Can Distilled Water Go Bad?

Yes, distilled water can go bad. Because distilled water is an extremely effective solvent. This means that it can strip away minerals and impurities from whatever container it’s stored in, which over time can make the water taste unpleasant or even give it a slightly yellow tinge.

Reasons Why Distilled Water Can Become Bad

Distilled water may spoil due to a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them.

If It Isn’t Properly Stored 

Distilled water needs to be stored in a sterile, airtight container. If it isn’t, bacteria can grow and contaminate the water.

Bacteria grow in distilled water because there is no chlorine or other disinfectants to kill them. Without any disinfectants, the bacteria can proliferate and contaminate the water.

Exposure to Air for Too Long

Distilled water can also go bad if it’s exposed to air for too long. Distilled water is pure H20, with no minerals or other impurities. If the water isn’t sealed in a container, it will start to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.

The carbon dioxide makes the water acidic, and this can lead to metal leaching from pipes and containers.

Wrong Distillation Process

Finally, if the distillation process isn’t done correctly, then the water can also spoil. If the water isn’t heated to the right temperature, or if the condenser isn’t clean, then impurities can end up in the water.

How to Prevent Distilled Water From Going Bad

Now that we know how distilled water can go bad, let’s look at some tips on how to prevent it.

Store the Water in a Sterile, Airtight Container

One of the most important things you can do to prevent your distilled water from going bad is to store it in a sterile, airtight container.

You can use a glass jar or a plastic container with a lid. Just make sure that the container is clean and dry before you add the water.

This will help to prevent bacteria growth and will keep the water fresh for a longer period of time.

Keep the Container in a Cool & Dark Place

Another way to prevent your distilled water from going bad is to keep it in a cool, dark place. This will assist to prevent bacteria from growing and will also keep the water fresher for longer.

A good place to store distilled water is in the fridge or in a dark cupboard. Just make sure that the container is tightly sealed so that no air can get in.

Replace the Water Every Few Months

Even if you’re storing the water properly, it’s still a good idea to replace it every few months. This is because impurities can still build up over time, even in distilled water.

So, if you want to be on the safe side, it’s best to replace your distilled water every three to six months.

Filter the Water Using a Coffee Filter or Cheesecloth

If you’re worried about impurities in your distilled water, you can filter it using a coffee filter or cheesecloth. This will remove any unwanted particles and will make the water safer to drink.

Just pour the water through the filter or cheesecloth and into a clean container. Then, store the filtered water in a sterile, airtight container.

Keep Away From Sunlight

Another way to prevent your distilled water from going bad is to keep it away from sunlight. This is because sunlight will cause the plastic to degrade and chemicals to flow into the water, making it dangerous to ingest or use.

Signs to Understand Spoiled Distilled Water

There are a few signs that you can look out for to understand if your distilled water has gone bad. Let’s have a close look at them.

Green Algae

One of the most common signs that your distilled water has gone bad is the presence of green algae. Green algae is a type of bacteria that can grow in distilled water.

Green algae usually grow in stagnant or still water, so if you see it in your distilled water, it’s a sign that the water isn’t moving around enough and needs to be replaced.

To get rid of green algae, you can boil the water for a few minutes. This will kill the bacteria and make the water safe to drink again.

Cloudiness

Another sign that your distilled water has gone bad is if it starts to become cloudy. This is usually a sign of contamination from either the air or from the distillation process itself.

To get rid of the cloudiness, you can filter the water using a coffee filter or a cheesecloth. This will remove any impurities and make the water clear again.

Change of Color

If your distilled water starts to change color, it’s a sign that it’s been contaminated. The most common colors are yellow, brown, or red. These colors are usually caused by metal leaching from pipes or containers.

Taste Chemically

If your distilled water starts to taste chemical, it’s a sign that it’s been contaminated. This is usually caused by impurities in the water, such as chlorine or other disinfectants.

If you notice a change in taste, it’s best to discard the water and get a new batch.

Off Smell

Another sign that your distilled water has gone bad is if it starts to develop an off-putting odor. This is usually due to bacteria growth, which can occur if the water isn’t stored properly.

Pour some distilled water into a glass and take a smell. If the water smells fishy, throw it out and replace it with fresh.

Conclusion

In conclusion, distilled water can go bad if it’s not stored properly. However, there are some easy ways to prevent this from happening.

Just make sure to follow the tips we have mentioned in this article and you’ll be able to keep your distilled water fresh for a longer period of time. Thanks for reading!