How to Store Distilled Water Properly: Tips for Home and Business
You have invested in high-quality distilled water — but are you storing it correctly? Proper storage is essential to maintain the purity that makes distilled water valuable in the first place. Whether you use distilled water at home for drinking, in your CPAP machine, or at your business for autoclaves and lab work, these storage guidelines will help you get the most from every bottle.
Why Storage Matters for Distilled Water
Distilled water is ultra-pure, typically measuring 0–5 parts per million (PPM) in total dissolved solids. That purity is what makes it ideal for medical equipment, baby formula, and sensitive applications. However, that same purity means distilled water can readily absorb gases, odours, and contaminants from its surroundings if stored improperly.
When distilled water is exposed to air, it absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes slightly acidic. If stored in the wrong container, it can leach chemicals from the plastic or pick up flavours from nearby stored items. Proper storage keeps your distilled water as pure as the day it was distilled.
Best Containers for Distilled Water
The ideal storage container for distilled water is the one it came in. Puretap’s 18-litre PET bottles are BPA-free and designed specifically for water storage. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the safest widely available plastic for water — it does not leach harmful chemicals under normal storage conditions.
If you need to transfer distilled water to another container, choose food-grade HDPE (high-density polyethylene), glass, or stainless steel. Avoid polycarbonate containers marked with recycling code 7, as some may contain BPA. Never store distilled water in metal containers that can corrode, such as aluminium or unlined copper.
For those who prefer glass, our 18.9-litre glass carboys offer a premium, chemical-free storage option that many customers prefer for drinking water.
Temperature and Location
Store distilled water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light can degrade plastic containers over time, potentially causing chemicals to leach into the water. A pantry, basement storage area, or interior closet is ideal.
Avoid storing water bottles in the garage where temperatures can swing from freezing in winter to extreme heat in summer. Temperature extremes stress plastic containers and can affect water quality. If your business stores pallets of distilled water, choose an indoor area with stable temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
Shelf Life of Distilled Water
Commercially bottled distilled water in sealed, unopened containers can be stored for an extended period when kept in proper conditions. The water itself does not expire, but over very long periods, trace amounts of material from the container may affect taste.
Once a bottle is opened, use the contents within one to two weeks for critical applications like CPAP machines, autoclaves, and baby formula. For general drinking purposes, an opened bottle stored with its cap on in a clean environment will remain fresh for several weeks. Always reseal the cap tightly after each use to prevent airborne contaminants from entering.
Storage Tips for Businesses
Dental offices, medical clinics, and laboratories often need to keep several bottles on hand. Here are some best practices for commercial storage. Implement a first-in, first-out rotation system — use older stock before newer deliveries. Keep bottles off the floor on shelving or pallets to prevent moisture damage to labels. Store away from chemical storage areas, as distilled water can absorb airborne volatile compounds. Track your usage to optimize your delivery schedule with Puretap so you always have fresh supply without overstocking.
Need a reliable supply of distilled water delivered to your door? Browse our products or contact us to set up a delivery schedule that works for your home or business in the GTA.
