How to Make Distilled Water: Simple Methods & Safety Tips
Updated on | DIY distilled water for home and lab use
Distillation is one of the oldest water-purification techniques. By boiling water and collecting the condensed vapor, you separate pure water from dissolved minerals, many heavy metals, salts, and most microorganisms. In this guide we explain easy home methods, step-by-step instructions, safety precautions, storage tips, and when to use professional distillers instead.
What Is Distilled Water?
Distilled water is water that has been purified by boiling and condensing the steam. The distillation process removes dissolved solids (minerals), many chemical contaminants, and most microorganisms producing very pure H2O. Note: distillation does not remove all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) unless combined with activated carbon or advanced condensers.
Why Make Distilled Water?
- Appliance care: Prevents scale in irons, humidifiers, CPAP machines, and lead-acid batteries.
- Laboratory & medical uses: When mineral-free water is required.
- Emergency purification: When other sources are unavailable and you need pathogen-reduced water.
- Gardening & aquariums: For sensitive plants or systems that need no dissolved minerals.
Methods to Make Distilled Water
Choose a method based on available equipment, batch size, and how pure you need the water to be:
- Stovetop distillation: Simple, uses household cookware, good for small batches.
- Solar still: Uses sunlight ideal for emergencies and off-grid situations.
- Electric countertop distiller: Fast, reliable, produces larger volumes, best for regular use.
- Professional multi-stage distillers: For labs, medical, and industrial uses — removes VOCs and provides certificates.
Step-by-Step: Stovetop Distillation (Home Method)
This method uses a large pot, a heat-safe bowl, and a lid to collect condensed steam.
- Prepare equipment: Use a large wide pot, a small heat-proof bowl that floats or sits on a rack inside the pot, and a tight-fitting lid (ideally glass).
- Fill the pot: Pour tap water into the pot but not so high that the inner bowl floats away leave at least 2–4 inches above the bowl base.
- Place the collection bowl: Set the bowl in the center (it will collect the condensate). Optionally place a heat-proof trivet or small rack under the bowl so it doesn’t float.
- Invert the lid: Put the lid upside down so the lowest point is over the bowl condensed water will drip to the center and fall into the bowl.
- Heat to a simmer: Bring water to a gentle boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Avoid a rolling boil (splashing can contaminate the collection bowl).
- Optional ice on lid: For faster condensation, place ice or a cold pack on top of the inverted lid. Replace ice as needed.
- Collect distilled water: As steam condenses on the lid, droplets will fall into the bowl. Simmer for 1–3 hours depending on desired volume.
- Cool and store: Carefully remove the bowl (use heat-resistant gloves), cover it, and pour into sterilized glass jars. Cool before sealing.
Tips
- Use stainless steel or glass cookware avoid aluminum if possible.
- Do not let base water boil dry.
- For higher purity, pass distilled water through a carbon filter to remove VOCs and improve taste.
Solar Still Method (Emergency / Off-Grid)
A solar still uses sunlight to evaporate water and collect condensation useful in survival situations or where there is no electricity.
- Dig a shallow pit and place a container in the center for collecting water.
- Pour the water (or wet vegetation/sea water for desalination) into the pit around the container.
- Cover the pit with clear plastic sheeting and weight the center so condensation drips into the container.
- Leave in direct sun for several hours; collect condensed water from the container.
Solar stills are slow and produce small volumes but are reliable in emergencies.
Countertop Distillers (Recommended for Regular Use)
Electric distillers are user-friendly, efficient, and typically produce 1–4 liters per cycle. They boil water in a chamber, then route vapor through a condenser and into a sterile collection container.
- Buy a certified unit from a reputable brand.
- Many units include carbon post-filters to remove VOCs and improve taste.
- Follow manufacturer cleaning instructions (descaling and sanitizing).
Safety & Important Warnings
- Volatile contaminants: Distillation may not remove all VOCs (some evaporate with steam). If your water source may contain solvents or gasoline, use carbon filtration in addition to distillation or buy lab-grade purified water.
- Boiling hazards: Watch for steam burns and handle hot equipment with gloves.
- Container safety: Store distilled water in glass or food-grade plastic. Do not store in containers that leach chemicals.
- Not a full disinfectant: Distillation removes most pathogens, but in uncertain contamination scenarios consider additional disinfection or lab testing.
Storing & Testing Distilled Water
Store distilled water in sealed, sterilized glass jars or BPA-free plastic bottles in a cool, dark place. Use within 6–12 months for best quality (shorter if opened frequently).
To test purity: a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter should read near 0 ppm for properly distilled water. If TDS is above 10–20 ppm, consider re-distillation or additional filtration.
Common Uses for Distilled Water
- CPAP machines, humidifiers, and irons (prevents mineral buildup)
- Laboratory experiments and sterile solutions
- Battery top-up for lead-acid batteries
- Baby formula (follow pediatrician guidance)
- Automotive cooling systems and radiators (where recommended)
FAQs
Is distilled water safe to drink?
- Yes distilled water is safe to drink. It lacks minerals, so taste is flat; ensure your diet provides necessary minerals.
Does distillation remove fluoride?
- Yes, distillation removes most dissolved fluoride along with other minerals.
How pure is homedistilled water?
- Home distilled water is very pure for general uses, but lab or pharmaceutical applications may require multi-stage distillers and certification.
