Distilled water is a type of purified water that is created by boiling water and then collecting the steam, which is then cooled and condensed back into a liquid. This process removes impurities and minerals from the water, making it ideal for certain uses where purity is important. Here are some common uses of distilled water:
- Medical tools and procedures: Hospitals use distilled water to clean equipment and avoid contamination and infections. Kidney dialysis machines use ultra-pure water to filter waste from blood.
- Lab tests: Distilled water is used in lab experiments because nothing in it reacts with or affects the accuracy of the experiments.
- Cosmetics: Distilled water is used in many cosmetic products, such as moisturizers, deodorants, and shampoos, because it is free of contaminants and minerals.
- Automobiles: Distilled water is used in lead-acid batteries and automotive cooling systems because it lacks minerals that could cause corrosion and build-up that interferes with operations.
- Household appliances: Distilled water is used in appliances such as irons and humidifiers to prevent mineral buildup that could damage the appliances.
- Drinking: Distilled water is safe to drink, but it lacks minerals like calcium, sodium, and magnesium that give tap water its familiar flavor. Some people claim that drinking distilled water will help detoxify the body and improve health, while others claim that it leaches minerals from the body and could put health at risk. In reality, neither of these claims is entirely true.
Overall, distilled water is ideal for when purity is important, such as in medical and laboratory settings, and for use in household appliances. However, it is not necessary or recommended for everyday drinking due to its lack of minerals and flavor.
