How to make distilled water? Your complete guide

Did you know that distillation is a natural process that mimics the earth's water cycle, creating pure rainwater? Learning how to make distilled water at home is a practical and budget-friendly skill, providing a safe, purified option for a variety of domestic and health-related needs.

Quick Summary

Creating distilled water at home involves boiling tap water to create steam, condensing that steam on a cooled surface, and collecting the pure water droplets. This process effectively separates water molecules from minerals, chemicals, and other non-volatile impurities for a variety of uses, from household appliances to medical devices.

Key Points

• Basic Method: Distilling water involves boiling tap water, condensing the resulting steam, and collecting the purified liquid.

• Required Equipment: You only need a large pot, a heat-resistant glass bowl, a lid, and ice to get started.

• Safety First: Always handle hot pots and steam with care, using oven mitts and allowing equipment to cool before handling.

• Common Uses: Distilled water is ideal for CPAP machines, steam irons, and car batteries to prevent mineral buildup.

• Not the Same as Boiled Water: Boiling water kills microorganisms but does not remove minerals and chemical impurities, while distillation removes both.

• Mineral-Free Water: The distillation process removes all minerals, which is beneficial for appliances but means you should maintain a balanced diet if you drink it regularly.

• Solar Option: A passive solar still offers an alternative, low-energy method for producing distilled water using the sun.

The Science of Distillation

Distillation is a centuries-old purification method that involves boiling and recondensing water. When water is heated, it turns into steam (water vapor), leaving behind non-volatile compounds like minerals, heavy metals, and most microorganisms. The steam is then cooled, converting it back into liquid, which is collected in a separate container. This simple physical separation process ensures a high level of purity in the final product.

The Classic Stovetop Method

One of the simplest and most accessible ways to create distilled water is with common kitchen tools. This method is effective for producing smaller batches for immediate use.

What You'll Need:

• A large pot with a lid that can be inverted (ideally, one with a glass lid and a central handle).
• A smaller, heat-resistant glass bowl that can float in the pot without touching the bottom.
• A heat source, like a stove.
• Ice cubes.
• A clean, sterile container for storage.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fill the large pot approximately halfway with tap water.
2. Carefully place the smaller glass bowl inside the pot. Ensure the bowl is floating and does not touch the bottom of the pot. If needed, you can use a clean, heavy-duty baking rack to raise the bowl.
3. Place the pot lid on upside down, so the handle is pointing downward, centered over the smaller glass bowl. This inverted position will guide the condensed water droplets toward the handle and into the bowl.
4. Bring the water to a low, steady simmer. Avoid a rolling boil, as this can cause splashing and contaminate the distilled water.
5. Place a handful of ice cubes on the inverted lid. The cold surface will accelerate the condensation of the rising steam. As the ice melts, you can carefully pour the water off the lid and add more ice.
6. Allow the process to continue until you have collected your desired amount of distilled water. Monitor the water level in the pot to ensure it doesn't boil dry.
7. Turn off the heat and let the entire setup cool down completely before handling. Use oven mitts to carefully remove the lid and the bowl of freshly distilled water.
8. Pour the collected water into your clean, sterile storage container and seal it tightly.

Alternative Distillation: The Solar Method

For those with more patience and sunlight, a solar still is an excellent, low-energy option for producing distilled water.

What You'll Need:

• A large, clean container (e.g., a tub or a large pot).
• A smaller, clean cup or container to collect water.
• Plastic wrap.
• A small, clean rock or weight.
• A sunny day.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place the large container in a sunny spot.
2. Position the smaller cup in the center of the large container. Pour tap water into the large container, but do not allow it to splash into the smaller cup.
3. Cover the large container tightly with the plastic wrap.
4. Place the rock or weight in the center of the plastic wrap, directly above the small cup. This will create a slight dip, directing condensed water vapor toward the collection cup.
5. Let the sun do the work. The sun's heat will cause the water to evaporate, and the steam will condense on the underside of the plastic wrap, dripping into the cup.
6. Check on the still periodically. Once enough water has been collected, carefully remove the plastic wrap and collect your distilled water.

