Distilled water can be a game changer during emergencies. Here's how to make it yourself.
Distilled water goes through a specific process to rid it of impurities like minerals and other trace elements to make it as pure as possible. Unlike using a water filter to purify drinking water, distilled water has specific purposes like running medical devices, along with being a crucial item when preparing for emergencies like hurricanes or wildfires. Most stores that sell water will have distilled water available, but over the last few years we've seen a number of shortages. If you can't find distilled water and you need it to prepare for an upcoming storm, or to ensure you can run your medical devices, there is a way to make it at home yourself. It's more important than ever to be prepared with a stock of distilled water. Here's how you can distill your own water at home. Why make distilled water at home? For people suffering from sleep apnea who use CPAP machines or any other sort of humidifier, distilled water is essential. It's also useful if you don't want additional minerals in your water. (For example, distilled water won't corrode automobile engine parts or create lime-scale buildup in aquariums and it's easier on your home if you use it to make this all-natural cleaner.) Joey Skladany/CNET If you live in a place with "hard" water, or water with lots of chemicals, you can even use distilled water to protect your hair when washing it. However, since distilled water doesn't have minerals like calcium and magnesium, it tastes bland and isn't the best for drinking. You can buy distilled water at your local grocery store or on Amazon, but making it home will save you money and keep a few plastic jugs out of the recycling system. Learning to make this bacteria-free water at home will also save you if the store is out of stock. Below, I'll walk you through the five steps to make your own distilled water. I'll also explain the differences between all the types of water you come across in the store. For more tips, find out if it's cheaper to buy…