How to Distill Water in your Kitchen

Hi fellow foodies! Today, I’m going to share one of my contest entries that is a little different than my normal posts. I decided to share it here because I thought some of you might benefit from this post or just find it interesting.

If you’d like to vote for me and my project, you can do so here. I would really appreciate your support. My username is ButterMyBiscuits. There are some really neat things to see on the site (www.instructables.com) that may inspire you. Everybody has something unique to present to the community.

“Distilled water is created through the process of distillation. Basically, in the process of distillation, the pure H2O is boiled out of its contaminants. … So, as the water (with its contaminants) is boiled, the pure water turns into steam and is captured and cooled and thus becomes distilled water.”- drinkmorewater.com

For this post, I will show you how to make your own distilled water at home using the stovetop. I chose this project because my dad, who is 76, uses a breathing machine at night called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. In order for this machine to work, he adds distilled water to it often. He also seems to be running out a lot. I wanted to see if I could create distilled water at home so that I could help him when he runs out.

I looked on the internet for different ideas and based my project on what I had on hand. One less trip to the store is great with me.

For this project you will need:

Dutch oven or a large pot

2 mason jars

2 mason jar lids plus screw on rings

Large glass jar

Ice

Water

Rigid plastic tubing

Aquarium tubing 1/2” diameter about 8” long

Safety glasses

Saw for cutting rigid tubing

Hot glue gun

Stovetop burner

Steps:

1. Using a hack saw or other cutting device, cut your rigid tubing into two 1” pieces. Make sure you wear safety glasses while cutting and use a clamp (not shown) to hold your tubing steady as you cut.

My rigid tubing is actually a plastic straw that came with a kit to turn Mason jars into drink containers.

2. Use the rigid tubing piece and fit it into either end of the flexible tubing. Add screw on rings before you glue the tubing to the lid.

Use the hot glue gun to seal the rigid tubing to the jar lid. I used the lid that came with a kit that was intended to turn a Mason jar into a drink container. You could also drill a hole in the metal lids that are typically used to make jam/jelly jars. (Just make sure you wear safety glasses.)

3. Fill one of the jars almost to the top with about 1” headspace left. Leave the other jar empty and attach the lid with the tubing and screw on rings.

4. In order to condense the water vapor back into liquid water, you have to create a colder environment. Place the empty jar into a larger jar and fill the area surrounding the smaller jar with ice.

5. Fill the Dutch oven 2/3 full of tap water. Place the Mason jar contains water inside the Dutch oven. Place the structure on the stovetop burner and turn the burner to high heat. You want the water to boil so that water vapor will be created.

Initially, I was going to do this with my sous vide immersion cooker but then I realized it only got to 211.8 degrees Fahrenheit. I needed the water to boil and that just wasn’t going to cut it. So close! (Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.)

6. As the water begins to heat up and vaporize, you will see a change in the flexible tubing. It will become fogged. In the cold side of the apparatus, you will notice condensation forming and droplets of water running down the inside. Water will begin to collect inside at the base of the jar and this will be your distilled water that is free from contamination.

In addition to using this water for a CPAP machine, you can also use it for:

• Steam irons

• Neto pots

• Coffee machines

• Automotive needs

• Humidifiers

Using distilled water will keep minerals from building up in appliances and therefore, you won’t have to use vinegar to clean your devices.

I’m very glad that I made this project. Having homemade distilled water on hand will be very useful. And best of all, my dad will have his very own supply so that he never has to run out again. (I just have to remember to take it to his house. LOL)

Thank you very much for reading my post. I hope you found something of value that you can put to good use.

-Jennifer