How To Store Distilled Water According to Experts

Most people do not realize that there certain rules when storing may not be aware that water, specifically distilled water, properly. Why? Well, it’s because distilled water has unique physical characteristics that can affect its properties if not properly stored.

The best way to store distilled water is in a glass container to avoid contamination. Keep the bottle or container unopened, and then keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once you open the bottle or container, keep the container or bottle tightly sealed when not in use.

Distilled water needs to be appropriately stored because it can absorb high levels of carbon monoxide from the atmosphere, increasing the acidity levels in the water, eventually reaching the pH level to 4.

If this happens, distilled water cannot be stored in any form of regular plastics like PVC.

Storing Distilled Water For Home Appliances

Distilled water undergoes many processes to ensure that it is purified. It came from distillation to ensure that the water is free from contaminants after going through an intricate process.

Due to its unique properties, it needs special preparation, including its storage.

Let’s talk about storing water for purposes aside from drinking.

If that’s the case, keep the distilled water from solvents and chemicals like household cleaners, gasoline, paint thinners, dry-cleaning chemicals, and other toxic chemicals.

It is because distilled water is easily combined with other chemicals, causing it to become contaminated.

If you are storing the distilled water for long-term use, use a high-density polyethylene container for best use.

If the distilled water is in small quantities or will be consumed immediately, then you can store it in glass bottles or containers.

Storing Distilled Water For Drinking

If you distil water at home, specifically for drinking purposes, a glass container for water may seem to be the best idea.

However, you can also use a BPA-free food-grade plastic bottle for drinking.

For instance, you like to store water in case of emergency, one big container or multiple small containers will be acceptable.

Again, make sure that the containers are made for contact with food. As what it says for storing distilled water requires that it remain safe, as long as it is sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Still, it is advisable to change the kept water every few months, especially if stored in plastic containers.

Storing Distilled Water For High Bulk Industrial Purposes

For high bulk distilled water storage purposes, there are many ways on how to do it.

Depending on the level of purity required, some medium-sized quantities of distilled water can be stored in stainless steel containers that can be constructed to any form of a reasonable standard with professional welders’ help.

They will provide an ideal yet expensive storage facility for distilled water, which is protected against all the elements that can cause its deterioration during the storage, such as evaporation, presence of carbon dioxide, and algae’s build-up in the water that is caused by direct exposure to sunlight.

Can Distilled Water Grow Bacteria?

distilled water

Distilled water cannot grow bacteria unless it is stored properly or it is sealed tightly. It is also difficult to tell whether it is already spoiled or still good to drink.

Well, as a rule of thumb, if the water has some impurities, definitely it is no longer feasible to drink, especially if you just opened a bottle of distilled water and leave it unsealed for few hours.

There is a high chance that some dust, bacteria, and other elements might come into the container.

Unfortunately, you won’t tell the presence of a contaminant by just looking at it. You may use a special microscope to detect the presence of contaminants visibly.

Once you open the container and then store it for a very long time, chances of growing algae are possible. If the algae got to the point that there’s visible sediment at the bottom of the container, it is now time to discard it and get a new one.

The same thing, if the water develops an unpleasant smell, discard it immediately. To check it, pour some of the distilled water into a glass and take a sniff. In this way, you won’t be able to smell the container but only the water alone.

How Long Does Distilled Water Last?

Well, the shelf-life of distilled water depends on one thing: As long as the container or bottle is unopened, it will last for years.

If it comes with an expiration date on the label, that’s an excellent place to start with; generally, the expiry date is between three to five years from the production date.

Of course, a couple of months past the production date without being untouched, the water is still sufficient.

For distilled water that has opened, its shelf-life will depend on how you plan to use it. If you use solely for drinking, for instance, a bottle of distilled water, you should finish the bottle within a couple of days to a week.

If you are using it for home appliances, it will last for a maximum of one year after opening it and storing it properly.

You might be wondering how to store distilled water after opening; well, there are a few steps to follow.

First, it is essential to keep the container sealed tightly after opening.

Then, keep the water in the dark place to prevent algae growth.

Lastly, please do not keep the water in warm areas since it is easier for bacteria to thrive in warmer conditions. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

How To Distil And Store Water?

Distilled water came from water boiled to become steam and then cooled to become droplets of water again.

It is usually used in car batteries and steam irons since it prevents the iron from getting clogged up inside from minerals. It is also used in medical and industrial companies.

If you want to make your distilled water, you can do it at the convenience of your home. Here’s how to make distilled water in your kitchen:

Materials Needed:

  • Tap water
  • Heat resistant glass bowl
  • Ice
  • Baking rack
  • Stainless-steel pot with a stainless-steel cover

Steps:

  1. Place the baking rock on the base of the stainless-steel pot.
  2. Fill the pot halfway with tap water.
  3. Put the glass bowl in the pot so that it will float on the surface of the water. Ensure that the baking rack is placed correctly to ensure that the glass bowl base will not touch the pot.
  4. Turn the pot cover upside down, and then put it on top of the pot.
  5. Pour the ice cubes into the inverted pot to cover it.
  6. Bring the water to a boil, and let it boil for about an hour. Replace the ice if needed. As soon as the water boils, it will become steam. The steam will hit the pot’s cold lid and be cooled down to become droplets of water again. Some of the water will drip into the glass bowl. And that’s the distilled water.
  7. Turn off the gas, and then remove the lid from the pot. Wear gloves or a potholder to remove the glass bowl carefully since it will be scalding.
  8. Allow the distilled water in the glass bowl to cool down, and then you can store it in your containers.

Storage:

Once the water cooled down, store it in containers, and then sealed it tightly. Make sure to place it in cold, dry, and dark places to avoid bacterial growth and the presence of contaminants.

In a nutshell:

  • Always keep the container sealed tightly, away from sunlight, and in cool, dry places.
  • For best storage practices, store distilled water in a glass or HDPE containers. It is because using plastic containers tend to leach, which can contaminate the water.
  • If the distilled water is for drinking purposes, finish it within the week. If it is used for various appliances, it will last for a year. Make sure it is stored properly.
  • Unopened distilled water has a shelf-life of 3 to 5 years. Check the production date for details.

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