entire event set of 20+ balls fits in a standard storage bin or closet shelf.
Temperature Considerations
PVC expands slightly in heat and contracts in cold. If stored inflated in a space with significant temperature swings (garage, outdoor shed), check inflation levels periodically and top off if needed. Extreme cold (below freezing) can make PVC stiffer — let the material warm to room temperature before handling to prevent cracking.
Repair
Finding a Leak
If a ball is slowly losing air:
- Check the valve first. Most slow leaks are valve issues, not punctures. Make sure both the inner plug and outer cap are fully sealed.
- The soap test. Mix soap and water, apply to the surface with a sponge, and look for bubbles forming at the leak point.
- Listen. In a quiet room, you can often hear air escaping from a small puncture.
Patching a Puncture
Small punctures (from pins, thorns, rough surfaces) are easily repairable:
- Deflate the ball.
- Clean the area around the puncture with soap and water. Dry completely.
- Apply a standard PVC patch kit (available at any pool supply store or online). Cut the patch to cover the puncture with at least 1 inch of overlap on all sides.
- Apply adhesive per the patch kit instructions and press firmly. Let cure for 24 hours before re-inflating.
For larger tears or seam damage: Contact Big Shiny Balls® customer support. Some damage is repairable; for significant tears, a replacement may be more practical.
Outdoor Use Tips
Wind
Use the D-hook attachment points to secure balls with stakes, sandbags, or monofilament line. Even large balls are lightweight — a gust can move an unsecured 6ft ball easily. For permanent outdoor installations, always anchor.
Rain
Rain won't damage the balls, but water pooling on top of upward-facing valves can potentially seep in. Position valves downward in permanent outdoor setups, or simply wipe dry after rain.
Sun
Extended direct sunlight (months of continuous exposure) can gradually fade metallic finishes. For permanent outdoor installations, chrome finishes hold up best. Rotate balls periodically if possible, and store out of direct sun when not in active use.
Pool & Water Use
Big Shiny Balls® products float naturally and are safe for pool use. Chlorinated water won't damage the PVC, but rinse with fresh water after extended pool exposure to prevent chemical buildup on the finish. Saltwater pools require the same fresh-water rinse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do they stay inflated?
With a properly sealed valve, weeks to months. Temperature changes can cause slight pressure variations, but a well-sealed ball holds its shape for extended periods without needing a top-off.
Can I inflate them with helium?
No. Giant inflatable balls are designed for air inflation only. They're too heavy for helium to lift, and helium escapes through PVC faster than air. Use a standard electric air pump.
Will they pop if they hit something?
They're made from durable PVC, not thin latex. Normal contact with surfaces, people, furniture, and the ground won't cause damage. Sharp objects (pins, thorns, exposed nails) can puncture them, but the thick material means even a puncture is a slow leak, not a dramatic pop.
How many times can I reuse them?
With proper care, 50+ inflation/deflation cycles easily. Many event planners report years of use from a single set. The limiting factor is typically cosmetic (finish wear) rather than structural.
Do they come with a pump?
Balls ship without a pump, but Big Shiny Balls® sells a purpose-built pump designed for their products. Any standard electric air pump also works.