Water can be distilled through very simple and reproducible processes even in your home. When you are able to eliminate the solid components, minerals and chemical compounds present from the water, you will have obtained distilled water. You can use it for various purposes, for example to drink it, to water the plants, to operate your humidifier, the iron or your aquarium.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Distilling Water By Condensation with a Tureen
Step 1. Fill a large 20 liter pot half full with tap water
Step 2. Place a glass bowl in the water and make sure it floats
It is important that the bowl does not touch the bottom of the pot.
If the bowl does not float, place a round oven rack on the bottom of the pot and place the bowl on top
Step 3. Heat the water to bring it to a temperature that allows it to evaporate slowly, without letting it boil
If you notice that the water is boiling, immediately lower the flame.
Step 4. Create a condensation system
Cover the pot with the lid of the pot upside down. Fill the hollow of the lid with ice to keep the metal very cold. In this way, when the hot vapors, rising from the bottom of the pot, come into contact with the cold barrier, they will condense, precipitating inside the glass bowl.
Step 5. Boil the water to create enough steam to power the condensing system
Continue the process until you have a sufficient amount of distilled water.
Step 6. Observe the water that collects in the bowl
The water in this bowl will be hot but it shouldn't be hot. If it starts to boil, turn the heat down on the stove so that only the water in the pot boils.
Step 7. Remove the pot from the heat and remove the lid
Step 8. Remove the tureen of distilled water from the pot
Be careful because both the water and the surfaces will be very hot. Alternatively, wait for them to cool.
Step 9. Wait until it has cooled down before using or bottling the distilled water
Method 2 of 3: Distilling Water By Condensing in a Bottle
Step 1. Get two glass bottles
This process works best if one of the two bottles has the neck bent at 90 °, with respect to the body of the bottle, in this way the distilled water will not be able to return to the bottle inside the pot.
Step 2. Fill the regular bottle with tap water
Leave about 10cm of empty space between the water level and the top of the bottle.
Step 3. Join the necks of the two bottles with strong adhesive tape, seal them to prevent steam or water from escaping
Step 4. Fill the pot with water
Use enough liquid to completely cover the full bottle of water.
Step 5. Tilt the bottle into the pot at an angle of approximately 30 °
Rest the side of the bottle against the inside wall of the pot so that it is stable. With the right inclination it will be easier to convey the vapor into the second bottle and make it condense.
Step 6. Use an ice bag to wrap the bottle on the outside of the pot
You will need to cool it down sufficiently so as to be able to trigger the condensation of the steam and obtain distilled water.
Step 7. Continue the distillation process until you have obtained enough distilled water
Method 3 of 3: Making Rainwater Safe
Step 1. Set up a large, clean container outdoors, you will need it to collect rainwater
Step 2. When full, wait two days to allow the minerals in the water to disperse
Step 3. Store the water in clean jugs
Note: Although this method can produce drinking water, it is possible for pollutants and harmful bacteria to remain in the water. It is always safer to filter, boil, or chemically treat rainwater before drinking it, unless you know it is safe otherwise.
Advice
- Lift the lid from time to time to make sure distilled water is collected inside the bowl.
- If you think the water in your home is not pure enough, it will be safer to fill the aquarium with distilled water. If you have a saltwater aquarium, create a solution of distilled water and salt.
Warnings
- Get glass tureens and bottles that can withstand large temperature changes.
- If you decide to use distilled water to feed your aquarium you will need to enrich it with special chemicals, so as to make it able to support aquatic life.
- Only the water in the bowl or bottle is distilled water. The remaining water contains all the impurities removed by the distilled water.
