Purified Water Vs Distilled Water For Humidifier (Which Is Better)

By: madison
Date: December 2, 2022
Time to read: 5 min.

There are many different kinds of humidifiers available, and each kind has particular advantages.

But there are only two options when it comes to selecting the proper water for your humidifier: distilled water or purified water. So, which is better?

Key Takeaway’s

The two types of water that can be used in humidifiers are purified water and distilled water.
While distilled water has been boiled to completely remove impurities, purified water has undergone treatment to remove impurities.
Both types of water are effective in humidifiers, but distilled water is the better choice because it will not leave any minerals behind.
To get the most out of your humidifier, it is important to change the water regularly and clean the unit regularly.

Distilled water being filled into big bottles — Purified Water Vs. Distilled Water For Humidifier

Table of Contents

Which Is Better: Purified Water Vs. Distilled Water For Humidifier

As a result of my findings, I have realized that distilled water is far better than purified water for humidifiers.

This is because when water is distilled, it is boiled, and all impurities are removed. However, when water is purified, it only goes through a filtration process.

Therefore, there may still be some impurities present in the water. These impurities can build up in the humidifier and cause problems.

Types Of Water That Can Be Used In A Humidifier: Purified Water And Distilled Water

Water Distillation Unit — Types Of Water That Can Be Used In A Humidifier_ Purified Water And Distilled Water

Both are safe to use, but they do have some slight differences.

To get rid of impurities like bacteria, viruses, dirt, and other things, purified water is filtered. It also reduces the minerals found naturally in water, so you don’t get dust or sediment floating around your home.
Distilled water is boiled to evaporate any minerals or contaminants before being cooled again for drinking; this process leaves only pure H2O behind (hence the name).

So what does this mean for humidifiers? Well, no matter your preference, both types will work equally well at humidifying your home.

Purified Water Has Been Filtered To Remove Impurities

While both purified and distilled water have been deemed safe to use in a humidifier, they are not quite the same.

Purified water has been filtered to remove impurities, while distilled water has been boiled to remove them.

Distilled water is purer than purified water, which is better for your health when used as a humidifier.

However, the difference between these two types of liquid isn’t significant enough for most people, especially if you occasionally use your humidifier.

Both Types Of Water Will Work To Humidify Your Home

Distilled water may be the better choice when choosing the right kind of water for a humidifier.

Distilled water is purer than purified water and contains no minerals. Minerals are what cause allergies and asthma.

Purified water contains minerals that can also cause allergies and asthma. Thus, distilled water is better for people with allergies or asthma.

Distilled Water Is Also Less Likely To Promote The Growth Of Bacteria In Your Humidifier

However, distilled water is not completely free of bacteria. While purified water does not contain bacteria (at least according to the manufacturer), distilled water still contains some microorganisms.

These small organisms may survive boiling and be eliminated by the filter in your humidifier. However, they can still promote the growth of bacteria in other areas of your home if you are not careful.

Be Sure To Change The Filter Regularly

The first step to extend the life of your humidifier is to clean and change the filter regularly.

A clogged filter can cause your humidifier to work harder and use more energy, which means a longer run time before it shuts off automatically.

In addition, if you are using purified water in your humidifier, be sure to change the filter frequently—at least once per month or even more often, depending on how much water you use and how often you have it running.

This will also help prevent mold growth inside of your machine as well as reduce any unwanted odors that may be coming from behind those filters.

Which Type Of Water Is Better For A Humidifier?

Distilled water getting filled — Which Type Of Water Is Better For A Humidifier

If you have any allergies or asthma, distilled water may be the best option because it lacks minerals that could trigger an allergic reaction.

Distilled water also has a more neutral pH level than purified water and is less likely to promote the growth of bacteria in your humidifier.

Whether using purified or distilled will work best depends on the quality and purity of your tap water—but ultimately, either one should work just fine.

The only difference between the two types is that with purified water, you’ll need to replace the filter regularly (and possibly clean out some minerals from time to time), while with distilled there’s nothing extra involved since no impurities are removed during filtration process (except pure H2O).

What Are The Benefits Of Using Distilled Water In A Humidifier?

Distilled water is a great choice for humidifiers because it lacks minerals.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium can encourage the growth of bacteria, so distilled water will help to keep your humidifier clean and free from harmful organisms.
Many people with allergies or asthma can benefit from distilled water since it’s less likely to cause reactions than other types of water.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Distilled Water In A Humidifier?

If you use distilled water in your humidifier, it’s important to change the filter regularly. The risk of a malfunction will be higher if the filter isn’t changed frequently enough.

Distilled water is also corrosive to metal parts of the humidifier and can cause mineral deposits to build up inside your device.

Conclusion

It is noted that distilled water is purer than purified water, but it can also contain impurities depending on the distillation process.

Purified water is treated to remove impurities but may still contain some minerals. The choice of water to use in a humidifier is ultimately up to the individual.

Other articles on our website discuss similar topics, or the reader can keep a watch for updates on our social media channels.

Author

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.