Does Distilled Water Expire?

Distilled water has become a staple in our homes.
It’s cheap, convenient, and safe.
But does it really last forever?
Water is essential to life.
It helps us stay hydrated, regulate body temperature, flush toxins from our bodies, and even form bones.
In fact, the human body is composed of 60% water.
But did you know that distilled water is not always safe to drink?
The problem is that over time, water can pick up impurities.
That means that after years of storage, your bottled water might contain bacteria or other contaminants

Does Distilled Water Expire?

Water does not expire, but it does lose its purity. This happens because of the minerals that are naturally present in water. As these minerals dissolve into the water, it becomes impure. This impurity is called “water hardness”. Hardness is measured in parts per million ppm. It is expressed as the number of ppm of calcium carbonate dissolved in 1 gallon of water. In other words, if you measure the hardness of tap water, you will see that it ranges from 50 – 100 ppm. If you live in an area where the water supply contains a lot of minerals, such as limestone, you may notice that the water tastes slightly different. This is because the minerals have dissolved into the water, making it taste slightly alkaline.

How Long Does Distilled Water Last?

Distilled water lasts indefinitely. However, it loses its quality after about 10 years. After that, it starts losing its minerals and becomes acidic. To maintain the quality of distilled water, you should store it in a dark glass bottle.

How To Tell If Distilled Water Has Gone Bad?

To tell if distilled water has gone bad, you need to check the color of the water. It should be clear and colorless. If it turns yellowish or cloudy, it has lost its purity.

Green Algae

If you see green algae floating around in your water, it could mean that your water is contaminated. This is usually caused by a malfunctioning filter or a dirty tank. Make sure that you clean your filters frequently and replace them when necessary. Fluorosis Answer: Fluorosis is a condition where fluoride accumulates in the bones of children. It occurs when drinking water contains excessive amounts of fluoride. Symptoms include tooth decay, bone deformities, and skeletal fluorosis.

Cloudiness

Cloudy water indicates that there is something wrong with the water supply system. Check the faucet for leaks, and if you notice any, fix it immediately. Also check the pipes for cracks or damage.

Off-Smell

If you smell off-odors coming from your tap water, it could mean that your water source is contaminated. This could happen because of several reasons such as sewage backup, chemical spills, or even natural gas leaks. To determine whether the odor is caused by these sources, call your local utility company to report the problem.

Taste of Chemicals

Chemical taste is usually associated with chlorine. It is used in swimming pools and other recreational facilities to disinfect the water. Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill bacteria and parasites. However, if the concentration of chlorine is not enough, it can leave a bad aftertaste. Chlorine can also be found in many household products such as bleaches, dishwashing liquids, and laundry detergents. These chemicals are used to clean dishes, clothes, and floors. In addition, chlorine is used in swimming pools to sanitize the water.

How to store Distilled Water?

Distilled water is stored in glass bottles. Glass is preferred because it doesn’t react chemically with the water. To prevent corrosion, the bottle should be cleaned thoroughly before using distilled water. If you are planning to store distilled water for long periods of time, it’s important to know how to store it properly. Store distilled water in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Do not expose distilled water to temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit 49 degrees Celsius. Also, avoid exposing distilled water to air moisture. This could lead to the growth of mold.

Select the Appropriate Storage Container

To store distilled water, choose a container that is appropriate for the type of storage you intend to use. For example, if you plan to store distilled water in a refrigerator, select a container that is designed specifically for refrigerators. A regular glass jar works well for storing distilled water in a refrigerator. How to Clean Your Bottle Before Using ItAnswer: To clean a glass bottle, rinse it under running tap water until the water runs clear. Then, gently scrub the outside of the bottle with a soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the glass. After cleaning, dry the bottle completely with a towel.

Keep Containers Sealed Tightly

When storing liquids, such as milk, juice, or alcohol, always ensure that containers are tightly sealed. This prevents any odors from escaping into other parts of the house. Also, avoid leaving bottles open because air can enter the container and spoil the contents. Store Bottles Away From Sunlight Answer: Store bottles away from sunlight to prevent the formation of harmful chemicals called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde forms when light hits the liquid in a bottle and reacts with oxygen in the air. These reactions create chemical compounds that can harm the taste of the beverage.

Store Away From Odorous Materials

Store away from odorous materials like onions, garlic, and spices to prevent the growth of bacteria. Bacteria can form if these items are stored near each other. Keep Your Refrigerator Clean Answer: To keep your refrigerator clean, wipe down shelves and door handles after every use. Wipe off condensation from the interior walls of the fridge using a damp cloth. Make sure to wash your hands after touching the refrigerator.

Keep refrigerated once opened

Refrigerate your leftovers immediately after opening. This way, the food stays fresher longer. Use the Right Temperature Answer: Use the right temperature setting for your refrigerator. For instance, if you store eggs, put them in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Can you still use expired distilled water?

Bacteria can grow in distilled water because it does not contain minerals. Distilled water contains only H2O. It is important to sterilize the water before using it for cooking.

What happens if you use expired distilled water?

If you use expired distilled water, it could damage your appliances. It can also harm your health.

Can bacteria grow in distilled water?

Yes, but not for drinking. It is safe to drink from any source of water, even if it is old. However, you should avoid using it for cooking or washing dishes. This is because the minerals in the water could leach into your food.