Let’s make this practical. Use distilled water for:
- Baby formulas and mixing powdered medications.
- Laboratory experiments (and you know who you are).
- Your humidifier, especially if you have allergies—no mineral dust flying around.
- Cleaning aquarium glass without residue.
Use demineralized water for:
- Your car battery (distilled works too, but demineralized is lighter on metals).
- Steaming clothes or using a facial steamer.
- Watering succulents and orchids—they hate hard water minerals.
- Top-up water for your iron or espresso machine.
Little-known secret: If you’re ever out of distilled water and need it for a CPAP, you can boil tap water for 10 minutes, let it cool, and use it in a pinch. It’s not sterile, but it’s close enough for one night. Don’t tell the internet I told you that.
