Creating distilled water at home is not a complicated task at all. There are several methods that can help you achieve this goal. During the distillation process, minerals and various chemical compounds are removed from the water. Distilled water can be useful for many purposes: it can be used for drinking, watering plants, filling humidifiers, irons, aquariums, and other needs.
Distillation Method Using a Glass Bowl
Step 1. Fill a 20-liter stainless steel pot halfway with tap water.
Step 2. Place a glass bowl in the pot of water.
Make sure the bowl floats on the water's surface and does not touch the bottom of the pot.
- If the bowl does not stay afloat, place a cooling rack at the bottom of the pot and put the bowl back in.
Step 3. Wait for the water to boil.
Step 4. Create condensation with a cold barrier.
Turn the pot lid upside down and add ice on top. This will help the hot steam condense when it comes into contact with the cold lid.
Step 5. Bring the water to a boil.
Once the water boils, steam will start rising and condensing on the lid. Continue distillation until the bowl collects the desired amount of water.
Step 6. Monitor the water collection in the bowl.
The water in the bowl should be hot but not boiling. If it starts boiling, reduce the heat.
Step 7. Remove the pot from the stove and carefully lift the lid.
Step 8. Remove the bowl with distilled water.
Be careful not to burn yourself while taking out the bowl. If desired, allow the water to cool slightly before handling it.
Step 9. Let the distilled water cool before storing.
Distillation Method Using Bottles
Step 1. Take two glass bottles.
For this method, it’s better if at least one of the bottles has a curved neck. This will help prevent the distilled water from returning to the first bottle.
Step 2. Fill one bottle with tap water.
Fill it to about 5 inches from the top.
Step 3. Connect the necks of both bottles and secure them tightly with tape.
Step 4. Use a 20-liter stainless steel pot with boiling water for distillation.
It’s important that the level of boiling water is above the filled bottle.
Step 5. Tilt the bottles at an angle of about 30 degrees, holding the top bottle.
This will make it easier to collect distilled water.
Step 6. Place a bag of ice on top of the upper bottle.
This will create a cold barrier that promotes steam condensation.
Step 7. Continue distillation until you accumulate enough distilled water.
How to Convert Rainwater into Drinking Water
Step 1. Set up a clean large container outdoors to collect rainwater.
Step 2. Allow the water to settle for 48 hours to evenly distribute the minerals.
Step 3. Store the distilled water in clean containers.
Note: While this method allows you to obtain drinking water, there is always a risk of contaminants and bacteria, so it is recommended to filter, boil, or treat the water before consumption.
