Does Distilled Water Go Bad? and how long does distilled water last?" 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 It's 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 alongside your food to help it stay fresh for longer.
Just be sure to use a clean, airtight container.
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.
