How To Get Distilled Water For Humidifier (The Easy Way)

  • By: madison
  • Date: November 24, 2022
  • Time to read: 7 min.

Most people don’t know that you can’t just use any old water in a humidifier. Using the wrong kind of water in your humidifier can harm your health. That’s why it’s important to use distilled water in your humidifier.

But what is distilled water, and where can you get it? Keep reading to find out everything you need about using distilled water in your humidifier.

Key Takeaway’s

  • One way to get distilled water for a humidifier is to purchase it from a store.
  • Another way to get distilled water is to boil water and then collect the condensation.
  • It is also possible to distill water using a solar still.
  • Yet another option for getting distilled water is to purchase an at-home distillation kit. 
  • Finally, some people choose to make their own stills in order to distill water.
distilled water in store
How To Get Distilled Water For Humidifier

Here’s The Answer To How To Get Distilled Water For Humidifier

If you want distilled water for your humidifier, there are a few different ways you can do it. Utilizing a water distiller is one of the greatest methods. A water distiller is a type of appliance used to distill water.

This means that it will remove all of the impurities from the water, including things like calcium, chlorine, and other pollutants. There are a few different types of water distillers on the market.

Some are for home use, while others are for commercial use. If you’re unsure which to purchase, it’s a good idea to read the manual that comes with the appliance.

Another option is to buy bottled distilled water from a store. However, this can be more expensive than using a water distiller. Additionally, some people believe bottled water isn’t as pure as distilled water made at home. 

If you decide to make your own distilled water, there are a few things you need to know.

  • First, you need a glass bowl or a stainless steel pot that is big enough to hold about 4 cups of water.
  • Next, you must put ice cubes in the bottom of the bowl or pot.
  • Then, pour 2 cups of tap water into the bowl or pot.
  • Finally, you need to put the lid on top of the container and wait for the ice cubes to melt and turn into vapor. 
  • Once the ice cubes have melted and turned into vapor, they will start condensing on the lid of the container. The condensed vapor will then drip down into the bowl or pot, where it will collect as pure distilled water droplets.

You Can Purchase Distilled Water At Most Grocery Stores

a person holding distilled water in a large bottle
You Can Purchase Distilled Water At Most Grocery Stores

You’ll need to go to the grocery store to get distilled water. Distilled water is sold in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, usually in plastic bottles.

It is usually more expensive than plain tap water, but it’s worth the investment if you want something purer than your faucet.

If you’re buying distilled water at a store, read the label carefully to know what kind of product it is—just because it says “distilled” doesn’t mean that it’s pure distilled water.

You Can Also Make Your Own Distilled Water At Home

  • You could also distill your own water at home. You’ll need a clean, empty container and a heat source to do this.
  • Fill the container with tap water and place it over the heat source. As the water heats up, the steam will rise and condense on the container’s lid. This creates pure distilled water free from contaminants like minerals or bacteria (and even viruses!).

The Process Of Distilling Water

Process Of Distilling Water
The Process Of Distilling Water

The process of distilling water is simple and easy to do, but it does require some equipment and time. If you want to get distilled water for your humidifier, here’s what you need:

  • A heat source (like a stove)
  • A clean, empty container

You, Will, Need A Clean, Empty Container And A Heat Source

The first thing you need is a clean, empty container. You can use a pan or kettle if you have one on hand, but if not, plenty of other options will work just as well.

A heat source like a stove, microwave, or tea kettle will also be needed to boil the water (and remove all its impurities).

When choosing your container, ensure it has a large enough surface area for the amount of distilled water you want to distill—a small pot won’t do much good if you’re trying to distill an entire gallon at once.

It’s also important that there aren’t any cracks in the bottom of your container; otherwise, contaminants may seep through and end up in your distilled water.

