Does Distilled Water Go Bad? -Everything You Need To Know
We often get asked the question, “Does distilled water go bad?” or “How long does distilled water last?” and the answer is not as simple as you might think. While distilled water doesn’t technically “go bad” in the same way that other beverages do, it can start to lose its purity and quality over time.
Here’s a closer look at how long distilled water lasts, what can cause it to go bad, and how you can tell if your distilled water is no longer safe to drink.
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Contents
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified through a process of distillation. This means that the water is boiled and the resulting steam is condensed back into liquid form.
The distillation process removes impurities, minerals, and other contaminants from the water, leaving behind only pure H2O.
Is Distilled Water Popular?
Distilled water is one of the most popular types of water available on the market today. It is used in a variety of applications including cleaning, humidifying, and even drinking. But what happens when distilled water goes bad? Can it still be used?
The answer is yes and no. While distilled water doesn’t technically go “bad,” it can start to deteriorate if it’s not stored properly. This is because the expired water may have lost some of its purity. If you notice any changes in the water’s appearance or taste, it’s best to discard it and get a new batch.
How Is Distilled Water Made?
Distilled water is made by boiling water and then condensing the steam back into a liquid. This can be done using a variety of methods, but the most common method is to use an electric distiller.
An electric distiller works by heating water in a chamber until it turns to steam. The steam then rises and is collected in a condensing coil, where it liquefies and drips into a container.
The entire process takes about an hour to complete and yields around 4 gallons of distilled water.
How Does Distilled Water Taste?
Distilled water has a neutral taste because it doesn’t contain any dissolved minerals. This can take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to the taste of tap water, but many people prefer the taste of distilled water once they get used to it.
Distilled Water V’s Purified Water What’s The Difference?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is distilled water?”, it’s important to understand the difference between distilled water and other types of purified water.
While all distilled water is purified, not all purified water is distilled.
Purified water can be made using a variety of methods, including reverse osmosis, deionization, and carbon filtration. These methods remove impurities from the water, but they don’t necessarily remove all of the minerals.
This means that purified water can still have a slight taste, whereas distilled water is flavorless.
How Long Does Distilled Water Last?
Distilled water doesn’t have an expiration date, but it will start to lose quality over time.
The biggest threat to the quality of distilled water is exposed to air. As the water sits in a container, it will slowly absorb carbon dioxide from the air. This can cause the water to become more acidic and can give it a slightly off-taste.
To avoid this, it’s important to store distilled water in a sealed container and to use it within a few months of distilling.
For Household Use
If you’re using distilled water for household purposes, like ironing or steam cleaning, it’s important to understand that the water may not be as pure as it was when it was first distilled.
This is because the water can pick up impurities from the environment, so it’s important to only use distilled water from a trusted source.
For Drinking
Is distilled water drinkable?
Drinking distilled water is generally safe, but it’s important to understand that the water may not be as pure as you think.
While the distillation process removes impurities from the water, it doesn’t necessarily remove all of the minerals. This means that the water can still contain traces of lead and other contaminants.
Does Distilled Water Expire?
No, distilled water doesn’t expire. However, over time it can start to lose quality. To avoid this, it’s important to store distilled water in a sealed container and to use it within a few months of distilling.
Does Distilled Water Go Bad?
While distilled water doesn’t go bad in the traditional sense, it can start to deteriorate if it’s not stored properly.
Can Bacteria Grow In Distilled Water?
No, bacteria cannot grow in distilled water. This is because the distillation process removes all of the impurities from the water, including the bacteria.
However, if distilled water is exposed to air, it can become contaminated with bacteria. To avoid this, it’s important to store distilled water in a sealed container and to use it within a few months of distilling.
Do I Need To Refrigerate Distilled Water?
No, you don’t need to refrigerate distilled water. However, if you want to extend the shelf life of the water, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge.
How To Tell If Distilled Water Has Gone Bad
Several signs indicate that distilled water has gone bad.
- The water may have a slightly off-taste.
- The water may be more acidic than usual.
- The water may contain traces of lead and other contaminants.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to discard the water and get a new batch.
Check The Expiration Date
One way to tell if distilled water has gone bad is to check the expiration date. If the water was distilled more than a few months ago, it has likely lost some of its quality.
