April 16th, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about water beads.

Water Bead FAQ’s

Q. How long do they last?
A. They will last years in the sealed packet. Once you’ve soaked and expanded the beads they will need to be soaked again every 2 or 3 weeks to keep their size and they can last 2 to 3 years.

Q. What happens if they get dusty?
A. This won’t happen because you will actually be cleaning them every time you re-soak them.

Q: Do they smell?
A: No they come unscented. Just add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil after you’ve drained the excess water. They’ll fragrance the house for weeks!

Q: Can I put them in a fish tank or pond?
A: We don’t recommend this. We’ve heard horror stories of fish that hate them so much they jump out of the bowl! Some fish will try to eat them and may ingest so much that their delicate digestive system clogs up causing death!

Q: Will they shrink right back down to the original size?
A: Not quite. They will shrink down but they will be a little bigger. If you let them dry out and rehydrate they won’t last as long as they would if you keep them hydrated.

Q: Can I stick fresh flowers in them?
A: Yes you certainly can! You may find they get a little smelly or mouldy as the flowers die, so it’s best to admire them with the flowers and tip hem in the compost with the flowers when they die.

Q: Are they toxic or dangerous?
A: They are non-toxic and safe, but always take care with young children as they may present a choking hazard.

Q: What happens if someone (or a pet) eats them?
A: They’re certainly not hygienic and shouldn’t be eaten. If a fully hydrated bead is accidentally eaten, drink plenty of water. The polymer will partially break down in stomach acid and pass through. You can add a few drops of essential oil so no one is tempted to eat another one!

Q: Do I leave water in the bottom?
A: If you’re putting fresh flowers in the bowl, then yes. But if you’re using them as a decoration or centrepiece, drain and discard all the excess water.

Q: What happens if I soak them too long or put them in too much water?
A: The beads will only expand to their maximum size. It doesn’t matter how much water you use really. You could tip one packet in a pool but you’d have trouble finding them!

Q: Can I put them in a swimming pool or bath?
A: No! Definitely No! They will clog up the pool filter! In a bath, they will need to be fished out before you pull the plug unless you want a plumber’s bill. We have had people use them in small inflatable pools and that’s ok!