Fill The Container With Tap Water And Place It Over The Heat Source

few people filling containers with water
Fill The Container With Tap Water And Place It Over The Heat Source
  • Fill the container with tap water and place it over a heat source. You can use a large pot or kettle or any other container that is not made of plastic.
  • Aim for around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). The air should be warm enough to feel comfortable when you place your hand near the top of the container but not too hot to touch directly.

As The Water Heats, The Steam Will Rise And Condense On The Lid Of The Container

When you heat the water, the liquid will evaporate into steam. The steam will rise and then condense on the lid of your container.

This process is called condensation. When there’s enough condensed water, it drips down into your humidifier’s reservoir.

The Condensed Steam Will Drip Down Into The Container Below

The condensed steam will drip into the container below, filled with distilled water. Distilled water is better for humidifiers because it’s free of impurities that can clog them and make them less effective.

Why Is Distilled Water Better For Humidifiers?

a distilled water in a transparent glass
Why Is Distilled Water Better For Humidifiers

Distilled water is free from minerals and impurities; thus, it does not leave any residue on the filter of your humidifier. Minerals can build up on the humidifier’s filter over time, which in turn, affects the performance of the humidifier.

The more impurities are built up on your humidifier’s filter, the more difficult it will be for you to clean them off yourself.

This buildup can also cause problems when operating your humidifier because it may reduce its ability to draw water out of its reservoir into its internal tank.

Where To Buy Distilled Water?

Distilled water is available online, at hardware stores, pharmacies, and grocery stores. To find distilled water in your area, ask your local grocer where they keep it (or just look for a sign that says “distilled water” somewhere on the shelf).

If you’re ordering online, read the product description carefully to ensure that it’s distilled water and not tap water.

How Much Distilled Water Should Be Used In A Humidifier?

The amount of distilled water you should use in your humidifier depends on the humidity level in your home. If your home is very dry, for example, a ratio of 50% water to 50% distilled water would be appropriate.

On the other hand, if there is already plenty of moisture in your house, adding too much-distilled water could make breathing difficult and cause skin irritations.

If you live in an area with moderate humidity levels (30%-50%), then a 75% distilled water ratio to 25% regular tap will generally work well for most people.

But suppose you have animals or young children who spend much time inside. In that case, it’s a good idea to increase this percentage slightly so that they don’t get too much exposure from vapors coming off their skin while they’re sleeping or playing around inside during those colder months before spring finally arrives again.

Conclusion

There are many ways to get distilled water for your humidifier. You can buy it at a store or make it yourself. If you make it yourself, you need to boil water and let it cool. 

This will remove all of the impurities from the water and make it safe for your humidifier. If you buy distilled water, be sure to check the expiration date on the bottle. 

Distilled water can go bad, so you want to be sure that you are using fresh water in your humidifier. Be sure to change the water in your humidifier regularly. 

Old, stagnant water can harbor bacteria and other contaminants that harm your health. Empty your humidifier often and refill it with fresh, clean distilled water to ensure that you breathe healthy air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to use distilled water in my humidifier?

Distilled water is generally better than tap water in humidifiers because it has no chlorine or other pollutants. Distilled water also evaporates more quickly, so it helps to keep the humidity level higher in the air.

What are some other things that I can do to keep my humidifier running smoothly?

Keep the humidifier clean by emptying and refilling it frequently with distilled water. Change the humidifier filters periodically to ensure that they are in good condition.

Is it safe to use distilled water in my humidifier?

Yes, distilled water is generally safe to use in humidifiers. However, following the manufacturer’s instructions for using distilled water in your humidifier is always a good idea.

Can I use tap water in my humidifier with distilled water inside?

No, distilled water is best used in humidifiers. Chlorine in tap water may be unhealthy for your health.

Author

Kenneth Sine
Kenneth Sine

My name is Kenneth Sine, and I’m a product engineer who has been working with humidifiers for over ten years now. In my spare time, I write for HumidifierSource.com, where I share my knowledge with others who want to learn more about the world of humidifiers.