Look For Signs Of Contamination
Another way to tell if distilled water has gone bad is to look for signs of contamination. Is there a chemical off-smell? or does the water taste strange? If so, the water may be contaminated and should be discarded.
Does The Water Look Cloudy?
A cloudy appearance can be a sign that the water has gone bad. This is usually due to contamination from bacteria or other impurities. When bacteria have contaminated water, it can cause the water to become murky and have a bad odor.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to discard the water and get a new batch.
Green Algae In Distilled Water
Does the water have a greenish tint? If so, this is a sign that the water has gone bad. The green tint is usually caused by algae growth. Algae can grow in distilled water if the water is exposed to sunlight or other sources of light.
Do not drink distilled water if it has a green tint. Discard it and get a new batch. Algae can make you very unwell and it’s important to be safe.
Can You Use Expired Distilled Water?
While you can use expired distilled water. The water may have lost some of its quality and it may not be safe to drink. If the water is more than a few months old, it’s best to get a new batch.
While distilled water doesn’t go bad in the traditional sense, it is always best to use freshly distilled water for the best quality.
Can You Use Expired Distilled Water In a CPAP Machine?
Yes. You can use expired distilled water in a CPAP machine. The water may have lost some of its quality, but it will still be safe to use.
Can You Use Expired Distilled Water In a Humidifier?
Again, you can use expired distilled water in a humidifier. The water may have lost some of its quality. However, so long as it shows no signs of going bad, the water will still be safe to use.
Can You Use Expired Distilled Water In a Steam Cleaner?
Yes, you can use expired distilled water in all of these devices. The water has not gone bad and will not harm your machine. However, it is important to note that expired distilled water may not be as effective as fresh distilled water. This is because the expired water may have lost some of its purity. If you notice that your devices are not working as well as they used to, you may want to consider using fresh distilled water.
How To Store Distilled Water Safely?
It’s important to store distilled water in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing impurities from the air. Glass or stainless steel containers are ideal, but you can also use plastic if necessary.
Remove From Direct Sunlight
You should also avoid storing distilled water in direct sunlight, as this can cause the water to deteriorate more quickly.
Use The Correct Storage Container
Using a distilled water container that’s too large for the amount of water you have can also lead to problems. If there’s too much air in the container, the water can start to absorb impurities from the air.
This is why it’s important to use a container that’s only slightly larger than the amount of distilled water you have. This will help to prevent the water from coming into contact with too much air.
Store In A Cool, Dry Place
You should also store distilled water in a cool, dry place to prevent it from deteriorating.
Keep Containers Closed Tight
When opening a container of distilled water, be sure to close it tightly afterward. This will help to keep impurities out and prevent the water from losing its quality.
Check The Container Regularly
It’s also a good idea to check the container of distilled water regularly for signs of deterioration. If you notice any changes in the water’s appearance or taste,
Keep Away From Chemicals
You should also keep distilled water away from chemicals, as this can contaminate the water.
Do not use distilled water that has been in contact with cleaning products, bleach, or other chemicals.
Do not store distilled water near chemical products.
Store In A Refrigerator
You can also store distilled water in a refrigerator to help it stay fresh for longer.
Just be sure to use a clean, airtight container.
Distilled Water F & Q
Here are some more Facts and Questions about distilled water.
Why Should I Choose Distilled Water Over Fresh Water?
The main reason to choose distilled water over fresh water is that it is free of impurities. Distilled water has been boiled and all of the impurities have been removed. This means that it will not harm your machine like water with impurities can.
How Often Should I Change My Distilled Water?
You should change your distilled water every two to three months. This will help to ensure that the water is fresh and effective.
What Are the Benefits of Using Distilled Water?
There are many benefits of using distilled water. Some of these benefits include:
-It is free of impurities
-It will not harm your machine
-It is effective in cleaning and humidifying
-It is easy to store and transport
How Long Is An Open Gallon Of Distilled Water Good For?
An open gallon of distilled water is good for about two weeks. However, the longer it’s left unattended, the less fresh and clean tasting it will be.
So Can Distilled Water Go Bad?
The answer is Yes! If not stored properly, distilled water can go bad. However, if you follow the tips above, you can help to keep your distilled water fresh and effective for longer. Thanks for reading!