Distilled Water vs. Other Water Types

It is important to understand the differences between distilled water and other common water types to use it correctly.

Feature	Distilled Water	Tap Water	Purified Water	Mineral Water
Purity	Extremely pure (H₂O only)	Varies by municipality	Highly pure	Natural minerals included
Mineral Content	None	Varies; contains minerals	Removed or re-added	High mineral content
Processing	Boiling and condensation	Filtration, chlorination, etc.	Filtration, reverse osmosis, etc.	Natural source, no treatment
Common Uses	CPAP machines, irons, car batteries, laboratory work	Drinking, cooking, cleaning	Drinking	Drinking, hydration
Taste	Flat, lacking minerals	Varies, can contain chlorine	Often neutral	Distinct, mineral taste

Common Uses for Distilled Water

Due to its purity, distilled water is essential for applications where mineral buildup is undesirable or where the absence of impurities is critical.

• CPAP Machines: CPAP machines use humidifiers to add moisture to the air. Using distilled water prevents mineral scaling and prolongs the life of the machine. Learn more about why distilled water is necessary for CPAP machines here.
• Car Batteries: For older, non-sealed lead-acid batteries, using distilled water to top up the electrolyte levels prevents corrosion and mineral buildup.
• Steam Irons and Garment Steamers: Hard water minerals can clog and damage these appliances. Distilled water ensures they operate smoothly and remain free of scale.
• Humidifiers: Just like with CPAP machines, humidifiers benefit from distilled water, preventing the release of mineral dust into the air and keeping the unit clean.
• Medical and Laboratory Use: Many medical devices, laboratory tests, and chemical preparations require highly pure, mineral-free water for accurate and sterile results.

Important Safety Considerations

While the process is straightforward, safety is paramount. Always use heat-resistant materials and exercise caution with boiling water and hot surfaces. Ensure your collection bowl is food-safe and can withstand heat. It is also critical to start with a clean pot, lid, and collection container to avoid introducing contaminants. While distilled water is safe to drink, it lacks essential minerals, so a balanced diet is important if you plan on consuming it regularly. For most, its primary use is for equipment that benefits from its purity.

Conclusion

Creating your own distilled water at home is a simple yet rewarding process that leverages basic scientific principles. Whether for medical equipment, household appliances, or other specific needs, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make it safely and effectively. With just a few simple kitchen items, you can achieve a level of water purity that store-bought options provide, making it a valuable addition to your self-sufficient skill set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drinking distilled water safe?

Yes, distilled water is safe to drink. However, because it lacks minerals like calcium and magnesium, it can taste flat to some. For most healthy people with a balanced diet, it poses no risk, but relying on it as a sole water source long-term is not recommended.

What is the difference between boiled water and distilled water?

Boiling water kills most bacteria and viruses but leaves behind minerals and chemical contaminants. Distillation, by contrast, removes these impurities by separating the water from the contaminants during the boiling and condensation process, resulting in much purer water.

Why do CPAP machines require distilled water?

CPAP machines use humidifiers that can get clogged with mineral deposits (scale) from tap water. Using distilled water, which has no minerals, prevents this buildup and ensures the machine operates effectively and lasts longer.

How long does it take to make distilled water at home?

Using the stovetop method, you can produce a usable amount of distilled water within an hour, though the exact time depends on the volume of water and the heat level. The solar method is much slower, taking several hours or a full day of sunlight.

How should I store homemade distilled water?

Store homemade distilled water in a clean, airtight glass container. Keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent contamination and the absorption of air impurities, which can alter its taste and pH.

Can I use plastic containers to collect the distilled water?

It is not recommended to use plastic containers for collection due to the heat involved, which could cause chemicals from the plastic to leach into the pure water. Use only heat-safe glass or stainless steel for the collection bowl.

Does distilled water remove fluoride?

Yes, the distillation process is highly effective at removing fluoride, as it is a non-volatile compound that is left behind with other impurities when the water is vaporized.