How can I make distilled drinking water at home?

Distillation is a purification process that involves boiling a liquid and collecting the evaporated vapor while leaving contaminants behind. Here's how you can make distilled drinking water at home using simple equipment:

Equipment:

- Large pot with a lid

- Glass or stainless steel bowl that fits inside the pot

- Heat-resistant container (such as a glass jar or bottle) for collecting the distilled water

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

- Clean the pot and the glass or stainless steel bowl thoroughly.

- Place the bowl inside the pot, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom.

- Add tap water to the pot, but do not submerge the bowl.

- Ensure that the heat-resistant container for collecting the distilled water is clean and dry.

2. Distillation Process:

- Place the lid on the pot, ensuring it is sealed tightly to prevent steam from escaping.

- Bring the water in the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.

- Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

- The steam from the boiling water will rise and condense on the underside of the lid, dripping into the bowl.

3. Collecting the Distilled Water:

- Position the heat-resistant container under the spout or edge of the bowl to collect the distilled water as it drips down.

- Discard the first few drops of distilled water as they may contain impurities from the initial condensation.

- Continue collecting the distilled water until you've reached the desired amount.

- Let the distilled water cool before consuming.

4. Safety Precautions:

- Always use caution when working with boiling water to prevent burns.

- Keep children and pets away from the distillation setup.

- Allow the pot and water to cool down completely before handling or cleaning them.

Note:

- The distilled water produced using this method should be free from minerals, impurities, and microorganisms, making it safe for drinking. However, it may lack some essential minerals naturally found in tap water. Consider adding these minerals back through a filtration system or through mineral supplements if desired.