Does distilled water go bad??
Chances are you are reading this article because you have some distilled water sitting on your kitchen pantry shelf that you know has been there a long time. In fact, you do not have any idea how long it has been there. “Is this stuff still good or should I toss it?”
Does distilled water have an expiration date is a burning question on many people’s minds. Good news! I have done all the research for you and here are the answers you are looking for. Keep reading…
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water goes through an intense purification process. To distill water, the water is not only boiled but the steam is collected. The steam is then returned to a liquid state. The steam, returned to water, is distilled water. The process removes impurities as well as minerals from the water (2).
Many claim distilled water is the purest form of water with only hydrogen and oxygen remaining (1).
Distilled Water Vs. Purified Water?
Distilled water goes through a rigorous purification process, where all contaminants, harmful chemicals, as well as minerals removed. The purification process for purified water only removes contaminants but the minerals remain (1).
Purified water is achieved by reverse osmosis, ozonization, or distillation process. The EPA requires purified water to contain no more than 10 parts million of total dissolved solids. (1)
Uses For Distilled Water
Some common uses for distilled water in your household include:
- Home appliances: Some home appliances such as a humidifier and a steam iron use distilled water.
- Neti Pot or Saline Squeeze Bottle: Those people suffering from nasal congestion or severe allergies use a Neti Pot or a Saline Squeeze Bottle to wash their sinus cavities using sterile, distilled, or boiled water.
- CPAP Machines: Many manufacturers recommend distilled water to make the humidifier last longer.
- Motor industry: Since it lacks minerals, distilled water won’t corrode metal engine parts or interfere with batteries (1)
Can You Drink Distilled Water?
Yes, you can drink distilled water. The water tastes bland and many people do not care for it when compared to bottled or tap water.
There is controversy as to whether or not it is safe to drink distilled water. Some sources claim drinking distilled water will detoxify your body while other state distilled water will leach minerals from your body. Depending on where you live, distilled water could definitely be cleaner than water from the tap that could contain toxic chemicals.
Distilled water pulls minerals from the container it is stored in; therefore, it is recommended to store distilled water in a glass container or a plastic bpa-free food-grade bottle.
Distilled water lacks electrolytes like potassium as well as other minerals your body needs. “Some studies have found a link between drinking water low in calcium and magnesium and tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, and heart disease. Also, distilled water may not help you stay hydrated as well as other kinds of water.” (1)
If you drink distilled water on a regular basis, it is a good idea to eat your daily servings of vegetables and fruits to gain all the necessary minerals for your diet (2).
RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: Can Styrofoam Go In The Oven
Does Distilled Water Expire?
Unopened distilled water has no expiration date. The shelf life for distilled water is years.
Distilled water contains no impurities or minerals. Once opened, is is susceptible to absorbing carbon dioxide from the air increasing its acidity levels (3).
There is an expiration date on most prepackaged bottles of distilled water. If unopened, the distilled water can last longer than the expiration date.
How Long Does Distilled Water Last After Being Opened?
How do you plan to use distilled water? The shelf life of opened distilled water is determined by its use. If you plan to drink the water, you should finish the opened 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 if stored properly (4).
Can Distilled Water Grow Bacteria?
Yes, unfortunately bacteria can grow in distilled water. Bacteria can grow in any opened container because contaminants can enter the bottle. Once you open the container and store it for a very long time, chances are green algae will start to grow in there. You may be able to tell because visible sediment will form at the bottom of the container. The water may develop an unpleasant smell. In both of these cases, discard it immediately. (4).
How To Safely Store Distilled Water
The best way to store an unopened bottle of distilled water is in the sealed plastic bottle it came in, at room temperature, and in a dark place out of direct sunlight.
Once you’ve opened the distilled water, you can leave it in the bottle it came in. Should you wish to transfer it to a new container, make sure the distilled water container is glass or a BPA-free food-grade bottle. As stated above, the chemicals from the container can transfer to the distilled water so do not store in plastic container if possible. Again, store the opened bottle in a dark cool place.
It is always recommended to seal the bottle or tank of distilled water after every use to avoid contaminants.
Why Should I Choose Distilled Water Over Fresh Water?
Why should you choose distilled water over tap water, spring water, or bottled water?
Distilled water is free from all contaminants. This is great for medical equipment which needs to be sterile. It is also good for patients with reduced immunity such as patients with cancer or HIV. Distilled water can be better for you if you live in an area with poor water quality. If you are not a fan of the taste of chlorine, distilled water is for you!
Purchase A Home Water Distiller
If you need larger quantities of distilled water, it may be more cost effective to look into making your own distilled water at home. There are home water distillers on the market. Some brag they can distill 1 liter of water per hour, for a total of 6 gallons of water per day.
In Summary:
Does distilled water go bad? In short, the answer is no. Unopened distilled water should last forever. Once opened, make sure to store your distilled water in a dark, dry place. Seal the container after every use.
References:
(1) Cassoobhoy, A. (2020, July 1). Distilled water Overview. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/distilled-water-overview.
(2) Watson, S. (2019, June 29). Can you drink distilled water? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-drink-distilled-water.
(3) The distilled water company. (2017, December 15). https://www.thedistilledwatercompany.com/shelf-life-storage-distilled-water.
(4) Deppen, C. (2020, November 23). How to store distilled water according to experts. Kitchen At The Store. https://kitchenatthestore.com/how-to-store-distilled-water/.
About the Author:
Hi! I’m Chris. I’m a mother, wife, college professor by trade and micro-influencer by hobby. I am a bargain hunter, jack of all trades, and master of chaos.
Thank you for reading my random thoughts on travel, my stories of life as an under appreciated mother of a teenager, and my easy recipes that have won no awards but instead my family’s love and adoration (which is WAY better, right?).
